With complete control of governance, Democrats passed a raft of liberal bills within their first 100 days. Republicans are annoyed, sounding much like Democrats from years past. Now comes the hard part.
Repealing Right-to-Work and restoring prevailing wage were top priorities for unions, while business groups and Republicans have argued doing away with current policy would be bad for business.
Attorney General Dana Nessel has repeatedly called for greater government transparency. But in high-profile criminal cases in her own office she has successfully fought to keep records on government searches hidden, even after they are introduced in court.
The new law includes sexual orientation and gender identity as classes protected against discrimination under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, codifying a series of court orders and interpretive statements that have extended similar rights to Michigan’s LGBTQ community.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s efforts to provide tax relief to Michigan residents includes a proposal to send $180 checks to residents who filed taxes in 2022. Republicans call it a gambit to avoid providing longer-term tax relief.
From free school lunches and community college to water line improvements and subsidized field trips to Michigan’s state parks, the Democrat outlines her wish list. It could look very different once it’s approved.
The Democratic governor now has a Democratic Legislature and a giant budget surplus to pursue education priorities, including individualized tutoring, universal pre-school and other progressive policies.
In her Wednesday budget presentation, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will propose new spending to expand preschool eligibility, hire more teachers and boost transportation funding to help 4-year-olds attend.
Literacy, tutoring and preschool are among priorities in Whitmer’s education budget proposal, according to details emerging ahead of Wednesday’s release, all topics thought to have at least some Republican backing.
Democrats seek a onetime tax giveaway that would cost $800 million, as well as tax cuts for lower-income residents and seniors. Republicans want a broader, permanent tax cut.
The governor’s proposed budget will call for continuing $9,600 stipends for student teachers and $10,000 scholarships for education majors. But her budget plans for 2024 is a small fraction of last year’s ask.
Governor and Democratic legislative leaders say ‘inflation relief checks’ could be coming soon to all Michigan taxpayers. Whitmer also plans to expand Earned Income Tax Credit.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to expand the state’s free preschool program to all 4-year-olds, regardless of income. An MSU researcher who studies the Great Start Readiness Program explains what makes it work.
Universal pre-K is good for kids and the economy. But it’s expensive and the state faces several hurdles, including teacher shortages and a lack of transportation options for the 4-year-olds.
Jobs related to renewable energy, electric vehicles energy efficiency and batteries have been among the fastest-growing parts of Michigan’s economy in recent years. But lawmakers must act on outdated policies to achieve full growth.
A tax cut to benefit 1 million residents likely will be ironed out soon. Here’s what you need to know about who benefits and why some lawmakers are upset.
President Biden supports making Michigan one of the first states in the nation to host primaries. Republicans say doing so could hurt state delegates and is like ‘spitting in the face of half of the state.’
