Transparency advocates say the FOIA package would be a big step forward for the state, but push back on loopholes still present in legislation.
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
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.
Posted inMichigan Government
Is this the year Michigan joins the rest of America on public records?
Michigan is one of only two states that exempt the Legislature and the Governor’s office from public records requests. Attempts to change the state’s FOIA act have failed year after year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan businesses to Whitmer: Focus on talent, stay consistent on taxes
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited local chambers of commerce and small businesses to promote her administration’s policy vision. Here’s what businesses want to see from Lansing while she’s in office.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer kills Michigan marijuana licensing board in favor of new agency
Michigan’s medical marijuana licensing board has been criticized as too slow at approving licenses. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plans to abolish it and replace it with a new regulatory agency meant to speed up the process.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan roads are a big mess. Here are eight big ideas to fix them.
Reform Proposal A? Raise the sales tax? Boost taxes on rich? As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to unveil her first budget, Lansing officials say it’s time to think big to fix Michigan’s big problems.