Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will give her first, in-person State of the State address since 2020, before the pandemic hit Michigan. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch it and what topics she is expected to cover.
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 tax cuts could total $1.6B; Democrats won’t block income tax rollback
Tax relief expected to be centerpiece of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. ‘These are meaningful ways we can put real money back in people’s pockets,’ she says.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan doles out millions in pork in secret. Will Democrats pledge reform?
Legislative rules allow lawmakers to allocate big money with the barest of details. Some Democrats want big changes. But others seem reluctant to commit.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan Dems should focus on predictable funding for schools
Imposing three-to-five-year funding cycles makes school funding more predictable and enables better district forecasting. Currently, districts rely on the whims of politics one year to the next. It makes it harder for districts to budget, which makes it harder to solve the teacher shortage issue or hire more counselors.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan students need individual tutoring and soon
In her fifth State of the State address, set for Wednesday, Whitmer will make the case for more tutors in schools before spring break to help students recover from pandemic learning loss.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats move to strike abortion ban references from state law
‘We’re going to see a number of laws that are on the books right now be repealed’ with supporters of abortion rights holding legislative majority and other statewide offices, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Thursday.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan GOP to Democrats: Don’t mess with income tax rollback
Ballooning revenues could trigger an income tax rollback under a 2015 law backed by Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Government
Jocelyn Benson wants tougher penalties for harassing election workers
Protecting clerks and other election workers is at the top of the secretary of state’s legislative agenda. She’s got support from legislative Democrats.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan teachers say they’re ignored in Lansing. Now, they’re in charge.
Teachers wanted a voice in setting the state’s education agenda. With the Legislature now under Democratic control, four key panels that control education policy and funding will be led by former teachers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Right-to-Work repeal just a start: Michigan Democrats eye pro-worker agenda
From raising the minimum wage to expanding tax credits and mandating work breaks, Democrats may get aggressive on labor issues. Businesses are wary, to say the least.