Republican Rick Snyder is the wild card in a full deck of GOP measures to rein in Democrats entering office, rollback environmental laws and other measures that drive progressives crazy. Will it impact his legacy?
2018 Michigan lame duck
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Will the ‘Flint governor’ also undo Michigan water protections?
A flurry of anti-environmental bills may make it to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk before he leaves office. It’s Pure Michigan vs. Pure Politics.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Grabbing campaign finance from Michigan Secretary State a cynical ploy
A state commission to be judge and jury over campaign finance violations would be a disaster just like the Federal Elections Commission. Mike Staebler says he knows: his father was on the original FEC.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan GOP in no hurry to fulfill Rick Snyder’s environmental wish list
The outgoing governor wants to raise taxes and fees for environmental cleanups. His Republican colleagues aren’t biting.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan House passes A-to-F school grades but nixes new commission
In what appeared to be a compromise to get votes, a politically appointed commission with broad powers over Michigan schools was downgraded to an “peer review panel.” Bill now goes to Senate.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House passes bill putting new requirements on ballot initiatives
The Republican bill requires signatures to be collected from across much of the state and adds more rules for signature collectors. The bill is also supported by business groups but opposed by Democrats, Right to Life and the ACLU.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP on lame duck bills: You’ll thank us later, Michigan
Grassroots Republican leaders say legislation will help preserve Michigan’s booming economy and make it harder for Democrats to act on some of their more radical impulses.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bill placing new rules on Michigan ballot initiatives advances over opposition
The bill would require signatures from a wide variety of congressional districts and add other restrictions to the signature gathering process necessary for citizens to bring an initiative to the ballot or their legislators.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Lame Duck Tracker
Since the chaotic lame duck session began in late November, hundreds of bills have been introduced and voted on, some that would have major effects on Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs Line 5 tunnel bill; appoints authority members
The Republican signed legislation to create a Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority to oversee a proposed tunnel surrounding the controversial pipeline.