Republicans are under pressure to counter Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 45-cent gas tax proposal to raise $2.5 billion for roads without raising taxes. Among ideas being floated: local gas taxes and pension bonds, both of which carry risks.
Lindsay VanHulle
Lindsay VanHulle is a former reporter for Bridge Magazine
Posted inBusiness Watch
After 10 years of steady growth, Michigan’s economy faces headwinds
Michigan’s unemployment remains low and wages are coming back. But the auto industry is transforming, and trade and talent challenges persist across the state.
Posted inMichigan Government
What the U.S. Supreme Court gerrymandering ruling means for Michigan
The high court ruled Thursday that federal courts have no role to play in ensuring states avoid drawing political lines that favor one political party over another. The decision kills a lower court decision requiring Michigan Republicans to redraw lines for 2020.
Posted inMichigan Government
Reaction in Michigan to U.S. Supreme Court gerrymandering decision
The high court ruled Thursday that federal courts won’t handle cases challenging partisan gerrymandering. In Michigan, Republicans applauded the decision, and Democrats lampooned it.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Delays, confusion as Michigan preps for new Medicaid work rules
Thousands of Michiganders could lose health coverage after Jan. 1 if they can’t prove work efforts. State says it will have a call center open on Day 1, but advocates worry some people will be left behind.
Posted inMichigan Government
Pressure builds on Michigan Republicans to share their road funding plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has her own hurdles selling a gas tax hike. But as she notes, Republican leaders have yet to show how they would raise the more than $2 billion needed for roads as the Legislature breaks for summer recess.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan abortion foes can call procedure ‘dismemberment’ on ballot petitions
The Right to Life-backed group is seeking to ban a common second-trimester procedure known medically as “dilation and evacuation.” A second group is seeking a “fetal heartbeat” ban. Both ballot efforts carry no exceptions for rape or incest.
Posted inMichigan Government
Faded Grayling eyes revival after a Chilean firm brings factory jobs
A particleboard facility has produced a mini building boom, with affordable housing, condos and maybe even a boutique hotel planned for this northern Michigan town. A local community college, meanwhile, is helping train future workers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Here are 9 ways to build better roads in Michigan, from old tires to pig poop
Researchers in Michigan and elsewhere are studying new ways to increase the lifespan of roads and bridges. Could recycled materials and new methods of mixing asphalt be the future? See our slideshow.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House GOP plans to replace sales tax on gasoline to fund roads
House Republicans intend to propose replacing Michigan’s 6 percent sales tax on gasoline purchases with an equal amount of gas tax, dedicating the revenue to roads. Some Democrats say they’re concerned about the impact of losing sales tax revenue on schools and local governments.