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MPSC report: Michigan residents see returns from energy efficiency investments
As part of an annual report on energy waste reduction programs, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) found that customers are saving almost $3 for every $1 invested into energy efficiency programs. Electricity and natural gas providers whose rates are regulated by the commission are required by state law to implement programs aimed at reducing […]
Polluter pay bills aim to give Michigan regulators more authority, tools for environmental cleanup
Democrats in the Michigan House and Senate are looking to fortify environmental regulations through a continued effort to reinstate polluter pay in the state. State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) and state Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) told the Advance they plan to introduce a package of bills sometime this fall to ensure polluter accountability […]
UAW head says GM has committed to a ‘just transition’ for engine workers
Three weeks into the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, UAW President Shawn Fain announced a “transformative win,” on a Friday livestream, with General Motors agreeing to place their battery manufacturers under their master agreement with the union. Before going on the livestream on social media — which was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., but […]
Undocumented workers camp out near Capitol calling for action on ‘Drive SAFE’ bills
Updated, 6:09 p.m., 10/6/23 Earlier this week, undocumented families and workers and their allies called on Democratic leaders to schedule hearings on bills that would restore their ability to obtain a driver’s license in Michigan. According to a statement from Cosecha Michigan — an organization that fights for permanent protection, dignity and respect for undocumented […]
Republicans seek to remove slavery as criminal punishment from Michigan Constitution
State Sen. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) and Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills) introduced measures that would eliminate from the Michigan Constitution slavery as a punishment for crime. Senate Joint Resolution G and House Joint Resolution G would remove an exception for slavery or involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. In its current state Section […]
Michigan Senate votes to advance prescription drug bills, nixes most GOP amendments
Updated, 3:45 p.m., 10/4/23 Members of the state Senate on Wednesday voted to pass a set of bills to create an independent board to address the impact of prescription drug costs on Michiganders. Senate Bills 483–485, sponsored by state Sens. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), passed the Senate […]
Health care workers, crash survivors demand auto no-fault fixes ahead of committee hearing
A sea of people in blue shirts demanding action on Michigan’s care crisis gathered on the Capitol lawn Tuesday in support of car crash survivors and health care workers harmed by 2019 changes to Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law. Last week state Sens. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) introduced a bipartisan package […]
Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announces U.S. Senate bid
In a social media post on Tuesday, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced his U.S. Senate campaign, seeking to claim Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s (D-Lansing) seat following her January announcement that she would not seek reelection. “The American People want a return to Law and Order. And that’s exactly what they’re going to get. I […]
Nessel offers plan to address Michigan’s frequent power outages
Following a call out from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for comments on how to address Michigan’s energy reliability woes, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has submitted her own proposal on how to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. In comments filed with the commission on Sept. 22, Nessel asked for clarity […]
Judge dismisses claims against state officials in all 3 Benton Harbor lead contamination cases
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan has dismissed all claims against state agencies and officials in three cases seeking damages for lead contamination in Benton Harbor, determining that state actors did not contribute to or worsen contamination. All three suits were brought by residents of Benton Harbor, who argued that named […]
House panel hears testimony on whether to remove ban on local regulation of plastic bags
The House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee met on Thursday to hear testimony on bills that would restore local governments’ ability to regulate plastic bags and other reusable or single-use containers. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) — whose House Bill 4359 would repeal a 2016 law preempting local regulations of “certain containers” […]
DHHS promotes free COVID test program, offers additional testing options
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is encouraging residents to take advantage of the federal government’s free at-home COVID-19 test program, and is providing information about testing options in the state. As of Monday, all U.S. residents can sign up to receive up to four free at-home COVID-19 tests per household by […]