It was a monumental political year in Michigan, with the return of a divided state government and the return of President Donald Trump. These are the stories that defined the year, from the Michigan Capitol to the White House.
Michigan's spending
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan fire, education officials ‘gut punched’ by House GOP funding cuts
After controversial funding cuts for a new fire truck nursing program and more, House Speaker Matt Hall calls fellow Republicans with concerns ‘budget traitors.’
Posted inMichigan Government
Wigs 4 Kids cancer recovery group blasts ‘unconscionable’ Michigan funding cut
Michigan House Republicans last week abruptly cut money for a nonprofit that provides wigs to kids with cancer as part of a broader push to cancel unspent funds.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House cancels $645M in state spending without Senate OK
Through an arcane section of state law, the Republican-controlled state House scrapped hundreds of millions in ongoing spending on state projects. Democrats called the process ‘corrupt.’
Posted inMichigan Government
Bills spurred by Michigan hospital killing would allow free PPO service
Victims of domestic violence or stalking wouldn’t have to pay police to serve the perpetrator with a personal protection order under the state Senate-passed legislation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House: SNAP help available ‘week to week’ as shutdown continues
Michigan lawmakers aren’t ruling out further food aid dollars as the federal government resumes issuing partial SNAP benefits Saturday.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan budget bans financial incentives to boost attendance on Count Day
School budget also requires transparency on reading curricula, eliminates virtual instruction days and includes more money for schools to lower class sizes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan budget takes IT from Jocelyn Benson after transparency portal flop
Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will lose oversight of IT systems under a budget provision championed by House Republicans. ‘Benson has failed miserably with these public websites,’ said one lawmaker.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer signs $81B Michigan budget, roads deal. What to know
Michigan’s new budget has more money for roads, more taxes on pot and some new spending cuts. What to know about the $81B spending law.
Posted inTalent & Education
Fact check: Michigan school funding at historic highs. Is that enough?
Michigan boosted school funding in the past ten years at a higher rate than most states. Critics say schools are still underfunded by $4.5 billion. There’s data to support both arguments.