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.
Michigan's spending
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.
Posted inMichigan Government, Michigan Health Watch
Did Rx Kids lose $20M in Michigan budget deal? Depends who you ask
Rx Kids, an infant and maternal health program, says it’s still eligible for state funds omitted from next year’s budget. A top House official says no way.
Posted inTalent & Education
How 4-year-olds are giving Michigan districts an incentive to build, expand
As Michigan pushes for pre-K expansion, schools build new early childhood hubs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers OK $125M in earmarks, from Tulip Time to eviction aid
Michigan lawmakers added $125 million in funding for projects in their district to the new state budget. See what made the cut, including funding for Tulip Time and the Detroit Auto Show.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers pass $84B budget, 67 bills in marathon session
In a nearly 24-hour session that went through the night, Michigan lawmakers finalized a roughly $84 billion spending plan and approved dozens of policy bills.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Dam safety reforms, millions for repairs advance in Michigan Legislature
Dueling state House and state Senate bills need additional votes before heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, but the votes represent major action on reforms that have stalled in past sessions.