Lindsay VanHulle

Lindsay VanHulle is a Lansing-based Capitol reporter covering state government and politics. She covered the intersection of business and public policy in a joint venture for Bridge and Crain’s Detroit Business until December 2017. Prior to joining Bridge in 2015, she was a reporter at the Lansing State Journal and Traverse City Record-Eagle. Her work also has appeared in the Detroit Free Press and USA Today. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and is president of the Mid-Michigan Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. You can reach Lindsay via email at lvanhulle@bridgemi.com, or call her at 517-657-3401.

Articles

When low-wage workers’ problems become a company’s problem

When low-wage workers’ problems become a company’s problem

December 14, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

A flat tire. Medical problems. No child care. All can lead to missed days for low-paid workers, and cost them a job. But finding new workers is a drag on companies, too. Some are finding that offering help also helps the bottom line.

Grand Rapids company helped forge employee aid program

Grand Rapids company helped forge employee aid program

December 14, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

For more than two decades, Cascade Engineering has scrutinized how to help low-income workers overcome obstacles. Now, companies are pooling resources to hire caseworkers to help workers solve problems and stay in jobs.

Low-income workers must ‘make it stretch’

Low-income workers must ‘make it stretch’

December 14, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Workers in low-wage positions such as manufacturing often have a difficult time saving enough money to make ends meet.

Supplier aims to give parolees new workplace opportunities

Supplier aims to give parolees new workplace opportunities

December 14, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Sakthi Automotive Group USA Inc., has hired 25 convicted felons this year as part of its expansion of its Detroit facility, with positive results.

Report: Michigan held down by low income, education

Report: Michigan held down by low income, education

November 21, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

The state’s low unemployment and booming auto sector are countered by low wages across the state and a lack of college graduates in the workforce

Pure Michigan sells its return on investment in new campaign

Pure Michigan sells its return on investment in new campaign

November 15, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Buffeted by cuts, MEDC is making more of an effort to show Lansing how it is spending advertising money, and what the state will receive in return

State rolls dice on bills that would expand sports betting

State rolls dice on bills that would expand sports betting

November 8, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Allowing sportsbooks and fantasy sports betting in Michigan would bring millions in added state revenue; money that now goes to an underground market. But would these new laws, if adopted, run afoul of federal law?

A bill aims to more fairly split purses at state’s last two racetracks

A bill aims to more fairly split purses at state’s last two racetracks

November 8, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

A Senate measure would divide purse proceeds between thoroughbred and harness races tracks. But the tracks’ survival may depend on finding new sources of revenue.

Pension debt could give new Detroit Schools a stumbling start

Pension debt could give new Detroit Schools a stumbling start

October 25, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Gov. Snyder’s plan for a new Detroit school district would include nearly $100 million in red ink due to debt from employee pensions.

Proposed state bill has doctors, nurses at odds over who can give anesthesia

Proposed state bill has doctors, nurses at odds over who can give anesthesia

October 25, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

The Senate bill is the latest effort to give highly trained nurses more independence to carry out medical care, particularly in rural areas where there is a shortage of physicians.

Michigan Supreme Court hears arguments on prevailing wage law

Michigan Supreme Court hears arguments on prevailing wage law

October 19, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

At issue is whether municipalities have the power to exert local control over what wages they pay to contractors.

Michigan utilities want to end renewable energy mandate

Michigan utilities want to end renewable energy mandate

October 12, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Does the success of the state energy mandate make it a no-brainer to keep? Or is it proof that it is no longer needed?

The politics of breast milk, and who can profit

The politics of breast milk, and who can profit

October 5, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Legislation in Lansing wades into the commercialization of breast milk, and a growing battle between nonprofit milk banks and new, for-profit companies willing to pay nursing mothers.

State: Michigan’s energy efficiency program should save customers over $4 billion

State: Michigan’s energy efficiency program should save customers over $4 billion

October 5, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

The report from the Michigan Public Service Commission says customers get more than a 4-to-1 return on efficiency mandates. The report comes as the legislature is considering phasing out the mandates by 2019.

MEDC adjusts its belt

MEDC adjusts its belt

September 20, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

State agency mulls long-term strategy after budget, job cuts

State road construction industry seeks funding certainty

State road construction industry seeks funding certainty

September 20, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

A patchwork of temporary roads fixes makes companies hesitant to invest heavily in Michigan

Traverse City’s dilemma: Why this hot vacation mecca can’t attract young workers

Traverse City’s dilemma: Why this hot vacation mecca can’t attract young workers

September 13, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Traverse City fears a labor shortage as stagnant wages and the high price of housing are keeping talented millennials from moving in.

Lansing battle lines being drawn with competing energy bills

Lansing battle lines being drawn with competing energy bills

September 8, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

A House bill expected to be introduced this week would offer more protections for renewable energy producers. Supporters of a competing Senate measure say their approach takes Michigan out of the process of picking winners and losers.

Swearing, sex and the path to a roads deal

Swearing, sex and the path to a roads deal

August 31, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Lansing is getting rid of antiquated criminal laws and addressing the Courser and Gamrat mess. But a roads fix must wait until the fall.

Online state lottery games spark feud with tribal casino operators

Online state lottery games spark feud with tribal casino operators

August 24, 2015 | Lindsay VanHulle

Gun Lake Tribe stops payments to protest state’s expansion into online gaming, which the tribe says violates compact. If other tribes follow suit, MEDC funding put at risk.

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