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 […]
With Line 5 tunnel plan halted, next steps may belong to Enbridge Energy
by Jim Malewitz (Bridge) LANSING — The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority no longer exists — and therefore could not sue Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration for halting plans to build a tunnel around Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 oil pipeline. That’s the opinion of Mike Nystrom, who served as chairman of the corridor authority — a body GOP […]
Detroit studies restoring passenger trains to Michigan Central Station
From Bridge Magazine, By Joel Kurth & Chastity Pratt Dawsey, Detroit Journalism Cooperative DETROIT – More than 30 years after the last passenger train left Michigan Central Station, Ford Motor Co. and regional leaders are studying whether Amtrak service can return to the iconic building, Bridge Magazine has learned. A $30,000 feasibility study commissioned by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority […]
Surging costs cause some Michigan cities to rethink recycling programs
by Jim Malewitz (Bridge) Shortly after taking office in 2007, Westland Mayor Bill Wild launched “Mission: Green,” a program to slash carbon emissions, limit stormwater runoff and improve quality of life in the Detroit suburb. A cornerstone of the plan: Introducing single-stream, curbside recycling to Westland’s 82,000 residents. It was a success, touting a 78 percent […]
Detroit isn’t alone. Car insurance sky-high throughout Michigan, data show
by Mike Wilkinson, Ted Roelofs (Bridge) Think about this: If Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature make radical changes to car insurance, every motorist in the state could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year. Yes, thousands. Michigan not only has the highest average rates for car insurance, $2,693, but premiums in all 900-plus […]
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer halts action on Line 5 tunnel
by Jim Malewitz (Bridge) LANSING – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday ordered state agencies to halt action on a proposed tunnel to encase the controversial Line 5 pipeline in a tunnel. Whitmer’s executive directive came minutes after a fellow Democrat, Attorney General Dana Nessel, issued a legal opinion claiming that a law creating a state authority […]
Whitmer orders Michigan to set PFAS standards, setting up clash with GOP
by Jim Malewitz (Bridge) LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has kickstarted efforts to set a statewide standard for PFAS, hazardous chemicals that are increasingly befouling Michigan waters. The Democrat on Tuesday directed the Department of Environmental Quality to begin the process of establishing a drinking water standard for how much of the chemicals are unsafe. Whitmer ordered […]
