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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
Are lottery ticket sales next thing to go in Michigan amid coronavirus?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s ‘taking a very serious look’ at halting the sale of lottery tickets in stores because people still aren’t getting the message about social distancing.
Toilet paper for donors? Coronavirus forces Michigan campaigns to get creative
In Michigan, politics amid a pandemic has candidates scrambling to get signatures during a state lockdown. One is promising to deliver toilet paper to top donors. Another has delivered meals to needy residents. But no one is kissing babies.
Whitmer strongly hints she'll extend coronavirus stay-home order in Michigan
With the state still roughly five weeks from hitting its peak in cases of the coronavirus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the threat to human life remains too perilous to loosen restrictions anytime soon.
Watch Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus town hall
Watch a replay of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus town hall. Michigan viewers were allowed to ask questions during this time of crisis.
Michigan unemployment surges; record 1 in 10 workers have filed claims
More than 300,000 Michigan residents filed unemployment insurance claims last week, an unprecedented surge amid the coronavirus pandemic that has forced business closures, prompted mass layoffs and overwhelmed the state filing system.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer asks Legislature to extend emergency powers 70 days
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature to extend her emergency authority by 70 days amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The House is developing a plan to hold a session next week without violating social distancing guidelines.
Michigan prisons keep GED classes going despite fears of coronavirus
Prisons are limiting class sizes, but teachers and corrections officers worry about the spread of COVID-19, which has hit scores of inmates and staff. Officials say they are balancing health risks against the need for daily routine.
Michigan axes $80M in pork spending, shifts spending to fight coronavirus
Bracing for what could be a multibillion dollar loss in state revenue, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders on Monday agreed to cancel $80 million in special project spending as they focus dwindling state resources on the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump grants some disaster aid to Michigan; state also gets N95 masks
Disaster package loosens federal funds to help cover costs related to COVID-19 — from medical supplies to personal protective equipment to child care.
Coronavirus cases surge in Michigan’s crowded prisons
With 24 cases of the potentially deadly virus confirmed in Michigan prisons by Friday, experts warn that Michigan’s jails and prisons could see a deluge of COVID-19 cases
As Detroit ICUs fill, officials ask outstate hospitals to share the load
Hospitals outside of southeast Michigan are being asked for 10 percent of their beds for coronavirus patients as the state looks for “alternative sites” for field hospitals.
Michigan, United States set records for weekly unemployment claims
Nationally, more than 3.2 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance benefits last week. That was more than four times the previous recorded high of 695,000 initial claims in October 1982.
What the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus means for you and Michigan
It’s the biggest aid package in American history, pledging help for individuals, businesses and hospitals as much of the nation’s economy shuts down during the ongoing pandemic.
Coronavirus complaints overwhelm Michigan unemployment, law enforcement
Attorney General Dana Nessel says she’s overrun with complaints about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, while unemployment claims burden state systems. The confusion is even causing suburban police to investigate clothing stores to ensure they’re closed.
Police: Don’t expect us to enforce Michigan’s confusing coronavirus lockdown
Flouting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order is a misdemeanor. But some police say they’re unlikely to wade into the confusion of who is an essential worker. ‘Good luck with that,’ one lawyer says.
What jobs are exempt from Michigan coronavirus lockdown? You may be surprised.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Michigan to stay home, but allowed ‘essential’ employees to keep working. Her exemptions include more than a dozen industries employing 1 million workers.
What Michigan’s coronavirus stay-at-home order means for residents
You can still take a walk and get a pizza delivered, but Monday’s order means many Michigan residents will be at home the majority of the next three weeks.
Michigan GOP to Whitmer: Use your powers to ease toll of coronavirus crisis
House Speaker Lee Chatfield wants Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to issue more executive orders to relax rules on health care, unemployment, child care and education. He also wants free hunting license and alcohol take-out for restaurants struggling to stay open.
Michigan strains unemployment system with most claims since Great Recession
More than 80,000 Michigan residents filed for unemployment insurance between Monday and Thursday, according to a top official. The flood of claims has strained the state website and call center, prompting delays for residents made jobless by the coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan governing goes virtual during coronavirus, posing host of questions
How do you gather petitions for ballot measures during a pandemic? Or meet to approve laws during social distancing? In the past week, Michigan has had to adjust governance on the fly.