From food assistance to weather forecasts, the ongoing shutdown in Washington is beginning to have an impact on Michigan, which could become more profound if closed government extends into February.
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 secretary of state wants to settle gerrymandering lawsuit
Jocelyn Benson seeks to settle the lawsuit that labeled the state’s legislative districts unfair. A settlement could pave way for new districts to be drawn for the 2020 election.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan laws shield details of $10M grant to help ex-Republican chair
Last month, lawmakers approved funding to help a company headed by a prominent Republican. But there are no records detailing the process. And if they existed, they’d be shielded under Michigan law.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers award $10M for project benefitting former GOP chair
A company owned by former Michigan GOP chairman Bobby Schostak will benefit from one of the largest grants of the recent lame-duck spending deal. He says it’s a good investment. Others disagree.
Posted inMichigan Government
Business owners, educators have outsized influence in new Michigan Legislature
Nearly a third of the state Legislature is comprised of business owners. Educators, ex-military and law enforcement also represent larger swaths among newly elected members of the Legislature.
Posted inMichigan Government
With flat budget, Gov. Whitmer’s search for Michigan road money gets harder
New state revenue estimates show Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won’t have a lot of extra money to work with in her first budget. Lame-duck spending and a 2015 road deal makes the task even trickier.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s water crisis is coming to city near you, report says
A new report says Detroit’s beleaguered water system is a harbinger for state and nation. Rising rates could make water unaffordable for 1 in 3 Michiganders in five years.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lawmakers: Michigan Gov. Snyder swapped pork projects for votes in lame duck
The now ex-governor spent years governing by spreadsheet. As he exited office, he governed by checkbook, doling out over $100 million in projects to secure votes for environmental cleanups, lawmakers say.
Posted inMichigan Government
Will Jocelyn Benson defend Michigan gerrymandering tactics she once fought?
The new Michigan secretary of state has spent years criticizing partisan redistricting. Now she heads the office that has defended the state against gerrymandering accusations. A federal trial is only weeks away.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer sets ‘equal pay’ rules to boost women in state hiring
The new governor’s 10th executive directive prohibits state departments and agencies from asking about job applicants’ past salaries — an effort, she says, to close the gender pay gap.