House Republicans and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are both out with plans to spend federal stimulus funds on policing initiatives. But they aren’t actually negotiating those plans yet, as nearly $6.5 billion sits in the bank.
COVID-19 policies have already hurt Michigan businesses, and "the federal government getting further into their underwear is unnecessary, unwarranted, unproductive and indefensible," Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, said Wednesday.
The state’s non-partisan citizens redistricting panel is less than two months from approving final new legislative boundaries that could alter the political makeup in Lansing and DC. They have proposed 15 maps, most of which could give Democrats an edge.
A teacher shortage in the state’s public schools has grown worse during the pandemic. State Supt. Michael Rice wants to make it easier to certify teachers while providing financial incentives to get more young people into the profession.
Some local health departments plan to rescind mask orders over the holidays, while others have mandates that will stick around until COVID transmission levels drop.
The Supreme Court’s goal of protecting privacy is commendable, but concealing judicial records makes it harder for struggling businesses to operate and puts vulnerable populations at risk.
An uptick in deer hunting during COVID last year prompted whispers of a renaissance for a sport that has been losing participants for decades. Early numbers suggest many of the new hunters aren’t coming back.
