MIRSnews.com Monday

MIRS kicks things off with MoReno Taylor II, Democrats' former state judicial program director; Adam Bitely of Bellwether Public Relations, and Sterling Heights Republican Michelle Smith. Together they discuss President Donald Trump's Macomb County rally last week, and what residents might be craving most from the state government (1:15).  MIRS also sits down with Christina Hines, the Warren Democrat running in Michigan's 10th Congressional District for the 2026 election cycle (26:25).  What is going on with tariffs? Executive Director Glenn Stevens of MICHAuto walks MIRS through how recent tariff orders are impacting Michigan's overall auto industry (41:50). 

MIRS' podcast host Samantha Shriber kicks things off with several news updates. For example, the state Senate last week approved bills creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), required to investigate high drug costs and authorized to set price caps (:55).  Moreover, MIRS discussed Michigan politics last week with Dave Wasserman, the Cook Political Report's senior editor and elections analyst (11:10).  He talks about Democrats' progressive U.S. Senate candidates, and how D.C. and Michigan folk differ when it comes to hot takes on U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

It's officially construction cone season in Michigan.  The Governor says a bipartisan road funding deal will soon be reached. But the state Senate has some budget concerns, wanting to avoid "one time gimmicks" when it comes to bankrolling infrastructure.  MIRS sits down with Matthew Resch, the president of Lansing-based Resch Strategies, and Brad Williams of the Detroit Regional Chamber to hear their thoughts on the developing policy debate (6:08).  Also, should physician assistants in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Tennessee be able to practice in Michigan through a shared licensure network, without paying the state's separate fees? Thadd Gormas of the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates explains why his group wants the state to enter the PA Licensure Compact (28:17). 

MIRS kicks things off with Greg Manz – the 2024 communications director for the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee – and Democratic political consultant Mike Radtke. Together, they discuss statewide campaign rollouts ahead of the '26 elections, as well as the Governor's unusual appearance in the Oval Office (1:51).  The Macomb County Public Works Commission says raw sewage is being dumped into the Red Run Drain by Oakland County's storm water and sewage treatment facility, washing into the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.  MIRS joins three Macomb state Representatives--two Republicans and a Democrat---who say they're all "pissed." (23:36). And learn more about the American Political Items Collectors' auction and collection show May 9-10 in Romulus (33:29). 

MIRS talks with Jenell Leonard, the owner of Marketing Resource Group, about recent polling of Michigan voters. Governor Gretchen Whitmer hit her highest approval rating in five years, and 53 percent of respondents support creating a state-level DOGE (2:36).  Also, state Rep. David Prestin, a Cedar River Republican, says the U.P. is "looking at an apocalypse" if Michigan's clean energy policies shut down its RICE generators (15:13).  What happens if the federal government no longer tests personal protective equipment? The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) thinks such government downsizing will put firefighters, construction workers and coal miners in danger (32:58). 

Should Michigan pursue a statewide cash allowance program for pregnant women and babies? MIRS sits down with Dr. Mona Hanna, the Flint-based pediatrician and founder of RX Kids, which offers "cash prescriptions" regardless of a household's income and assets (8:20).  Also, MIRS catches up with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, a Democrat running for governor in 2026 (22:35).  MIRS podcast host Samantha Shriber opens this edition with an update on Michigan politics and policy news for the week. (1:15)

Michigan is in the lowest 10 percent nationally when it comes to state psychiatric hospital beds, confirms the state's health department.   Lauren LaPine of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Connie O'Malley of the University of Michigan and Republican State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom – chair of the House's Medicaid and Behavioral Health appropriations subcommittee – talk about the impacts of behavioral health management on the state. They contemplate what is the government's role in keeping behavioral health patients out of already busy emergency departments (6:00).  MIRS podcast host Samantha Shriber opens this edition with a quick update on Michigan politics and policy news (1:13). 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, MIRS meets Meghan Kennedy Riordan, president of Irish Network Detroit. Meghan shares details about Michigan's relationship with Ireland, and why there are efforts to create a Michigan-Ireland Trade Commission (3:23).  Also, the team catches up with outgoing Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement. She talks about why she's leaving the state's highest court, and why she likely would not have pursued a Republican nomination again to return to the court (15:26).  MIRS catches up with State Rep. Jerry Neyer, chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He's introducing legislation to reframe the regulatory future of turning organic waste to biogas energy (33:20). 

