A state judge blocked two earmarks for baseball stadiums after ruling the grants, one of many scores to fund local projects in recent years, may be unconstitutional.
Michigan's spending
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan loaned $35M to mobility center. Debt could cripple it, boosters say
Amid a backlash against public subsidies, Michigan seeks repayment of loan for autonomous testing site. Activists say the nonprofit is doing vital work to keep Michigan competitive.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan revives EV charger expansion after fed funding reversal
After a yearlong funding freeze from the Trump administration, Michigan is restarting its electric vehicle charger expansion. Officials hope 60 new stations will ease drivers’ range anxiety, though slowing EV demand still threatens statewide adoption goals.
Posted inMichigan Government
Nessel: Businesswoman stole from state, tapped political ties for $20M grant
Attorney General Dana Nessel alleges businesswoman Fay Beydoun stole state funds after using political connections to secure a $20 million budget earmark.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers may fund last-ditch effort to save whitefish
Lawmakers move to restock the iconic fish that are disappearing from the lower Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers ponder dam safety reforms, but ask who will pay
A state House committee on Wednesday considered legislation that would toughen Michigan’s dam safety standards. But one questioned whether the legislation would just be ‘another unfunded mandate.’
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan tests expanding free ‘pre-K for all’ to home child-care providers
A new program tests no-cost pre-K in home child care settings. Up until now, students had to attend a school or child care center to qualify for the free option.
Posted inMichigan Government
Small grants made a big difference in rural Michigan. Then the money stopped
Rural Readiness grants helped kickstart projects to address housing, health and child care shortages until state funding dried up. Their future remains uncertain in a tight budget.
Posted inQuality of Life
Gambling addiction on the rise. Michigan does less than most states to help
The rise of online betting has led to a rise in gambling addiction, but, unlike other states that do things like prohibit credit cards on betting apps, Michigan allows gambling apps to offer bets even to those exhibiting addicted behaviors.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A first for Michigan’s $2.4B SOAR business incentive program: New jobs
Companies say they’ve created 1,846 of the 14,559 jobs they originally promised in exchange for Michigan SOAR subsidies. They still have several years to meet their targets.