Michigan Democrats, Republicans spar over a special session planned Tuesday about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a 70-day extension of her emergency powers.
Mike Shirkey
Posted inMichigan Government
New year, old problems: Six issues Michigan leaders vow to tackle in 2020
As they return to Lansing this week, Michigan’s leaders are faced with tough questions on how to improve roads, education, skilled trades and more.
Posted inMichigan Government
Mike Shirkey: I’m open to changing Michigan’s third-grade reading law
Hearing concerns from educators, Michigan’s Senate Majority Leader says he’s considering changes to the law that could flunk 5,000 third-graders in May.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer: ‘Bat-sh*t crazy’ jab doesn’t help resolve budget
Gretchen Whitmer responds to criticism from Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and says both sides are no closer to finding a compromise on a weeks-long budget stalemate over $1 billion in cuts and transfers. Shirkey apologized again Monday afternoon.
Posted inMichigan Government
No deal: Senate GOP rejects possible budget compromise
County sheriffs, small schools, local governments and other groups grappling with state funding cuts may have to wait several more weeks for Michigan leaders to resolve an ongoing budget dispute.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan has $1B left over from budget. What happens to all that money?
Now that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has gone on a line-item veto spree, some $947 million in taxpayer money is unspent. Time is running out, but Whitmer says ‘all is not lost’ and there’s still an opportunity to salvage programs.
Posted inTalent & Education
Dems break with Whitmer, pass small funding increase for Michigan schools
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is left out of negotiations as legislators boost budget for state $15.2 billion. The budget doubles the number of literacy coaches, but critics say the funding isn’t enough to improve test scores.
Posted inMichigan Government
What to expect from the Michigan Legislature this fall
State lawmakers are back in Lansing Tuesday. Here are some of the major priorities the Legislature expects to tackle before the end of the year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Pressure builds on Michigan Republicans to share their road funding plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has her own hurdles selling a gas tax hike. But as she notes, Republican leaders have yet to show how they would raise the more than $2 billion needed for roads as the Legislature breaks for summer recess.
Posted inMichigan Government
Five months in, the precarious state of bipartisanship in Lansing
Michigan’s new Democratic governor and Republican legislative leaders promised bipartisan collaboration this year as divided government replaced eight years of Republican rule. Despite skirmishes, the two sides are still talking.