For a roundtable discussion, MIRS welcomes journalist Lauren Gibbons, Bellwether PR professional Katie Jesaitis and Joel Rutherford, the former chair of Macomb County's Democratic Black caucus.  Together, they discuss reactions to the Lansing, Governor Whitmer and Trump White House's perceived relationship and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II's forecast bid for governor (3:40).  Also, MIRS catches up with State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, the Coldwater Republican, to talk about his legislation requiring new hospital price transparency (22:35).  Kelley Kuhn of the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy talk about nonprofits' efforts to maintain federal spending and social welfare programs as is (36:45). 

This week: Harbor Strategic's John Sellek gives his assessment on Governor Whitmer's State of the State address and how his Save MI Tips group succeeded in passing legislation to preserve the state's tip credit for servers. (:50) Sen Jim Runestad talks about how he defeated a Donald Trump-endorsed candidate to become the Michigan Republican Party Chair. (17:00)  

This past weekend, Republicans and Democrats hosted their state conventions in Detroit. At the Michigan Democratic Party convention, attendees spent more than two hours in line, making their demands and frustrations known to the party.  MIRS' Samantha Shriber spoke with new MDP Chair Curtis Hertel Jr., Mothering Justice founder Danielle Atkinson and Eastpointe party member Jeff Whittle, a special education instructor (:55).  Additionally, MIRS catches up with Zachary Kolodin. After three years as the Governor's Chief Infrastructure Officer & Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office , Zachary has launched his own firms, Pont Law and Pont Advisory, wanting to make infrastructure projects – from transit to housing to energy – simpler to build (14:10). 

Republicans and Democrats are working rapidly toward a compromise on Michigan's future paid sick time law. Angela Madden of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services is especially worried about how court-ordered changes to sick time policies might impact emergency services (1:30).  Also, MIRS hosts a special Presidents Day segment with Jordan Cash, a constitutional democracy professor. He talks about the country's few unelected presidents, and the constitutional questions raised by President Donald Trump's executive orders (22:10).  Additionally, where does public transit fit in Michigan's upcoming road funding debate? MIRS catches up with John Dulmes of the state's public transit association and Jamie Forbes of Saginaw's regional transit authority (44:05).

The Governor has proposed a $83.5 billion spending plan for the state. MIRS sits down with Robert Schneider, a senior research associate for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, to talk about it. With President Donald Trump's aspirations to cut down federal spending, should the Governor and lawmakers start drafting their own "Plan Bs" for state spending? (4:38).  Also last week, MIRS caught up with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who's running for governor as an independent. He's excited about the Detroit Regional Chamber's polling on the potential of independent candidates in the '26 elections (26:12).  Executive Director Dominick Pallone of the Michigan Association of Health Plans comes on as well. He talks about Medicaid, why healthcare costs rise and the expensive effects of weight loss drugs in the insurance world (40:28). 

MIRS catches up with John Patrick Yob, the head of the Republican Strategic National consulting firm. He talks about what to look out for ahead of Michigan Republicans' state convention on Feb. 21-22, where the chair of the '26 election cycle will be decided (4:37).  Also, MIRS hosts a roundtable discussion with Democratic program director MoReno Taylor II, Oakland University political science professor David Dulio and Jimmy Greene, the former president of the ABC of Michigan.  Together, they talk about Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek reelection in 2026. Also, what are the emotions of voters squeezed between two election cycles, and what is the state of Michigan legislative relationships in Lansing? (29:54).

MIRS meets up with Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest, Republican strategist Jason Roe and Sam Robinson of Detroit One Million. They discuss Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's campaign rollout for governor and other Michigan political headlines.   Additionally, less than a month into the new state Legislature, Senate Democrats are talking about suing House Republicans (1:41).  Also, on Feb. 5, Capitol Services Inc. will be launching the "Capitol Closet," a new program helping Lansing's young professionals build their workday wardrobe (28:52).  MIRS sits down with Ron Wiles as well, who's the deputy director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (46:23). 

MIRS sits down with Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Young, the newest chair of the Michigan Legislature's Detroit Caucus. She discusses wanting to build better relationships with city officials. She adds that no one should expect Detroit lawmakers to automatically get behind Renaissance Center redevelopment funding, wanting human assistance to be part of the conversation (3:40). Additionally, MIRS releases its "What To Expect" webinar from Jan. 16, featuring former Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger, past Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich and MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn (24:23). 

