State Budget + Taxes
Pandemic-related aid led to revenue dip, but analysts say Michigan’s economy remains strong
Top economic officials for Michigan on Friday lowered their estimates for net tax revenues in the state over the next few years, but applauded Michigan’s expected resilience against a national economic downturn. Leaders of the State Treasury Department and House and Senate fiscal agencies met with economists and their partners Friday at the Michigan Capitol […]
Michigan Senate passes $79.6 billion budget plan, spending less than the House version
The Democratic-led Michigan Senate on Thursday passed its version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget. The $79.6 billion Senate plan came in just under the $80.1 billion budget passed by the Democratic-led House Thursday, but above Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s $79 billion proposal put forward in February. “As we have for the last five months, […]
Michigan House passes $80.1B budget for 2024 fiscal year
Democrats leading the Michigan House pushed through this week an $80.1 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget, topping Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s $79 billion proposal put forward in February. The House plan includes a $21.5 billion School Aid budget, which Democrats called “the largest investment in education in Michigan’s history,” as well as significant investments in […]
Rick Haglund: Michigan Republicans show hostility to China after courting companies for years
There are hundreds of Chinese companies employing tens of thousands of workers in Michigan, partially a result of aggressive efforts by Republican leaders over the past decade to bring them here. GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder led a record eight trade missions to China during his eight years as governor. His last trip, a weeklong […]
$175M for Gotion project clears Senate Appropriations Committee
A Senate panel on Thursday narrowly approved $175 million in state funds for a $2.36 billion electric vehicle battery factory in Mecosta County that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called “the biggest ever economic development project in northern Michigan.” But the project has drawn concerns from some Democrats over salaries for the subsidized jobs and criticism […]
On this day in 1909: Woodward Avenue in Detroit is paved with concrete
On April 20, 1909, Woodward Avenue in Detroit made history when it became a paved road. Over the years, it has been described as the “world’s first concrete highway.” The Woodward Avenue road construction, carried out by Wayne County, came at a time when several streets in the Motor City were lined with brick pavers, […]
Biden administration sends millions to states for bridge repair, replacement
The Biden administration will allocate $295 million in federal funding to repair or replace nine bridges across the country, including in Michigan, Oregon, Wisconsin and Virginia, the Federal Highway Administration said Thursday. The funding comes from the 2021 infrastructure law and the bridges were selected as part of a competitive grant program for bridge projects […]
Gilchrist: Whitmer, Legislature are ‘taking out the trash’ in reversing Snyder-era policies
In the first 100 days of 2023, with Democrats now holding the reins after a dozen years of total Republican legislative rule, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist says he and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are proud to have successfully rolled back several high-profile, right-wing policies. Since January, the Michigan Legislature has been passing bills — and Whitmer […]
Column: As budget negotiations continue, here are top health and human services issues
The legislative action taken in the first quarter of 2023 has felt like a combination of a sprint and a marathon. Full disclosure: I’m not a runner, so it’s possible this analogy doesn’t hold up, but I think we can all agree that the pace of legislation passed in these last few months has been […]
With hunger on the rise, Food Bank Council asks the Michigan Legislature to boost funding
As Michiganders increasingly turn to food pantries and other community sites in the wake of pandemic-related benefits ending and grocery prices rising, the Food Bank Council of Michigan is asking lawmakers for additional funds advocates say would help to address the growing food insecurity that’s leaving residents to struggle with hunger across the state. The […]
Amid GOP backlash to Gotion plant, exec rebukes conspiracy of ‘communist plot’ in Big Rapids
A township meeting in West Michigan was forced to go virtual Wednesday out of safety concerns, as the area’s plan to welcome a $2.36 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery factory continues to clash with Republicans who claim that the project is a front for a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) plot. “Despite what any current politicians […]
Childcare providers detail challenges in roundtable with Gilchrist
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist on Thursday read to young children and heard from their parents, guardians and other caregivers during a visit to Northwest Activities Center in Detroit. There, adults shared their passion for providing education and care for children. They also told Gilchrist about the challenges that they face, which includes low pay for […]