Guest Commentary

The legislature has the opportunity to pass common sense bills that currently have bipartisan support and the backing of faith communities, business leaders, law enforcement, and local crime survivors like us.

Bills now in the Legislature would allow Michigan community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing, something that’s needed to address the healthcare staffing shortage.

Child care creates long-term public good that is too often subsidized by those who can least afford it: families and care providers.

The healthcare worker shortage is reaching a critical point. There are steps the state could take to help.

In rereading a text thread with my daughter who was in Oxford High School during the shooting, I realized how many times I said "teacher." Heroes, every single one.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is doing an outstanding job, and the media should stop the negative drumbeat and start the applause.

Bills introduced in the House are nothing more than a flawed attempt to cut costs at the expense of victims.

Michigan lawmakers have a chance to make reforms that strike the right balance between ensuring public safety and avoiding punishing those who are presumed innocent.

Complete transparency in the redistricting process is vital because the end result will impact the citizens of our state for years to come.

Public bodies need to be held accountable for misapplying FOIA exemptions and inordinately delaying requests for months or years on end.

So what if Kentucky and Tennessee are getting some auto and battery plants? That’s not the path to state prosperity.

Every day we fail to act we allow Ohio, Indiana, and other states to get ahead of us.

The Supreme Court’s goal of protecting privacy is commendable, but concealing judicial records makes it harder for struggling businesses to operate and puts vulnerable populations at risk.

The Legislature is working to pass legislation that makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat. The governor should take note — and get her facts straight.

Learning the ugly side of history isn’t easy, but it’s vital. Even if it sometimes hurts our feelings.

Some of our state’s largest and most profitable corporations have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the elected officials behind anti-democratic voter suppression bills.

My goal is to put the needs of Michigan’s students and families above all else. Each student needs different things to support their growth as they pursue a career, college or whatever path life might take them.

An overhaul of the Michigan Competitive Scholarship is one of the best possible uses to make a transformational change in our state’s trajectory.

GOP bills in the Michigan Legislature would constrain hard-working local officials who run our elections, empower partisan poll watchers who can intimidate voters, and limit the freedom to vote.

I wouldn’t want someone laying a wreath on my grandfather’s grave that came from an organization that is non-transparent, political or clouded in allegations of self-dealing.