Bridge Michigan’s analysis of six speeches shows the Democratic governor has had her most success implementing gun reforms and social policy, but struggled with infrastructure. The verdict is out on education.
Lauren Gibbons
Lauren Gibbons covers state politics and government for Bridge Michigan, tracking the Michigan Legislature, elections and the impact of federal policy on the state. Before joining Bridge, she led Legislature and redistricting coverage at MLive and covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered Michigan politics for more than a decade, winning awards for her political and criminal justice reporting.
A Lansing native who graduated from Michigan State University, Lauren is now based in Ferndale. Her party tricks include telling friends which political districts they live in without looking.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact check: Gretchen Whitmer has made big promises. Here’s how she’s done
Bridge Michigan has analyzed six years of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State speeches to see how she’s delivered. She’s had more success working with Democratic lawmakers and accomplished about half her goals.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan braces for Trump tariffs on Canada, a $77B trade partner
President Trump said Thursday he is moving forward with plans for a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. Michigan will be ‘disproportionately affected’ as a border state with heavy auto trade, according to experts.
Posted inMichigan Government
In big shifts for Michigan, Trump scrapping EV ‘mandate’ and ‘Green New Deal’
In his inauguration speech, President Trump vows swift action to roll back EV-friendly policies and a climate spending law that is funding dozens of projects in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump pardons Jan. 6 convicts, targets immigration. What it means for Michigan
On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump pardons January 6 prisoners and takes action on immigration, inflation, gender identity and more. Here’s how Michigan could be affected.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘Michigan's economy is on the line,’ Gretchen Whitmer warns at Detroit Auto Show
Whitmer is seeking bipartisan cooperation on economic incentives and road funding in Lansing but warns proposed Trump tariffs could hurt the state’s auto industry.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan looks to future with R&D tax credits, startup ‘innovation fund’
Michigan will offer businesses up to $100 million a year in research and development tax credits and spend $60 million on startups under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan tax revenue up, but economic unknowns loom
Michigan has a projected tax surplus. Democrats say that shows they’ve built a strong economy. Republicans say give it back to taxpayers.
Posted inMichigan Government
See what Michigan laws take effect this year: Paid sick days, wage hikes, more
A host of new laws are coming to Michigan in 2025, from cage-free eggs to expanded unemployment benefits, along with wage and sick leave rules that lawmakers are still debating whether to change.
Posted inMichigan Government
Transparency time? Michigan House plans oversight, Senate pushes public records
Michigan lawmakers are again promising transparency. Skeptics say it may take a ballot proposal to get it done.