Most states have a “cooling-off” period before a departing lawmaker can become a lobbyist. Not so in Michigan, where most who take the leap are lobbying their former colleagues within six months.
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
We hope you enjoyed your stay at the county jail. Here’s your bill.
Michigan’s county jails charge inmates up to $50 per day for housing, fees that can saddle ex-offenders with five-figure debt loads.
Posted inMichigan Government
Voting without an ID? Not a big problem in most of Michigan
The legislature wants to make it harder to vote without state-approved photo ID. But based on data from the most recent election, few voters did so.
Posted inMichigan Government
State sheds little light on troubled prison transport firm
Michigan uses a for-profit company that’s been accused in the death, injury and abuse of prisoners, while other prisoners have escaped. State prison officials don’t want to talk about it
Posted inMichigan Government
Steps Michigan can take to make prisoner transportation more secure
To reduce injuries, deaths, escapes and lawsuits involving for-profit prison transport companies, state prison officials could consider these recommendations
Posted inMichigan Government
The price of Michigan's cash bail system
Critics say locking up criminal defendants before trial because they can’t post bond screws the poor while needlessly raising jail costs borne by taxpayers. Is there a better way?
Posted inMichigan Government
Six ways Tuesday’s election may change Michigan
From health insurance costs to road repairs to Rick Snyder losing the last of his mojo, Tuesday’s election is likely to have a huge impact on the Michigan Legislatur
Posted inMichigan Government
Dewey defeats Truman 2.0, and why so many pollsters were blindsided by Trump
Polling is scientific – really. But its accuracy depends on skillful practices, which can be constrained by outside pressures like time and money.
Posted inMichigan Government
State House bill takes partisanship out of some primaries
Why do we require local sheriffs, prosecutors and clerks to declare a party affiliation in the primaries? One U.P. representative lobbies to end this practice in a Bridge Q-and-A.
Posted inMichigan Government
Rural Michigan thumbs nose at Clinton, backs Trump
Donald Trump steamrolled Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton in midsize to smaller counties across the state, flipping many that voted for President Obama in previous campaigns.