Amish opposition to government regulation and abortion aligns with the political positions and rhetoric of the current president. But this small but growing conservative population in Michigan will likely stay home on Election Day.
Ted Roelofs
Ted Roelofs of Kentwood, has written extensively on healthcare as well as prison and juvenile justice reform. Roelofs spent nearly three decades at the Grand Rapids Press where he covered politics, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rural poverty and mental illness among the homeless. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. Reach Ted at ted.roelofs@gmail.com
Posted inMichigan Government
Jocelyn Benson bans open carry of guns at Michigan polls on Election Day
The guidance clarifies rules for the November general election, barring openly carrying guns and allowing concealed carry, except in certain locations. Gun rights advocates call the ban a partisan Democratic effort to discourage conservative voters and vow to sue.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s ‘constitutional sheriffs’ vow to keep voters safe at polls
The ‘constitutional sheriffs’ movement is suspicious of government overreach and believes sheriffs are the final legal authority in their counties. But Michigan members of the group say they will keep voters safe if antigovernment groups try to intimidate them on Election Day.
Posted inMichigan Government
As evictions loom, Michigan areas to vote on affordable housing millages
By one estimate, more than 300,000 Michigan households may be vulnerable to eviction due to economic hardship amid the coronavirus pandemic. In places like Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo County, high rental rates and a dearth of affordable housing fuel millage proposals intended to ease the strain.
Posted inMichigan Government
In west Michigan, is Trump endangering a Republican congressional seat?
Lagging statewide polls and concerns over the future of health care may boost a Democratic upstart in her battle against Meijer scion Peter Meijer.
Posted inMichigan Government
After Breonna Taylor decision, protests still outpace legislation in Michigan
Key police reform bills were urgently drafted in June, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. But they are still awaiting approval in Lansing, which one lawmaker predicted would come in this year’s lame-duck session.
Posted inQuality of Life
Trump demonizes refugees. Biden wants more. Whose plan will Michigan back?
President Trump has cut refugees and curtailed foreign guest workers. Joe Biden wants to restore higher admissions for people seeking to escape persecution in other countries. Michigan has a stake in which candidate prevails.
Posted inMichigan Government
MI government removes bureaucratic mumbo jumbo from benefit renewal form
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announces simplified renewal forms for millions of residents who may need food or cash assistance or other state benefits.
Posted inMichigan Government
Blacks far more likely to face felonies In Washtenaw County, report shows
An Ann Arbor citizens group’s analysis of court records indicates that African Americans are far more likely to be charged with high-level felonies and, at least in one judge’s courtroom, more likely to face harsher punishment.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan seniors mourn the closing of activity centers during coronavirus
With hundreds of senior centers largely closed during the pandemic, virtual bingo has its limits. Some seniors indicate they’d rather chance contracting the virus than face an uncertain future filled with loneliness.