Vote mostly along party lines would nix requirements that third graders behind in reading repeat the grade. Democrats say it didn’t work; GOP said it didn’t have a chance to.
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 $180 inflation relief checks 2023: what to know about Whitmer's plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s efforts to provide tax relief to Michigan residents includes a proposal to send $180 checks to residents who filed taxes in 2022. Republicans call it a gambit to avoid providing longer-term tax relief.
Posted inMichigan Government
What Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to fund in $79B budget
From free school lunches and community college to water line improvements and subsidized field trips to Michigan’s state parks, the Democrat outlines her wish list. It could look very different once it’s approved.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pitches 9 percent boost in Michigan school spending
The Democratic governor now has a Democratic Legislature and a giant budget surplus to pursue education priorities, including individualized tutoring, universal pre-school and other progressive policies.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers raise concern about toll road plan
The study results are in: Michigan may consider toll roads. But at a Senate hearing on Tuesday, lawmakers quizzed the firm behind the study on who would most heavily bear the cost.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seeks $306 million expansion for universal preschool
In her Wednesday budget presentation, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will propose new spending to expand preschool eligibility, hire more teachers and boost transportation funding to help 4-year-olds attend.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer K-12 budget centers on Michigan proposals with bipartisan support
Literacy, tutoring and preschool are among priorities in Whitmer’s education budget proposal, according to details emerging ahead of Wednesday’s release, all topics thought to have at least some Republican backing.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Right to water: Could 2023 be the year Michigan ends shutoffs?
Some Democratic lawmakers see a bill to declare a human right to water as a first step toward broader efforts to end the water shutoffs that plague low-income Michiganders.
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer wants to extend help for future teachers but drops teacher bonuses
The governor’s proposed budget will call for continuing $9,600 stipends for student teachers and $10,000 scholarships for education majors. But her budget plans for 2024 is a small fraction of last year’s ask.
Posted inMichigan Government
Tax rebates planned by Gretchen Whitmer, Democrats as part of relief package
Governor and Democratic legislative leaders say ‘inflation relief checks’ could be coming soon to all Michigan taxpayers. Whitmer also plans to expand Earned Income Tax Credit.