Michigan state Sen. Jim Runestad, a Republican from Oakland County, is trying again to force lawmakers to wait at least two years before going to work as lobbyists.
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 Republicans kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s environmental overhaul plan
The Republican-controlled Legislature killed Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to reorganize Michigan’s environmental agency. It’s the first time since 1977 that lawmakers reversed a governor’s executive order.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lansing, we have a problem: Whitmer kills $2.5M rocket plan pushed by Snyder
The grant, approved in lame duck, was intended to boost prospects for a commercial space program in Michigan. But the venture lacked detail and was derided by an expert as a “back of the napkin” plan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Attorney General Dana Nessel may review Michigan minimum wage, sick leave laws
Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said she may review Michigan lame-duck laws that gutted citizen proposals to raise the minimum wage and require paid sick leave. Her stance could produce a high-impact legal showdown with Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republicans to Whitmer: Where’s the cash? Doubts on climate plan.
Republican leaders say they agree with the Democratic governor that roads need fixing, but aren’t ready to raise taxes or fees to do it. They also signaled opposition to raising the state’s college-going rate and Whitmer’s PFAS and climate change plans.
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Eight ways Gretchen Whitmer vows to improve Michigan
The new Democratic governor outlined her policy priorities during her first State of the State address Tuesday. Bridge offers context behind the proposals and what Republicans and other skeptics had to say in response.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer changes course, blocks $10M grant that helps former GOP chair
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has put on ice a grant that would help bring water and sewer lines to a swath of land owned by a company with ties to former GOP chair Bobby Schostak. She wants to determine if the money could be spent elsewhere.
Posted inMichigan Government
The real state of no-fault auto insurance: Reform within reach for Michigan
Lawmakers and advocates say they see hope that a Republican legislature and Democratic governor can finally reform Michigan’s sky high insurance rates.
Posted inMichigan Government
The real state of Michigan roads: Poor and getting worse without more cash
The Michigan Department of Transportation cites studies showing as much as $2 billion more a year is needed to maintain the state’s roads. Republicans say new funding should come from existing revenue. Something has to give.
Posted inMichigan Government
Pro-Whitmer group broke Michigan campaign finance laws, Benson finds
Build a Better Michigan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign committee engaged in express advocacy, Democratic Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson announced Friday, and must pay pay a $37,500 fine.