Michigan has a new Legislature, but some things remain the same, including underrepresentation for women, minority groups and young adults.
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
5 things to know: Automated tickets coming to Michigan work zones, school buses
Michigan drivers will soon be subject to automatic traffic enforcement near construction zones and at school bus stops. Here’s what to know about the new law, designed to deter rulebreakers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Senate OKs hate crime, birth control access bills in marathon final push
While House lawmakers calling it quits for the year, the Senate worked through the night in a record 29-hour meeting. Here’s what’s headed to the governor.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House kills hundreds of bills. See what died on final day of Dem control
Government transparency, gun reforms, polluter pay proposals among more than 250 bills that died as the Michigan House abruptly adjourned for the year, ending Democratic control of the lower chamber.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Controversial copper mine subsidy among $300M approved by Michigan lawmakers
The $50 million grant to the proposed UP mine drew angry shouts from opponents. Lawmakers also authorized money for an Ypsilanti supercomputing center, a Redford Township diesel engine maker, and Dow Chemical.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s third unemployment director since 2020 is stepping down
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Julia Dale told staffers she’s leaving to accept a job with a nonprofit. Appointed in 2021, Dale is the agency’s third director since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
With clock ticking, Dems pitch fuel taxes, fees and tolls to fix Michigan roads
House Democrats are pitching new plans to fix Michigan roads – but they only have two weeks left in power.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Senate OKs unemployment boost with expanded, extended benefits
Plan would extend jobless benefits from 20 to 26 weeks and boost maximum weekly payments from $362 to $614 over three years. Republicans and business groups aren’t happy.
Posted inMichigan Government
Citing COVID sticker shock, Michigan Dems push emergency price gouging cap
Attorney General Dana Nessel and legislative Democrats want to cap prices on necessary goods and services during state of emergency declarations. Republicans and business groups have concerns.
Posted inMichigan Government
Sodomy, adultery bans latest ‘zombie’ laws under scrutiny in Michigan
Democratic lawmakers are reviving efforts to remove long-dormant criminal penalties for consensual sex acts. Can they get it done in lame-duck?