With a potential government shutdown looming, Michigan’s Republican-led House unveiled and quickly approved a $78.5 billion budget plan that would slash spending and state workers but boost road funding.
Michigan roads
Posted inMichigan Government
Drug use a growing factor in fatal crashes on Michigan roadways
New Michigan crash data show drugs now factor in one-quarter road fatalities, up from 19% a decade ago. Overall road deaths remain elevated since the pandemic, with teens, seniors, motorcyclists and bicyclists seeing increased risks.
Posted inMichigan Government
As shutdown looms, road funding a $3B sticking point in Michigan budget talks
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and House Republicans are pushing for a $3B roads plan to be included in the state budget. Senate Democrats say that’s doable, but they won’t propose their own infrastructure plan.
Posted inUrban Affairs
I-375 project delayed to address concerns from Detroiters
The Michigan Department of Transportation cited “rising costs, longevity of the final project and roadway, and public concern over design elements” in its pause of the project that was expected to start construction this fall.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan hotel taxes fund tourism promotion. Should they also fund services?
Tourists use local government services but don’t directly fund them. Some people want to change that by redirecting some hotel tax revenue from tourism promotion to local governments.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan may force doctors to report drivers with seizures. A slippery slope?
After the death of a Michigan State Police officer, state lawmakers entered a bill that would mandate physician reporting of patients with epilepsy. Many doctors oppose the legislation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan drunk driving arrests plunge. Impairment remains deadly threat
Arrests for drunk driving are down 28% in Michigan since 2014, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s happening less. Police say staffing issues are limiting their patrols.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Don’t let EV drivers get sideswiped in Michigan’s road funding fix
We can fix our roads without reversing progress on clean mobility. Let’s not let a well-intentioned fix become a costly mistake.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan roads won’t fix themselves. It’s time for a real plan
The time has passed for empty campaign promises and meaningless headlines. Michigan’s leaders need to act and deliver a real solution for our road funding problem.
Posted inMichigan Government
Driving high is illegal in Michigan. Soon, cops may be able to test for it
Police now use anecdotal evidence to arrest drugged drivers. Legislation would let Michigan join 24 states that use roadside saliva tests to make arrests. But reliability questions remain.