A trio of Democratic lawmakers are seeking to update the state’s anti-hate crime law with an expanded definition of hate crime and enhanced penalties. The law has not been updated since its establishment in 1988.
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
After passing three gun bills, Michigan Democrats say they’re not done
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed laws on background checks and safe storage, and will soon sign a red flag law. Democrats say they are now looking to limit large-capacity magazines and hold gun manufacturers liable for gun violence.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats: Give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants
Some 51,000 people could benefit from plan from Democrats, but fierce opposition expected from Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats: Utilities must use 100% carbon free energy by 2035
Democrats’ sweeping climate change package, to be unveiled Thursday, is among a host of proposals to boost green energy and cut back on fossil fuels.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Michigan, an affordable housing ‘emergency’ looms
Democratic lawmakers and Michigan’s housing development authority are seeking a policy change that would allow developers to use tax increment financing for affordable housing projects. Supporters say it could help increase housing stock at a time when affordable options are in short supply.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats transform Lansing, using GOP ploys they once condemned
With complete control of governance, Democrats passed a raft of liberal bills within their first 100 days. Republicans are annoyed, sounding much like Democrats from years past. Now comes the hard part.
Posted inMichigan Government
New bill could ban child marriages in Michigan
Democratic lawmakers in the state house have introduced legislation that would establish 18 as the minimum age for marriage Currently there is no minimum age for marriage in Michigan under the law
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lags nation in government transparency. Lawmakers promise change
Transparency advocates are queuing up public records expansions previously blocked by Senate Republicans. It could take a few months.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan may dump its A-F school quality ranking system
Democrats move to eliminate a school quality ranking system that they claim is redundant. Supporters say the system offers parents a different lens to see how schools are performing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats pressure utilities: more credits for power outages
Many Michigan residents are still without power following last week’s ice storm. Democrats are chastising utility companies for not providing automatic reimbursements to consumers impacted by power outages.