The multimillion-dollar new Michigan transparency portal is still a work in progress after its debut this month, state officials said.
Simon D. Schuster
Simon D. Schuster covers Michigan politics, campaign finance and government accountability for Bridge Michigan. He joined Bridge in 2024 after working as MLive's senior political reporter and on its investigative team, and previously spent three years as executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, tracking the influence of political money in Michigan. A Michigan native, Simon holds a bachelor's degree and a master of public policy from Michigan State University.
Simon is based in Lansing. When he's not working, you'll find him in Detroit, backpacking northern Michigan or visiting his fiancée in Scandinavia.
Posted inMichigan Government
Amid China fears, GOP seeks to bar some nonresidents from buying Michigan land
Bills would bar residents of ‘countries of concern’ from buying land in much of Michigan. A sponsor says it would safeguard the state from infiltration. Critics say it’s blatant discrimination.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House passes GOP roads package without Democratic counter-proposal in sight
House Republicans passed a $3.1 billion road funding package Wednesday that raises no new taxes but would force cuts to a number of state government programs
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House votes to cut income taxes as Senate eyes targeted relief
Michigan House Republicans – and seven Democrats – vote to lower Michigan income tax rate from 4.25% to 4.05%, which would save the median household about $131 a year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans turn to tele-town halls as Trump critics demand answers
‘We’re not doing drama, sorry,’ Michigan US Rep. Jack Bergman said as activists organized a town hall for — and without — him. Some colleagues have held telephone town halls instead.
Posted inMichigan Government
Does Michigan get electricity from Canada? Yes, less than half a percent
Ontario imposed and later suspended a 25% surcharge on electricity flowing into Michigan, New York and Minnesota, but Michigan receives less than 1% of its electricity from the province.
Posted inMichigan Government
Tax, cut or both? Gretchen Whitmer needs House GOP help to fix Michigan roads
House Republicans and Democrats introduce competing roads plans as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer again calls for a long-term fix.
Posted inMichigan Government
Judge may take months to rule if Lee Chatfield faces trial for corruption
Former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife are accused of using nonprofit, campaign and taxpayer funds to cover their lavish lifestyle. His lawyer says there’s not enough evidence to warrant a trial.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lee Chatfield corruption case: Family, friends took free trips, cashed checks
The former House speaker is accused of using political funds to pay for a jet set lifestyle. A court heard testimony Thursday from associates who said they gave him money after cashing checks from political accounts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lee Chatfield corruption case: ‘Questionable’ spending, a strip club bill
Testimony began Wednesday in a preliminary exam for former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife. Both have pleaded not guilty to corruption-related charges.