MIRS meets Christopher Smith – the State Bar's former elder law and disability rights section chair – and retired U.P. teacher Dee Lindenberger. They explain how right now, leaving behind a pension to a special needs child can result in them being disqualified from support services (2:58).  Also, MIRS wraps up its interviews with active Michigan Democratic Party chair candidates, sitting down with Detroit-based activist Al Williams (29:12).  Molly Medenblik of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network explains what her group is hoping to accomplish in Michigan during 2025 (47:50). 

What potential stories are you preparing for in 2025? MIRS kicks things off with Anna Heaton – the vice president of public affairs firm Resch Strategies – and Republican consultant Jamie Roe. They share what they have on their bingo cards for new year political and policy headlines (1:00).  Additionally, MIRS meets Mark Ludwig, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party's Rural Caucus. He wants to be the next chair of the state Democratic party (24:40).  MIRS also catches up with Scott Greenlee, a candidate for Michigan Republican Party chair. When he unsuccessfully ran in 2023, he said Republican legacy donors and "establishment" members were taking a lot of criticism. He thinks this year's party is ready for pitches to bring people together (42:40)

MIRS kicks things off with an end-of-year roundtable. Who were the biggest winners and losers of Michigan's Capitol in 2024? What reforms and deals can be achieved in a Democratic state Senate and Republican House?  Sterling Heights Democrat Henry Yanez, outgoing state Rep. Graham Filler – a St. Johns Republican – and Tony Zammit of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research join the chat (1:43).  MIRS also sits down with Curtis Hertel Jr., the East Lansing Democrat and former state senator who's running to be Michigan Democratic Party chair (31:22).  Finally, MIRS concludes its "Best Of" awards series for 2024, exploring Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. The team names MIRS' Senator of the Year (50:35). 

In its post-lame duck episode, the MIRS team continues its "Best Of" awards series for 2024, exploring Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. They determine who will be MIRS' House Member of the Year. Throughout historic walk-outs and on-edge moments, who stood out for durability and productivity? (3:51).  Many headlines covered Rep. Karen Whitsett, a Detroit Democrat, walking out of lame duck and protesting Democratic leadership. MIRS sits down with Whitsett, who explains her frustrations (30:14).  MIRS also sat down with state Rep. Bryan Posthumus, a Rockford Republican. He talks about his constitutional amendment effort, ramping up Michigan's ID-to-Vote standards (44:16). 

MIRS sits down with Tom Grotewohl, an Upper Peninsula resident and founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign. Will 318,700-plus petition signers keep senators from passing a $50 million state grant to the Copperwood Mine project? (3:40) Also, Group President Trevor Lauer of DTE Energy talks about the future of grid reliability, data centers possibly moving to Michigan and why utilities say no to community solar credit proposals (25:40).  Finally, the MIRS team continues its award series for 2024, looking at Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. They will decide the Republican Legislator of the Year. Which of the Capitol's Republicans stood out, either as a passionate protester or a notable collaborator? (48:00) 

With 2024 coming to an end, the MIRS team kicks off its awards series, discussing Michigan's policy movers and political shakers. After every election cycle, MIRS names a "Political Figure of the Year." Who should that be this year? Who had wins beyond their own race? (2:21) Also, MIRS talks to state Rep. Joseph Aragona, a Clinton Township Republican. As the House's incoming majority deputy whip, Aragona talks about plans to ramp up legislative oversight, with a vision of new sub-committees investigating specific state government issues (29:25).  For Flint-based Dr. Brittany Tayler, the youngest patient she's seen for nicotine dependence was 9. She's spending her lame duck pushing for new fines and fees for retailers to sell vapes and cigarettes (44:26). 

