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Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing. Bridge will take you beyond the political food fights into the policy decisions that affect everyday life.
Articles
Proposed repeal of Michigan ‘pension tax’ prompts fairness debate
Supporters of repealing a 2011 tax on some retirement income say seniors were asked to shoulder more of the state’s income tax burden to offset a business tax break. Advocates for keeping the tax say it treats all retirement income equally.
Here’s how Michigan should spend Bloomberg’s $10 million to fight opioids
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg invests $10 million for “high impact” solutions. Experts tell Bridge Magazine where investment would help most.
Bills to improve Michigan transparency still have loopholes, critics say
Transparency advocates say the FOIA package would be a big step forward for the state, but push back on loopholes still present in legislation.
For cash-strapped police in Michigan, asset forfeiture bills could be a blow
Whether the concern is personal liberty or social justice, legislation reining in police property seizures is a bipartisan priority in Lansing. Some law enforcement agencies are not happy.
Analysis: Gretchen Whitmer's budget banks on Michigan GOP backing one historic tax hike
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget proposal is based on a series of interlocking monetary moves to fund roads, schools, cleanups and more. The Rube Goldberg-like plan is certainly bold, drawing a mix of admiration and caution.
Six big proposals in Gretchen Whitmer’s first Michigan budget
The new governor urges a state spending increase of 3.6 percent, with the centerpiece a 45-cent gas tax hike. She also proposes spending more for schools and to protect drinking water. The budget will test bipartisan pledges with state Republicans.
College advocate tapped by Whitmer as education adviser
Brandy Johnson, founder and executive director of the Michigan College Access Network will bring a college and career focus to the new administration, and a history of “getting stuff done.”
Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to fix Michigan roads: Nearly triple gas tax
The Democratic governor wants to add 45 cents atop Michigan’s 26.3 per gallon tax on gas. She’ll propose doing so when she unveils her first state budget proposal Tuesday. Republicans already are criticizing plan.
Is this the year Michigan joins the rest of America on public records?
Michigan is one of only two states that exempt the Legislature and the Governor’s office from public records requests. Attempts to change the state’s FOIA act have failed year after year.
Michigan businesses to Whitmer: Focus on talent, stay consistent on taxes
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited local chambers of commerce and small businesses to promote her administration’s policy vision. Here’s what businesses want to see from Lansing while she’s in office.
Whitmer kills Michigan marijuana licensing board in favor of new agency
Michigan’s medical marijuana licensing board has been criticized as too slow at approving licenses. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plans to abolish it and replace it with a new regulatory agency meant to speed up the process.
Michigan roads are a big mess. Here are eight big ideas to fix them.
Reform Proposal A? Raise the sales tax? Boost taxes on rich? As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to unveil her first budget, Lansing officials say it’s time to think big to fix Michigan’s big problems.
Jeep plants a big win for Detroit. But expect debate about tax incentives
Public officials cheer major investment in city to bring 5,000 jobs. But Detroit and state officials have 60 days to assemble land and present an incentives package to FCA.
Look to sales tax on gas to help fix Michigan roads, report suggests
A new analysis by the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan offers suggestions to state policymakers looking at ways to pay to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads.
A $18B debt is coming due, and it’s haunting small town Michigan
See how your town compares as a new state law tracking public pension and health care debt lays bare the financial woes of rural Michigan.
Will Michigan cities keep vow to cut legacy debt? New law lacks teeth
Experts concede a new Michigan law on pension and retiree health debt has no real enforcement powers on communities that refuse to tackle this significant problem on their own.
That’s a wrap. Michigan gerrymandering case now in hands of three judges
More than 650 pages of arguments filed by parties in hotly disputed case over whether Michigan political districts that have favored Republicans are unconstitutional.
Dana Nessel shakes up Flint prosecutions; civil settlement talks underway
Saying “the people of Flint deserve nothing short of justice,” Michigan’s attorney general is moving quickly to resolve dozens of civil lawsuits filed in the wake of the Flint lead poisoning crisis.
Michigan AG Dana Nessel turns up heat with Catholic Church over sex abuse
Catholic dioceses in Michigan are having alleged sex abuse victims sign non-disclosure agreements, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Thursday. She encouraged victims to report their abuse to authorities even if they’ve signed agreements not to talk.
Dana Nessel to MSU: ‘Do the right thing’ and cooperate more with Nassar investigation
At a news conference Thursday, Michigan’s attorney general said she’s frustrated with Michigan State University’s level of cooperation in the investigation surrounding Larry Nassar.