Gov. Whitmer faces likely Republican opposition to her campaign vow. And a repeal blows a $330 million hole in the state’s already strained budget.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gretchen Whitmer reshapes Michigan environmental watchdog agency
The new Democratic governor is revamping DEQ to more closely focus on clean water, climate change and protecting poor communities from environmental harm. Republicans vow to hold hearings.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rips Michigan Republican pork deals; says she can't block them
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed displeasure with millions of dollars spent on dozens of pet projects during lame duck, but said state will honor the bill
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Whitmer seeks speedy Michigan public record response, but not (yet) for her office
The Michigan governor’s order is intended to make state agencies more responsive to FOIA requests. She did not make her office subject to the law, and Republicans pounced.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democratic leaders Whitmer, Nessel and Benson working in concert
The women meet regularly and, just weeks into office, are finding strategic ways to disrupt GOP laws and policy. Their alignment contrasts with the frosty relations between Gov. Snyder and Republican leaders during his tenure.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer administration changing tone around Michigan marijuana regulation
The Democratic governor is signaling a less restrictive approach to pot licensing than under Gov. Rick Snyder. Critics say she will be held accountable for any downside to the state’s pot laws.
Posted inMichigan Government
With flat budget, Gov. Whitmer’s search for Michigan road money gets harder
New state revenue estimates show Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won’t have a lot of extra money to work with in her first budget. Lame-duck spending and a 2015 road deal makes the task even trickier.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer sets ‘equal pay’ rules to boost women in state hiring
The new governor’s 10th executive directive prohibits state departments and agencies from asking about job applicants’ past salaries — an effort, she says, to close the gender pay gap.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gretchen Whitmer vows action on climate. Here’s how warming hurts Michigan.
Rising temperatures are impacting Michigan’s roads, sewers, forests and farms, a landmark federal report warns. Gretchen Whitmer promises to create an office dedicated to solutions.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lays down ethical rules for her administration
In her second full day in office, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed six executive directives demonstrating her interest in ethics and transparency. But experts say there’s a long way to go.