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.
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Posted inMichigan Government
From pastor’s son to power broker, Lee Chatfield takes Lansing
The youngest Michigan Speaker in a century, Chatfield says humility gained through reading Scripture has helped him navigate the political minefields of divided government. The biggest test of his leadership skills is still to come.
Posted inMichigan Government
3 ways Michigan elections remain vulnerable — and what the state can do about it
Elections experts say Michigan is now ahead of the curve in making sure state elections are protected against tampering. But some threats still keep security officials up at night.
Posted inMichigan Government
New Flint water prosecutors face a skeptical hometown crowd
The state’s new prosecution team delivered a scathing rebuke of how the investigation was handled by former Attorney General Bill Schuette. But their promises to deliver justice for the people of Flint were greeted by skepticism and even grief.
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 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
Stress builds as Michigan farmers are ‘hit from all directions’
Farmers across the state are battling wet fields and uncertainty over tariffs and trade as many struggle to stay in business.
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.