Michigan’s Democratic-led House unexpectedly passed legislation increasing a person’s annual unemployment eligibility from 20 to 26 weeks, a plan widely panned by Republicans and business groups.
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
At odds over education, Michigan lawmakers near deal on $80B budget
Michigan lawmakers are preparing for a lengthy session Wednesday and aim to finalize the state budget in addition to other policy priorities. There’s still a lot to work though.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Michigan, 'fixing the damn roads' got really darned expensive
Six years after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won election on a pledge to fix the roads, Michigan is struggling to keep up with rising construction costs — and roads are still projected to deteriorate.
Posted inMichigan Government
What farmers want from Michigan’s next U.S. senator
Members of Michigan’s agriculture industry outline what they’re watching in Congress as negotiations over the latest farm bill ramp up and U.S Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a longtime champion of farming issues in Congress, prepares to retire.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s ‘queen of ag’ is retiring, risking Democratic U.S. Senate seat
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s electoral dominance in Michigan was fueled by her crossover appeal to Republicans in the state’s agricultural industry. Farmers haven’t settled on a successor.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan elections FAQ video: poll accuracy, drop box security and more
Watch Bridge Michigan’s latest installment of Elections FAQ, a new weekly video feature in which reporters answer reader questions.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘Deepfake’ pornography ban passes Michigan House with bipartisan support
In bipartisan vote, Michigan House approves fines and penalties for creating ‘deepfake’ pornography of a person without their consent.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan elections FAQ: How good are Michigan polls?
A Bridge Michigan reader asks about the accuracy of Michigan polls.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bridge elections FAQ: Are Republicans running as fake Democrats?
Two candidates running in Democratic state House primaries this cycle have histories of donating to conservative candidates and causes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House OKs new penalties for drivers who hit bicyclists, runners
Michigan lawmakers look to increase penalties for drivers who injure more ‘vulnerable road users’ like bikers and runners. Not everyone is on board with what that punishment should entail.