Public outcry changed Michigan social studies standards. Add your voice.
By Ron French (Bridge) Last year, the public influenced changes in how history will be taught in Michigan schools. Now, residents will have another chance to offer their opinions on Michigan’s controversial social studies standards, at nine evening meetings around the state and online. A similar round of public meetings in 2018 led to a […]
A deal to fix Michigan’s roads looks to roll into summer, at least
By Lindsay VanHulle (Bridge) The debate over how to pay to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads likely will stretch into summer. That’s when Republican lawmakers in the Senate say they anticipate being ready to publicly share their alternative to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to raise gas taxes by 45 cents per gallon to raise the extra $2.5 […]
How high is too high to drive? That’s up to police in Michigan
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) How high is too high to drive? Now that marijuana is legal in Michigan, it’s a big question. But nobody knows for sure, claims a Michigan state commission that recently recommended that lawmakers not set a marijuana threshold to define drugged driving, akin to the .08 blood alcohol content threshold for drunk driving. […]
As measles outbreak spreads, Michigan anti-vaccine group hits Lansing
By Ted Roelofs (Bridge) Even as Michigan health officials urge vaccinations amid a measles outbreak that now counts 39 cases, residents opposed to mandatory vaccines converged on Lansing Thursday to deliver a message of their own to lawmakers. “Don’t take away our choice,” said Suzanne Waltman, president of Michigan for Vaccine Choice, a Troy-based nonprofit group that […]
Bills to bar Michigan “sanctuary cities” face headwinds in Lansing
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) A pair of bills intended to ban “sanctuary cities” in Michigan revived debate over local immigration policy when they passed out of a House committee Tuesday. The legislation, which would bar local governments from preventing police from cooperating with federal authorities’ immigration policies, was met with fury from civil rights groups and law […]
After years of impasse, bipartisan Lansing drive for criminal justice reform
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) Republican and Democratic leaders in Lansing have officially moved on from divided government’s early kumbayas into trash talking over Line 5 and proposed taxes on business and gas. Criminal justice reform, however, seems to be staying above the fray. Multiple bipartisan bills seeking to reduce the state criminal justice system’s reach have been […]
Michigan Commission: Fund courts so judges aren’t turned into fundraisers
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge) Seeking to fix a “broken” legal system, a state commission is urging reforms that would remove incentives for local judges to charge guilty defendants court costs to fund court operations and other government functions. But the Michigan Trial Court Funding Commission offers no alternative funding solution should the Michigan Supreme Court, […]
Jocelyn Benson plans overhaul of Michigan Secretary of State offices
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) Next time you go to renew your driver’s license, there may be a smiling face there to greet you. You might then step up to a sleek self-service station to quickly process your paperwork. And if you have problems, you could bank on there being a local staff member; perhaps even […]
Voters Not Politicians mulls its next Michigan battle
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) Like any group whose first try ends in smashing success, the pressure is high for Voters Not Politicians to ensure it doesn’t become a one hit wonder. Its founders were a group of political novices who organized thousands of volunteers to change the state constitution over the wonkiest of subjects, gerrymandering. […]
Michigan minimum wage, paid sick leave case to get Supreme Court review
By Lindsey VanHulle (Bridge) The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will consider the Legislature’s request for an advisory opinion on whether new laws to raise the state’s minimum wage and require paid sick leave are legal. The court did not commit to issuing an opinion, leaving open the question for now. During the lame-duck session […]
