The party is wasting no time after regaining control of the Senate and the House. Republicans grouse the breakneck pace is reckless, but Democrats say the GOP is getting a ‘taste of their own medicine.’
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
Business group to Michigan Legislature: Extend tax cuts to more seniors
Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who leads the Small Business Association of Michigan, urged state lawmakers to expand income tax exemptions to both working and retired seniors in Michigan
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers OK tax cuts for 1M residents, $1.1B spending plan
Some Republicans say the tax cuts don’t go far enough and only help select classes of people. Lawmakers also pumped in money to help businesses, including $200M for an Upper Peninsula paper mill.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Senate votes to move up presidential primary, but GOP may thwart plan
Democrats need some Republican support to move Michigan’s presidential primary to Feb. 27 next year. So far, none are on board and time is running out.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer on guns: ‘The time for only thoughts and prayers is over.’
Expect a fight as the Democratic governor pushes for universal background checks, red flag laws and safe storage mandates.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gretchen Whitmer: Expand Michigan Reconnect program for community college
The Michigan Reconnect program currently pays for students age 25 and over to attend their in-district community college tuition free. Gov. Whitmer wants to expand the program to younger Michiganders.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer State of the State: Tax cuts, gun reform, expand pre-K
The Democratic governor returns to the state Capitol for her annual address. She spoke for less than an hour. Here’s what to know, what obstacles loom and what potential programs cost.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Watch Bridge discussion about water priorities in the 2023 Legislature
Bridge Michigan environment reporter Kelly House moderated a Zoom discussion with four experts about the priorities for water policy in the 2023 Michigan Legislature.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats aim to tighten environment regs, reduce industry control
One of the first bills introduced by the Democratic majority would undo a Snyder-era law that prevents Michigan from adopting stronger pollution regulations than Washington. Dems also aim to lessen industry influence on regulatory decisions.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer open to charging tolls on Michigan roads
The governor says tolling may be ‘part of the long-term solution’ as fuel tax revenues are expected to decline as the sale of electric vehicles increase.