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Treasury, AG say state income tax cut is not permanent, angering Republicans
A tax cut triggered by the state’s record budget surplus will drop Michigan’s tax rate to its lowest level in more than 15 years. However, Republican lawmakers are protesting an announcement that the cut will only apply for this year. Michigan Treasurer Rachel Eubanks on Wednesday said the state’s income tax will decrease from 4.25% […]
U of M graduate instructors hit the picket line
Members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3550 went out on strike Wednesday, with economic issues the main point of contention. The union, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) and Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSAs) at the University of Michigan. Union members said […]
House resolution condemns ‘inappropriate, repugnant Holocaust comparisons’
A resolution condemning any comparisons of gun reform legislation to the Holocaust was passed by the Michigan House last week, but not without friction between Democrats who control the chamber and Republicans upset at the process. House Resolution 68, sponsored by state Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), who is Jewish, came a day after a […]
Public comment reopened on Romulus facility that accepted waste from Ohio train derailment
After receiving toxic debris last month from an Ohio train derailment, the public comment period for a license renewal request by the operators of a hazardous waste facility in Romulus will be reopened. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) this month announced the extended public comment period, which was confirmed by the Michigan Department of […]
MPSC OKs higher compensation for residents after power outages
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday approved an increase in power outage credits for eligible customers from $25 to $35. The order also provides an additional $35 for each day customers are without power and makes the credits automatic. Previously, customers were required to apply for the credit. “The credits may not cover […]
MSU shooting survivor Troy Forbush speaks at gun reform rally in Lansing
“This is more than being at the wrong place at the wrong time. This could happen anywhere, at any time in this country. This has to end.” With those words, Troy Forbush began to tell his story on Thursday at the March for Our Lives rally at Michigan’s Capitol. Forbush was among the five students […]
Lapeer District Library latest target for campaign against LGBTQ+ book
The book, “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” is described by author Maia Kobabe as an “intensely cathartic autobiography” that charts a “journey of self-identity.” But to Republican Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller, the book borders on child pornography. Caught in the middle is Lapeer District Library Director Amy Churchill, who Miller had reportedly threatened to charge […]
House passes safe storage bills as gun reform package makes way through Legislature
The Democratic-led Michigan House on Wednesday passed legislation requiring the safe storage of firearms. The legislative package, which consisted of four Senate bills and four House bills, passed with varying support from Republicans. The House and Senate have passed other gun reform bills in recent weeks in the wake of the Feb. 13 mass shooting […]
Michigan GOP Chair Karamo repeatedly defends linking Holocaust to gun reform bills
The Michigan Republican Party garnered widespread condemnation and pushback Wednesday after a social media post explicitly linked the Holocaust to gun reform legislation introduced by legislative Democrats in the wake of the Feb. 13 mass shooting at Michigan State University. The House bills received the backing from a wide variety of individuals and groups, including […]
U of M graduate instructors to hold strike authorization vote
Updated, 7:59 a.m., 3/22/23 Members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3550 are a step closer to striking following a general membership meeting on Monday in which they voted to initiate the strike authorization process. The union, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) […]
‘It’s a human rights abuse’: Dems reintroduce legislation to end child marriage in Michigan
Calling it an “archaic practice” and a “human rights abuse,” Democrats in Lansing this week reintroduced legislation to end child marriage in Michigan. State Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) on Thursday held a press conference to announce a package of 10 bills that would prohibit any marriage involving a child younger […]
With landmark LGBTQ+ rights bill on the brink of becoming law, Michigan advocates look ahead
With Thursday’s planned signing by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of an expansion of the 1973 Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), LGBTQ+ advocates are savoring a hard-fought victory and looking ahead to where the fight for equal rights goes now. Senate Bill 4 expands ELCRA to protect against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. After […]