As Democrats take charge in Lansing, some business leaders sweat their agenda
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sealed her second-term victory on the morning after Election Day by promising to work with “all of Michigan.” In truth, a massive power shift in Lansing means she likely can act on her agenda without much help — and business leaders wonder how that will affect economic development. […]
Michigan unemployment office to spend $78M to replace ‘antiquated’ system
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Michigan’s unemployment office plans to spend $78 million over the next 10 years to replace a computer system that has been plagued with problems for a decade and led to numerous scandals. The state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency said it wants the state to finalize a bid from Deloitte Inc. to get […]
Staffing woes foil Michigan efforts to keep residents out of nursing homes
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Efforts to help older Michiganders and those with disabilities stay in their homes and avoid nursing care have sputtered, as workers who would assist in homes turn to other jobs. The state’s popular MI Choice program, which assigns workers to help residents who qualify for Medicaid stay in their homes, now […]
Michigan women score big, poised for key leadership in Legislature
LANSING — In 2018, Michigan made history by electing three women to statewide offices. On Tuesday, they were not only re-elected, but women are poised to assume key leadership roles in the Legislature. A handful of state legislative races are still too close to call, which could impact the final count, but a Bridge Michigan analysis of […]
With wolf plan complete, Michiganders lobby state on possibility of a hunt
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) After the latest change to gray wolves’ status under the federal Endangered Species Act, it’s illegal to hunt the iconic predators in Michigan. But following the release of a state plan that opens the door to the possibility of future hunts, the animal’s friends and foes are already lobbying state […]
What Democratic control of Lansing will mean for Michigan schools
by Tracie Mauriello (Chalkbeat Detroit, for Bridge Michigan) In the days after Democrats swept the Michigan governor’s office and the state Legislature, a reality began to set in for public school advocates: Newfound power means they’ll be able to accomplish key initiatives that have stalled during decades of Republican control. Democrats now have a chance […]
Mid-Michigan smacks down wind energy. Will it harm the state’s green plan?
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) Renewable energy had a bad election day in Michigan, and it could lead to discussions of the state taking a more active role in the siting of wind turbine and other projects. Four referendums that would have established guidelines for wind turbine installation were defeated Tuesday in townships in mid-Michigan’s […]
Parents rights school board campaigns lost most Michigan races
by Koby Levin, Chalkbeat & Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) Conservative school board candidates who attacked public schools as incubators of “woke” ideology made inroads in local Michigan elections on Tuesday, but still lost far more races than they won. Of 121 candidates statewide recommended by two major Michigan parental rights groups, 48 won office, according to analysis […]
Michigan Legislature: Redistricting paves way for Democrats to seize control
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer won the governor’s office by just over 400,000 votes and 9 percentage points. When she took office, she was welcomed by a Legislature that was elected by the same voters but controlled by Republicans, 19-17 in the Senate and 58-52 in the House. On Tuesday, Whitmer […]
Michigan election: What to know about poll challengers, ID, canvassers, more
by Yue Stella Yu (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — On Tuesday, Michigan voters will decide the next governor and everything from who controls the state Legislature and Supreme Court to the future of voting and abortion rights. But a lot needs to happen between the moment polls open on Election Day and when the election results […]
