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Michigan Government
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
When will Gov. Whitmer reopen Michigan? It’s complicated. And a bit vague.
Unlike some other states, Michigan isn’t using precise metrics to determine when to reopen the state from the coronavirus lockdown. Whitmer and epidemiologists say that’s necessary, but Republicans and some business leaders say the lack of transparency is infuriating
Michigan’s $6.2B coronavirus budget gap ‘as bad or worse’ than Great Recession
How bad is it going to be? Very bad. 22 percent unemployment. $1.9 billion in lost taxes out of what would be an $11 billion general fund this year alone. The only options: Huge cuts, tax increases or hope for a D.C. bailout.
Gretchen Whitmer, GOP square off in court over Michigan emergency powers
A Court of Claims judge hears arguments about whether the governor can issue emergency declarations without consent of the Legislature amid coronavirus. But even the judge acknowledges the case likely will be determined by a higher court.
Lots of rain, few fireworks at latest protest of Michigan’s stay-at-home rules
Some 200 activists gathered at the Michigan Capitol on Thursday for a wet protest against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. It was a largely peaceful affair aside from a fight sparked by one protester hanging a doll from a noose.
Michigan Senate passes more than $500M in federal coronavirus relief spending
Under the bill, which passed unanimously, the federal funds would be set aside for child care, front-line workers, testing and more. It now moves to the House.
Whitmer asks Pence to discourage protests, worries about spreading coronavirus
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday asked Vice President Mike Pence to discourage continued Capitol protests over her coronavirus quarantine orders. She also draws a direct link between Lansing demonstrators and the virus spreading to rural parts of Michigan.
As tensions rise, Gov. Whitmer faces Michigan showdown on quarantine order
A potentially armed demonstration looms Thursday. Republican lawyers will ask a judge Friday to rein in Whitmer’s emergency powers. And a small-town barber refuses to close. It’s a big week for the future of the governor’s coronavirus plan.
Whitmer: GOP lawsuit adds a ‘constitutional crisis’ to coronavirus crisis
Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature is attempting to “build a constitutional crisis atop a public health crisis” by challenging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency authority during the coronavirus pandemic, her attorneys said Tuesday in a court filing
Michigan lawmaker seeks Capitol gun ban ahead of coronavirus protest
The debate over whether to ban weapons within the Michigan Capitol is coming to a head as another protest is planned for later this week.
Michigan tribal casinos delay openings to June 1 due to coronavirus
What last week looked like a potential conflict between tribal leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel is headed off for now with the delay of reopening of Kewadin’s five casinos.
Michigan governor, GOP leader inflate the rhetoric in coronavirus fight
With more than 4,500 Michiganders dead and nearly 48,000 confirmed cases, COVID-19 has already captured residents’ attention. But officials have inflated or mischaracterized facts in the battle to publicly frame debate.
No, the Michigan Capitol Commission will not ban guns, at least not yet
The Michigan Capitol Commission won’t immediately ban guns at the building despite the potential for more armed demonstrators this week at another planned protest over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus stay-at-home order. Instead, the body appointed a study committee.
Gun ban at Michigan Capitol unlikely, despite urging from Dana Nessel
Attorney General Dana Nessel says the Michigan Capitol Commission can ban guns at the state Capitol, but members say they don’t believe they have that right and it would be up to the Legislature to bar the weapons.
Tribal casinos may be headed for clash with Whitmer, Nessel over reopening
At least six U.P. casinos may reopen before the end of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order closing bars, dine-in restaurants and casinos. They can do that. They’re sovereign nations.
Whitmer reopens Michigan from coronavirus in phases: What that means to you
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced details of a six-phase economic restart plan and announced that Michigan is already in the third phase because coronavirus case counts are “flattening.”
Michigan manufacturing resumes Monday, stay-at-home order extended to May 28
The change comes as part of a six-step economic reopening plan announced Thursday by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Michigan tribes set to receive millions in federal coronavirus relief
After a frustrating delay, Michigan’s Native American tribes will be receiving their share of pandemic relief funds. Those funds are critical for the tribes, many of which have lost their primary revenue source — tribal casinos — during the state lockdown.
GOP-led Legislature sues Michigan Gov. Whitmer over emergency powers
Senate Majority Leader MIke Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield announced the Court of Claims lawsuit at the Michigan Capitol, acting on authorization granted by lawmakers last week.
In Michigan, mandatory masks a flash point for violence amid coronavirus
Three incidents, including a murder, highlight tensions betweeen retailers trying to enforce Michigan’s mask order and customers. One retail group is calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to dump the mask rule because it puts clerks in a ‘horrendous position,’ one official says.
Violating Michigan social distancing orders? Big Brother may be watching.
Government agencies are using drones, cameras and other technology to keep tabs on the coronavirus pandemic, and more is on the way. That begs the question: How much individual freedom should Michiganders trade in exchange for increased public safety?