Newly in power, Michigan Democrats are advancing a bill to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
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 inTalent & Education
What is Michigan’s free pre-K program for 4-year-olds? Q+A with an expert
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to expand the state’s free preschool program to all 4-year-olds, regardless of income. An MSU researcher who studies the Great Start Readiness Program explains what makes it work.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan tax refund 2023: How long does it take and other questions
With tax season in full swing, take a moment to brush up on potential new Michigan tax credits, how to get your refund faster and how to avoid tax scams
Posted inTalent & Education
Gretchen Whitmer wants free preschool for all. But is Michigan ready?
Universal pre-K is good for kids and the economy. But it’s expensive and the state faces several hurdles, including teacher shortages and a lack of transportation options for the 4-year-olds.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan teacher unions back Right-to-Work repeal though it won’t help them
If the state law is repealed, public school teachers and other government employees will still be governed by a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prevents unions from requiring public employees to pay union dues. But labor leaders want to be prepared if that changes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan tax cut: Deal could emerge next week. It’s messy. What to know
A tax cut to benefit 1 million residents likely will be ironed out soon. Here’s what you need to know about who benefits and why some lawmakers are upset.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Repealing Right-to-Work is a bad deal for Michigan autoworkers
Repealing the law is anti-worker. For decades, union leaders didn’t have to care about their members because they knew workers had to support them or be fired. Right-to-Work allows us to hold union officials accountable.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan Senate panel removes flunking from third grade reading law
Democratic lawmakers are moving quickly to remove the part of the state’s third grade reading law that requires students a year or more behind to repeat the grade. The bill passed out of a Senate committee Tuesday.
Posted inMichigan Government
Democrats win, GOP upset as Michigan votes to move up presidential primary
President Biden supports making Michigan one of the first states in the nation to host primaries. Republicans say doing so could hurt state delegates and is like ‘spitting in the face of half of the state.’
Posted inTalent & Education
Can more cash transform Michigan’s middling schools? We may find out soon
A once-in-a-generation influx of money is allowing education advocates to debate reforms to a school system that has underperformed for decades