A new study of the working poor in Michigan, from the Michigan Association of United Ways, suggests that more people, particularly seniors, are finding it difficult to afford necessities such as housing, child care and transportation.
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
Michigan House approves records transparency for Legislature and Governor
Following unanimous House approval, the bipartisan package will now move to a Senate committee, where it could face headwinds.
Posted inMichigan Government
Proposed repeal of Michigan ‘pension tax’ prompts fairness debate
Supporters of repealing a 2011 tax on some retirement income say seniors were asked to shoulder more of the state’s income tax burden to offset a business tax break. Advocates for keeping the tax say it treats all retirement income equally.
Posted inMichigan Government
Here’s how Michigan should spend Bloomberg’s $10 million to fight opioids
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg invests $10 million for “high impact” solutions. Experts tell Bridge Magazine where investment would help most.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bills to improve Michigan transparency still have loopholes, critics say
Transparency advocates say the FOIA package would be a big step forward for the state, but push back on loopholes still present in legislation.
Posted inMichigan Government
For cash-strapped police in Michigan, asset forfeiture bills could be a blow
Whether the concern is personal liberty or social justice, legislation reining in police property seizures is a bipartisan priority in Lansing. Some law enforcement agencies are not happy.
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Gretchen Whitmer's budget banks on Michigan GOP backing one historic tax hike
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget proposal is based on a series of interlocking monetary moves to fund roads, schools, cleanups and more. The Rube Goldberg-like plan is certainly bold, drawing a mix of admiration and caution.
Posted inMichigan Government
Six big proposals in Gretchen Whitmer’s first Michigan budget
The new governor urges a state spending increase of 3.6 percent, with the centerpiece a 45-cent gas tax hike. She also proposes spending more for schools and to protect drinking water. The budget will test bipartisan pledges with state Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Government
College advocate tapped by Whitmer as education adviser
Brandy Johnson, founder and executive director of the Michigan College Access Network will bring a college and career focus to the new administration, and a history of “getting stuff done.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to fix Michigan roads: Nearly triple gas tax
The Democratic governor wants to add 45 cents atop Michigan’s 26.3 per gallon tax on gas. She’ll propose doing so when she unveils her first state budget proposal Tuesday. Republicans already are criticizing plan.