New Michigan crash data show drugs now factor in one-quarter road fatalities, up from 19% a decade ago. Overall road deaths remain elevated since the pandemic, with teens, seniors, motorcyclists and bicyclists seeing increased risks.
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
Gretchen Whitmer appeals federal aid denials for northern Michigan ice storm
Federal officials should approve disaster aid for individual homeowners and utilities in the wake of a March ice storm that rocked northern Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wrote in an appeal to FEMA officials this week.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan panel OKs signature-gathering to ban political spending by ‘monopoly’ utilities
State canvassers on Friday greenlit a petition effort to ban utility money in politics. A legal challenge may be coming for the effort.
Posted inMichigan Government
Should Michigan officials lose pay for missed budget deadlines? House plan fails
As a potential government shutdown looms, Michigan legislators are debating whether to cut their own pay for missing budget deadlines.
Posted inMichigan Government
As shutdown looms, road funding a $3B sticking point in Michigan budget talks
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and House Republicans are pushing for a $3B roads plan to be included in the state budget. Senate Democrats say that’s doable, but they won’t propose their own infrastructure plan.
Posted inMichigan Government
In 32nd lawsuit against Trump, Michigan AG Dana Nessel defends $37M for crime victims
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing the Trump administration for tying annual crime victim funding to immigration enforcement. It’s the latest of more than 30 multistate lawsuits the Democrat has joined against Trump policies.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans push jail time for protesters who block roadways
Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill to increase penalties for blocking state highways, which is currently a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine. The proposal would make it a misdemeanor with possible jail time and higher fines.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans advance plan to ban ranked choice voting amid petition drive
Michigan Republicans introduced a bill to ban the voting method, citing the potential burden on local clerks, while a campaign is underway to get it enshrined in the state constitution.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan group pitches $800M affordable housing plan: ‘We have to invest’
An $800 million proposal from the Michigan Municipal League would also encourage – but not mandate – zoning changes to facilitate affordable housing developments.
Posted inMichigan Government, Talent & Education
Michigan schools returning without state budget, warning free meals may not last
Missing from Michigan’s back-to-school checklist: A state budget.
Educators say the funding uncertainty is already forcing ‘difficult decisions.’