A bill that that would increase government transparency appears stalled in the Michigan Senate, after passing by overwhelming bipartisan majorities in the House. Why?
Senate should hold vote on public records bill
Posted inPhil's Column
Transforming Detroit into a city that (also) works
By giving residents a point person in their district to solve problems, Detroit finally may be moving beyond the frustrating bureaucracy of generations past.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
No debates? As long as candidates get a vote, get used to it
Debates, town halls and other election-season events are undeniably good for voters – and the media. But candidates see little upside, and lately are deciding not to participate.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Detroit’s blank canvas offers a chance to talk about…sorry about that
From clichés to spur-of-the-moment renaming of the city’s neighborhoods, a native Detroiter has a few bones to pick with you guys.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
This west Michigan conservative pulls the lever for voter participation
Is the system so broken that a principled Catholic conservative can’t be a part of it? This one takes issue with a previous Brunch columnist, and says no.
Posted inMichigan Government
Electoral College voting
Republicans are promising another effort to change the way Michigan electoral votes are apportioned in presidential races, giving Republican candidates an advantage even when most state votes go to a Democrat.
Posted inMichigan Government
Road funding
Gov. Snyder, business groups and state experts agree that more than $1 billion is needed to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads. If an agreement is not brokered in lame duck, the prospects of a deal diminish significantly in January.
Posted inMichigan Government
A-F grades for schools
Michigan currently uses a confusing, color-coded system for grading the performance of its public schools. Some lawmakers want the state to convert to an A-F grading system that they say is easier for parents and educators to understand.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Appeals ruling delays this gay couple’s return to Michigan
Kent and Diego Love-Ramirez moved with their son Lucas from Michigan to Minnesota because Michigan bans same-sex marriage and joint adoptions. A recent appeals court ruling means they won’t be returning soon.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Transportation funding means more than roads and bridges
To attract a talented workforce and compete with rival states, Michigan must invest in more reliable and accessible public transit, and make our communities more walkable and bike-friendly.