As veteran teachers flee the troubled district, Benton Harbor officials will try to sell Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on giving them at least four years to fix their struggling high school.
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
Will this application help Michigan select a fair redistricting commission?
The Secretary of State has released a proposed application to serve on the new redistricting commission. The public can offer comment through Aug. 9.
Posted inMichigan Government
New rules to give residents of poor cities piece of Michigan pot industry
The state’s marijuana regulatory industry announced rules to give license discounts for qualified residents in cities that were most heavily targeted for pot crimes. An industry official said the rules are well-meaning, but she doubts their impact.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan prison inmates need job skills, but technology books are banned
Basic reference books on computers and electronics, starting a business or even driving a truck are prohibited as perceived threats to the “order and security” of prisons. Officials say they are now rethinking this policy.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court hears debate on minimum wage, sick leave laws
Does Michigan’s constitution allow the legislature to adopt and amend citizen initiatives in the same two-year term, or does it explicitly prohibit the practice? It’s now up to the state’s highest court to decide.
Posted inMichigan Government
What to know about the Michigan minimum wage law before the Supreme Court
Michigan’s high court will hear oral arguments Wednesday on whether Republican efforts to pass the ballot measure, then gut it, violated the constitution. That does not mean the court will decide the matter, at least right now.
Posted inMichigan Government
Paid sick leave: What to know about the Michigan law before the Supreme Court
The high court is hearing arguments Wednesday on whether Republicans in Lansing acted lawfully in passing a paid sick leave bill last year before neutering it. The court may offer its opinion, or it may not, raising the specter of a formal lawsuit.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republican ideas to fund Michigan road repairs taking shape over summer
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.
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.