In the final days of Michigan's Democratic trifecta, should lawmakers take up labor reform surrounding post-injury workers' compensation and unemployment benefits? MIRS talks to state Sen. John Cherry, a Flint Democrat, about the changes that are being considered (1:56).  Also, Robert Schneider of Michigan's Citizens Research Council and Lisa Kats, an entrepreneurship consultant, report that Michigan is lagging behind its peers when it comes to nurturing a successful innovation and entrepreneurship environment in the state (19:07).  MIRS additionally talks to Michael Alaimo of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Rich Bowman of the Nature Conservancy. They want a state regulatory system for storing carbon dioxide emissions (42:19) 

MIRS catches up with state Sen. Stephanie Chang, a Detroit Democrat and the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety chair. She talks about police reform legislation to reduce use-of-force situations, and why progressives stand by bills making IDs available to residents without proof of citizenship (1:51).  Also, Mark Griffin of the Michigan Petroleum Association explains why gas station owners are against bills raising the fines and fees around selling vapes and cigarettes (22:03).  MIRS meets Andrew Kuhn, the board president of the Michigan Apartment Association to discuss the state of rental housing and housing reform (37:14). 

It is officially Lame Duck season in Lansing, and the MIRS team has some questions. Could the Governor veto something from her own party later this year? Do Democrats go progressive or uncontroversially moderate for their final days of a Democratic trifecta in the Capitol? (1:00).  Also, MIRS meets Cody Venzke, the ACLU's senior policy counsel on surveillance, privacy and technology. He discusses a bill to keep certain websites and apps from processing reproductive and sexual health data without a user's specific consent (20:00).  State Sen. Michael Webber, a Rochester Hills Republican, talks about how calling for improved oversight of state-run psychiatric hospitals became one of his main issues this term (36:40). 

Beginning today's episode, MIRS Editor Kyle Mellin and MIRS Monday podcast host Samantha Shriber lead a conservative-progressive roundtable discussion recapping the 2024 election results, featuring Republican operative Scott Hagerstrom and Progressive community advocate David Sanchez (3:15).  Why did Democrats struggle to connect with working class voters? Did Democrats court more anti-Trump Republicans than low-propensity voters on the left?  Also, MIRS sits down with Charlotte Republican Tom Barrett, who won in mid-Michigan's 7th Congressional district (26:25).  State Rep. Bill G. Schuette – chair of the House Republican Campaign Committee – talks about candidates, Republicans' "checks-and-balances" vision for next term and door-knocking dog bites (46:00).

Kicking off today's episode, MIRS editor Kyle Melinn and Samantha Shriber talk about this election cycle's noteworthy themes ahead of Tuesday's election day (2:43).  MIRS meets Julie Stavelend of Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, which has started rolling out a $210 million rebate program to ramp up homes' energy efficiency (17:49). Also, Hendrina Cupery of the Michigan Association of School Nurses discusses why some education and healthcare professionals want larger investment in hiring nurses for school districts (33:16). 

MIRS sits down with Republican campaign strategist John Yob and Alexis Wiley, the Detroit communications professional. Together, they are asked about election predictions, and what they see as the year's most unclear races (3:00).  Dessa Cosma, Detroit Disability Power's executive director, believes Metro Detroit's polling locations can become more accessible at low costs. But last election cycle, her group found "only 16%" of the region's voting locations had no barriers to disabled Michiganders (28:28).  Business leaders aren't against the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) because of the promised 72 hours of paid time off, but because of the act's technical challenges. David Worthams of the Michigan Manufacturers Association and Joshua Lunger of the Grand Rapids Chamber detail their worries (47:03). 

The following clip was a conversation Donni Steele with someone at the Mission for Michigan event with special guest former Gov. Rick Snyder. The questions have to do with whether Rep. Steele would support Donald Trump if he were re-elected president and pardoned those who were convicted of criminal charges for their role in the Jan. 6 riots.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson spent the weekend in Michigan's competitive Congressional races. In Macomb County, he thinks Republican U.S. Rep. John James can secure his seat if the election is "based on fact and not fantasy" (3:35).  Also, State Sen. Darrin Camilleri, a Trenton Democrat, talks to MIRS about Downriver politics, and how some voters might pick former President Donald Trump at the top but a Democratic legislator below (6:58).  As for policy, elder justice attorney Emily Miller talks about proposed restraining orders designed to distance vulnerable adults and seniors from possibly abusive caretakers (27:07). Additionally, should the state's school funding feature fewer competitive grants? MIRS speaks with Tina Kerr of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators and Venessa Keesler of Launch Michigan (42:17). 

