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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.
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Preparing Michigan cities, health systems for more ransomware attacks
Cyberattacks on public bodies and hospitals in Michigan can cost millions if they don’t take steps to train workers and protect computer systems. “It’s just going to get worse,” one expert told Bridge Magazine.
Gretchen Whitmer uses line-item veto – 147 times – on GOP’s Michigan budget
Government shutdown avoided, as Whitmer cuts nearly $1 billion in the $59.9 billion budget through line-item vetoes. But a bigger battle could be looming, as she plans to invoke a rarely used power to change the Republican-approved budget.
What’s next for Michigan budget: Gretchen Whitmer plans more shifts to GOP plan
An unprecedented budget fight will continue Tuesday morning at a meeting that could see Gov. Gretchen Whitmer exercise a rare power reserved for governors. Whitmer also trimmed nearly $1 billion from the Republican-led Legislature’s $59.9 billion budget.
Michigan government won’t shut down, state tells workers
The state is telling government employees to plan on reporting to work as usual on Tuesday morning as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prepares to decide the fate of budgets Monday.
Michigan law limiting ballot drives unconstitutional, court rules
The law places a 15 percent cap per congressional district on signature gathering for ballot initiatives. The court said that unfairly hampers the public’s rights.
Judge slams Dana Nessel in gay adoption case for ‘targeted attack’ on religion
U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker says Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel put St. Vincent Catholic Charities “in the position of either giving up its belief or giving up its contract with the state.”
Michigan GOP budget contains 7 big surprises for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Tucked inside the $59.9 billion budget, Michigan legislators have proposed big cuts to the Department of Education unless it creates A-F school grades, shifts money for redistricting and requires the construction of a controversial psychiatric facility in Caro.
Hate Michigan roads? Your neighbors’ may be way better. (with database)
Yes, Michigan has bad roads, but their quality varies widely throughout the state, according to 2018 rankings of road conditions, which may inform lawmakers’ debate about whether to raise taxes for upgrades.
How Gretchen Whitmer could fight GOP budget, avoid Michigan government shutdown
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has several options to challenge the GOP-led Legislature’s budget, ranging from vetoes of line items or department budgets to an aggressive administrative trick pioneered by John Engler. All would avoid a shutdown, but each carries risks.
Michigan House considers expungement of marijuana, traffic convictions
The package would make hundreds of thousands more Michiganders eligible to set aside criminal records. Some Democrats question why they don’t automatically set aside lesser pot convictions, rather than requiring people to petition a court.
Michigan’s Republican Legislature sends budgets to Whitmer — vetoes expected
A one-time road funding increase and cuts to the Secretary of State’s office are among the Republican budget decisions that Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has strongly opposed, and may veto.
Southfield City Clerk accused of Michigan election fraud
Sherikia Hawkins is charged with doctoring absentee voter paperwork to reconcile vote counts. State officials said any misdeeds did not affect the outcome of the 2018 election.
Michigan jails filled with unlicensed drivers, people who miss court dates
Michigan’s jail task force is finding that one explanation for the state’s crowded county jails is thousands of people being locked up for relatively minor charges rather than dangerous crimes.
Michigan Legislature, Gov. Whitmer head for showdown on roads, redistricting
Republican-led House and Senate committees approve road funding at levels well below what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has demanded. Constraints placed on Secretary of State and Attorney General offices may also draw pushback from the governor.
Without L. Brooks Patterson, new hope for mass transit in metro Detroit
After years of blocking mass-transit efforts, Oakland County has a new executive, Dave Coulter, who is bullish on regional transportation. That’s led to hopes for a multibillion-dollar tax plan next year.
What to expect when you're expecting a Michigan government shutdown
From student financial aid and liquor, to state parks and hunting and fishing licenses, here’s what services might be temporarily blocked if state leaders don’t strike a budget deal by Oct. 1.
Michigan budget negotiations break down (again) over short-term road funding
GOP leaders want to include $500 million in road funding in the budget. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other Democrats say that may get in the way of a long-term deal to commit $2.5 billion a year that’s needed for roads.
Whitmer, GOP must solve these 5 disagreements to pass Michigan budget
The Oct. 1 deadline for Michigan lawmakers to pass the $60 billion budget is near. Roads talks have been postponed, but there are more disagreements to solve.
Whitmer agrees to delay road funding talks to finish Michigan budget
The surprising announcement marks a change for Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who previously vowed to veto any Republican budget plan without roads funding. The change seems intended to prevent a government shutdown on Oct. 1.
Michigan Republicans push budget without road deal, a likely no-go for Whitmer
As a government shutdown looms, GOP leaders will begin vetting a budget plan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hasn’t signed off on. The two sides are far apart on roads and infrastructure funding and on whether to raise taxes for the effort.