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Women’s March draws more than 1,000 in Detroit despite controversy
More than 1,000 people braved snowy conditions and attended today Women’s March at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. “This freedom that we have is not free. It was fought for. It was cried over. It was prayed for by someone for you. The cost of that freedom is this movement and […]
Benson: Michigan’s team of female executives is a ‘win-win’
As the first Democrat to serve as Michigan Secretary of State in almost 25 years, Jocelyn Benson is also part of a brand-new leadership team in the state. Michigan is the only state in the country with women in top four leadership posts: Benson, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Chief Justice Bridget […]
Lawrence to help lead women’s caucus
U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) has been elected co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Women’s Caucus. She will share duties with U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.). “Working together to support the needs of women and families is a cornerstone of our country’s overall success,” Lawrence said. “I am committed to continue to collaborate in creating legislation […]
5 vying to lead Michigan Democrats
The five candidates running for Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) chair have all pledged to build on last year’s wins at the top of the ticket. The election will occur at the state convention, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Current Chair Brandon Dillon, a former state representative who […]
Engler may be out at MSU after Nassar comments
Will interim Michigan State University President John Engler make it until a scheduled board meeting first thing Thursday morning? As board members suggest they have the votes to remove Engler, speculation is growing that the GOP former three-term Michigan governor could resign beforehand. Engler has repeatedly been criticized for his handling of the aftermath of […]
Neeley re-elected as Black Caucus leader
State Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) has been re-elected to chair the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) for the 2019-20 session. Neeley was first elected chair in January 2017, following a stint as the caucus’ first vice chair during the 2015-2016 legislative session. “We’re moving forward in a positive and unified way, tackling the challenges of […]
Michigan to issue Feb. food assistance early due to shutdown
The Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services (MDHHS) plans to issue Food Assistance Program benefits early for February as directed by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The move is in response to the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, which is now the longest in U.S. history. Democratic members of Congress, such as U.S. […]
Poletown closing cuts deep
Southeastern Michigan residents are still reeling over General Motors’ announcement that it will lay off almost 15,000 workers and close out production at five North American plants. One of them is the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, known to many as the “Poletown Plant.” Just before the North American International Auto Show kicked off in Detroit this week, […]
Breaking: Watchdog org. filing complaint against anti-abortion group with state contract
A nonpartisan consumer watchdog group plans to file a complaint on Monday calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as well as Attorney General Dana Nessel and Auditor General Doug Ringler, to investigate and terminate Michigan’s contract with Real Alternatives, an anti-abortion pregnancy and parenting support services firm. Campaign for Accountability (CFA), a nonprofit based in Washington, […]
GM layoffs could mean 16,000 fewer jobs overall in Michigan
Lawmakers and state officials were presented with a somewhat encouraging picture of the national and Michigan economies at a semi-annual budget conference Friday morning. However, General Motors layoffs put a damper on the outlook. Gabriel Ehrlich, director of the University of Michigan’s Department of Economics, reported that “Michigan’s economy has rarely been better than is.” […]
Guilfoyle named deputy treasurer
Jeff Guilfoyle has been named chief deputy treasurer. Guilfoyle, who will begin work on Jan. 22, previously worked at the Treasury Department from 1998 through 2009, serving in several positions, including director within the Economic and Revenue Forecasting Division and the Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis. “Jeff’s expertise as an economist, K-12 policy […]
Lawrence nominated for Appropriations Committee
The magnitude of Michigan’s pink wave is poised to increase in its scope. U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) has been nominated by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Steering Committee to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. “I am excited to be nominated to serve on the powerful and exclusive House […]