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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
Larry Inman recall effort is dead again, after Michigan nixes signatures
The Michigan Bureau of Elections has determined a group seeking to force a recall election against state Rep. Larry Inman didn’t meet the threshold of 12,201 signatures.
Gov. Whitmer, GOP clash on Michigan ban on public funds for private schools
Religious and non-public school groups want the Michigan Supreme Court to strike down a constitutional amendment banning taxpayer funding for private schools, arguing it was motivated by anti-Catholic bias and violates free exercise rights.
A year later, $10M grant to help former Michigan GOP chair stuck in limbo
Controversial grants to assist a southeast Michigan real estate development with strong Republican ties could be hampered by delays that could jeopardize state funding.
Michigan Supreme Court urged to release Bill Schuette emails on private accounts
A liberal advocacy group argues the state is unjustly refusing to give up government emails the group requested in 2016. Current Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has picked up Schuette’s defense, citing technical concerns with the suit.
Michigan to allow cellphones in all courts, striking down local bans
Lawyers and advocates argued that cellphone bans create barriers to justice, while some judges raised concerns over court chaos.
Michigan Republican pushes to deregulate health care. Some hospitals call foul.
A GOP legislative package would remove barriers to small rural hospitals expanding or offering some of the same services as larger hospitals in the region. Both sides say their vision would lower costs.
Michigan LGBT rights initiative launched for November ballot
Petition language submitted to state election officials on Tuesday would expand the definition of “sex” in Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression,” guaranteeing safeguards in housing, public accommodation and employment.
New year, old problems: Six issues Michigan leaders vow to tackle in 2020
As they return to Lansing this week, Michigan’s leaders are faced with tough questions on how to improve roads, education, skilled trades and more.
Michigan settles juvenile inmate sex assault claims as trial nears
For seven years, Republican and Democratic attorneys general fought the allegations in state and federal court before reaching an apparent deal. The terms were not immediately announced.
A look back at our most impactful Michigan government coverage of 2019
Dana Nessel, Lee Chatfield, and Jocelyn Benson's promise of 30-minute waits at Secretary of State offices. As 2019 winds down, take a look back at Bridge's most impactful government stories of the year.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer on tough first year: ‘I did what I said I was going to’
Gretchen Whitmer came into office promising big fixes to roads and schools. But with a Republican Legislature, the Democrat’s first year is ending with few big victories.
On day he’s impeached, President Trump implies John Dingell may be in hell
The president talks jobs and impeachment during a rally in Battle Creek. But some Republicans say he should apologize for implying that a longstanding congressman from Michigan may be in hell.
Michigan Supreme Court won’t rule on GOP minimum wage, sick leave changes
The Court determined that it lacks jurisdiction to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of the “adopt and amend” strategy employed by Republican lawmakers in last year’s lame-duck session.
Michigan Republicans poised to bypass Whitmer, ban abortion procedure
Leaders in Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature are awaiting petition signatures that will allow them to ban a common abortion procedure without signature from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who opposes the measure.
Mike Shirkey: I’m open to changing Michigan’s third-grade reading law
Hearing concerns from educators, Michigan’s Senate Majority Leader says he’s considering changes to the law that could flunk 5,000 third-graders in May.
Welcome to Michigan, President Trump. About that economy you promised …
Jobs and wages are down in most of the 12 counties that switched support from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in 2016, but voters say they have confidence in the president and the economy.
30-minute guarantee at Michigan Secretary of State — if you have appointment
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she’s met her promise of 30-minute waits at every branch office, thanks to innovative changes. Walk-ins, though, can still wait for hours and getting an appointment at busier branches can take time.
Congrats on budget, Michigan. It does little to fix state’s biggest problems.
Michigan’s divided government finally passes a budget. It barely addresses the state’s bad roads, middling schools and expensive colleges.
Jury acquits Larry Inman of lying to FBI; mistrial on other counts
A Traverse City state representative who sent a union asking for donations for a vote is acquitted of lying to the FBI, but jurors can't reach a verdict on the most serious charges.
Michigan, we have a budget deal. (Give or take $400 million)
After weeks of delays, Michigan lawmakers agree to compromise with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on budget vetoes and spending shifts. Left unresolved: nearly a half-billion dollars still cut from the budget.