A new Michigan law conserves a portion of federal benefits for former foster youth when they age out. But advocates, and the federal government, say that more should be done.
Michigan's spending
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan got $173M to transform rural health. Where is it going?
Some rural healthcare leaders say the first round of funds allocated from the Rural Health Transformation Program don’t go far enough to stabilize their industry amid federal cuts.
Posted inTalent & Education
As enrollments plummet, Michigan communities sweat job losses from universities
For communities around many of Michigan’s public universities, declining enrollments and inadequate state funding may have severe adverse economic impacts.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Audit finds fault in Michigan job training program, claims $59M misspent
At a time when Michigan is desperate to better educate workers with advanced certificates, a new report used millions instead to reimburse employers for basic on-the-job training.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Copperwood Mine foes sue to block $50M grant for project near Lake Superior
A lawsuit claims Michigan set an ‘extraordinarily dangerous precedent’ by dedicating taxpayer money to a foreign company. Defenders say the project could revive mining in struggling area.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan universities make secret decisions; some lawmakers want change
A 1999 Michigan Supreme Court ruling has allowed publicly funded universities to make most decisions behind closed doors, say those trying to change the situation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan prisons paid millions over inmate deaths, disability discrimination
The Michigan Department of Corrections paid nearly $7 million to resolve 161 lawsuits and legal claims during fiscal year 2024-25, more than doubling its legal costs from the previous year despite fewer cases.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan fills free college gap, lowers eligibility to 21 — for now
Officials are aiming to reach 8,000 residents with the Michigan Reconnect expansion and provide free tuition to young people whose high school education was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
Report: Michigan’s budget much bigger than ‘on paper,’ likely tops $86B
Michigan lawmakers shifted large sums of money ‘with the apparent intent of making this year’s budget appear smaller than last year’s,’ according to a new nonpartisan analysis.
Posted inMichigan Government
As racial wealth gaps persist, bills would have Michigan study reparations
Supporters say the proposal is aimed at identifying solutions to issues such as the Black-white homeownership gap, while critics question whether creating new commissions and offices is the best use of state resources.