In Democrats’ first education budget, lawmakers directed more funds to schools with disadvantaged students as the state tries to recover from pandemic learning loss. There is also more investment for English language learners and special education.
2023 Michigan Democratic priorities
Starting in 2023, Democrats will control the governor’s office and the Michigan Legislature, both the House and Senate, for the first time since 1984. How will they use all of this power? These are Bridge Michigan stories on their priorities from Nov. 8, 2022, the day after the election, until January 2023, when Democrats take power.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan budget has $950M in no-bid pork projects, some transparency reforms
Like their Republican predecessors, Democrats plan plenty of pork projects. But they also are adopting rules to reform the process, including disclosure by Sept. 30, 2024.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats push $800M in pet projects to help unions, their districts
Priorities or pork? Democrats add 150 earmarks to state budget. They say they’re more transparent than Republicans, but the process still includes few specific details about projects.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers OK early voting, conversion therapy ban, Juneteenth holiday
Flurry of Democratic legislation also includes mandatory lead testing for young children, alcohol sales inside college stadiums and reforms to prevent child abuse.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s environmental rules could be stricter than national ones under bill
Democrats say a 2018 law barring state rules that are stricter than federal regulations undercuts state regulators’ ability to address pollution issues. Business groups fear repealing the measure could have unintended consequences.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Democrats want to give teachers more say in classroom assignments
In a set of union-backed bills, Democrats would give teachers a stronger voice in the classes they teach, and would make evaluations subject to bargaining. Superintendents say the bills would put union seniority ahead of what’s best for students.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Senate lawmakers spar before passing $21 billion school aid budget
The Michigan Senate version of the school aid budget passed Thursday on a 20-17 vote, a day after the House approved its version.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan poised to ban employers from firing workers for having abortions
Legislation would also bar employers from other discrimination, such as discipline or denying promotions or benefits due to abortion. Republicans argue the bill infringes upon religious freedom.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Democrats look to change teacher evaluation system
Michigan teachers will no longer be evaluated based on student test scores under legislation being prepared by Democratic leaders. Critics say the current system should be tweaked, not scrapped.
Posted inMichigan Government
Despite vows, Democrats do little to improve Michigan government transparency
Lawmakers say they still plan to fix public records laws. Transparency advocates say there’s plenty to be done.