Dear Bridge Readers, This letter is a public apology to Jase Bolger, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. We are apologizing for poor judgment in the handling of a recent guest column Mr. Bolger published in Bridge. Mr. Bolger has not formally requested this apology. But, in the final analysis, we think we owe […]
Jase Bolger
Posted inGuest Commentary
With tough decisions, GOP lawmakers put Michigan on path for better future
DOING GOOD WORK: House Speaker Jase Bolger applauds a colleague in the Michigan House. The Republican from Marshall argues that the GOP majorities in the Legislature have been making tough decisions that will result in a better future for Michigan. (courtesy photo/Mlive.com) Why won’t politicians tackle tough issues? Why won’t the Legislature look long-term? […]
Posted inPeter Luke: Eye on the Capitol
Pursuit of auto coverage cap insures problems for legislators
If you and your family are in a major auto accident, do you care what the hospital billed the auto insurer for your child’s neurosurgery? Peter Luke was a Lansing correspondent for Booth Newspapers for nearly 25 years, writing a weekly column for most of that time with a concentration on budget, tax and economic […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Bolger backs bigger dollars for early childhood
House Speaker Jase Bolger, freshly elected to a second term to head Michigan’s House of Representatives, added his voice Wednesday to a growing coalition of political leaders in favor of increased state spending on early childhood education. “We should expand early childhood education opportunities as investments to help kids succeed. Those investments also will provide […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Interest high in Right to Work; gains unclear
Gov. Rick Snyder has engaged in some shuttle diplomacy in recent days, talking with opponents and supporters of Right to Work, which limits requirements for participation in union activities by employees. RTW is something the governor has repeatedly said is divisive and not on his agenda, yet the idea has been the subject of much […]
Posted inMichigan Government
For the Legislature, an active and speedy 'duck,' followed by a cautious 2013
The smoke is still clearing from the statewide legislative elections, but Michigan residents should not be surprised if Lansing provides a two-pronged response to the voter’s will: First: A flurry of activity on legislation in the “lame-duck” sessions of the Legislature scheduled through the end of 2012. Hot topics for action include changes to the […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Both sides dinged by Truth Squad in House race involving Speaker Bolger
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: House District 63 — Jase Bolger vs. Bill Farmer Who: Committee to Elect Bill Farmer (http://reformourhouse.com/), Michigan Democratic Party (bolgergate.com), Committee to Elect Jase Bolger (www.electbolger.com) What: Websites Truth Squad calls: Foul, Technical foul This Truth Squad report covers numerous campaign materials from both sides in the race for the seat […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Democrats slip up on couple of points about Bolger, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “End Jase Bolger’s Reign” Who: Michigan Democratic Party What: Web video Truth Squad call: Foul. Michigan Democrats have ramped up attacks on the House Republican speaker since revelation of a secretive scheme between Bolger and Grand Rapids House Democrat Roy Schmidt to have Schmidt file as a Republican minutes before the […]
Posted inMichigan Government
More details emerge on Schmidt-Bolger election scheme
Call it the story that won’t go away. The Michigan political world was surprised this May when a long-time Democrat, state Rep. Roy Schmidt of Grand Rapids, changed his party affiliation in the last minutes of the filing period for re-election to his House seat. The circumstances of that change brought to the public’s attention […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad issues flagrant foul to Schmidt, foul to Bolger on election scheme
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: What: Public statements concerning state Representative Roy Schmidt’s political party switch. Who: Schmidt (a Grand Rapids Republican) and House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall. Truth Squad Call: Flagrant foul against Schmidt; foul against Bolger. In May, at the filing deadline for this year’s state House of Representatives elections, Schmidt switched parties, from […]