The MIRS team discusses recent moments in Michigan politics. The Governor's latest appearance with an influencer received backlash, and Democrats quickly condemned former President Donald Trump's comments on Detroit last week (1:25).  Also, MIRS meets Morgan Foreman, the Democrat running in Michigan's 33rd state House district in the Ann Arbor and York Township area (17:20).  What would happen if families in poverty conditions had a tax credit to offset their childcare expenses? Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Bay City Democrat, and Executive Director Dave Meador of the Detroit Regional CEO Group talk about the proposed tax credits for children under 6 (38:20). 

Saginaw County has gone with Michigan's eventual winner in every presidential election since 1992. To discuss fortune-telling counties and cities this election cycle, MIRS sits down with Ed Sarpolus, the political consultant and researcher (1:33).  What if Michigan didn't have partisan primaries in the summertime? MIRS talked to activist Katie Fahey and Ron Zimmerman of Rank MI Vote, discussing their effort to organize a 2026 ballot proposal bringing ranked-choice voting to the state (19:59).  MIRS meets Jamie Miller, a Republican political consultant living in Florida. He talks about the potential "no man's land" for governors with presidential prospects. Also, are Democratic investments in Florida worthwhile, or political bluffs? (40:10). 

One of Lansing's recent policy battles involves new tax exemptions for data centers, the computer system warehouses for storing and processing data. Derrell Slaughter of the Natural Resources Defense Council explains how the topic unexpectedly became one of environmentalists biggest concerns this year (1:27).  MIRS meets Joseph Erhardt, the acting director of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association. He says Senate bills updating how drivers pay per-vehicle fees to the association will force insurance costs to skyrocket (24:35).  Additionally, MIRS talks to high school seniors Saachi Rajgarhia and Garrett Gruner, the two youth governors of the YMCA Youth in Government program. They'll be signing and vetoing bills this year as part of a mock legislative system (45:11). 

MIRS hosts a West Michigan politics roundtable with progressive Joe Spaulding, a political strategist, and conservative Chair Tom Norton of the America PAC. Together, they discuss Ottawa Impact at the local level, and reports of the 3rd Congressional district not being all that competitive this year (1:20).  Jamie Clover-Adams of Michigan Asparagus and Hart farmer Nick Oomen explain how mandatory $18.50/hour wages for migrant farm workers is challenging Michigan agriculture (27:04).  Additionally, MIRS meets Jason Woolford, the Republican running in Michigan's Howell and Hartland-based 50th state House district (50:00). 

MIRS welcomes state Rep. Joe Aragona, a Clinton Township Republican, and George Chapp, the chair of the Warren Sterling Heights Area Democratic Club. Together, they share what they're seeing in Macomb County ahead of the November election, and their political insights on a competitive Congressional race and several unpredictable state House contests (2:47).  Former Democratic Gov. James Blanchard and Mike Bishop, a past Republican state Senate majority leader, come together to talk to MIRS. They're serving on the board of directors of the Defend Democracy Project in Michigan, pushing for confidence in Michigan's election systems (34:21).  Chris White, the Michigan director of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, calls the claims that wait staff will lose tips following the adopt-and-amend ruling "fear mongering and false information" (55:44). 

MIRS meets Joseph Pavlov, the retired English teacher who won a Republican primary of five candidates for Michigan's 64th state House district, covering Marysville and Port Huron (1:51).  State assessments show young students struggling to reach proficiency levels in English. Policy Director Jen DeNeal and Government Affairs Director Jeff Cobb of The Education Trust-Midwest discuss what these scores mean, and why students should be screened early for traits of dyslexia (15:44).  Should it become easier to transform unused commercial space into housing? MIRS talks to Executive Director Brooke Oosterman of Housing Next, who explains why her West Michigan-based group is proposing the "Kent County Corridor Strategy" (37:54). 

MIRS kicks things off with Katie Jesaitis of Martin Waymire, who formerly did constituent services for U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, and Brad Wurfel of BJW Strategies, a previous Snyder-era state agency spokesperson. Together, they discuss the potential election desires of industrial Michigan and the politics of energy (2:11).  Alexandra Bailey of The Sentencing Project and past inmate Greg Wines talk about the staffing shortage in Michigan's prison system. They're pushing for reform to lower the incarcerated population, specifically by allowing some inmates to petition for sentence reductions (21:43).  Additionally, MIRS sits down with Republican campaign consultant Randall Thompson. All five of his candidates secured nominations during August's Republican state convention (42:19). 

MIRS' Samantha Shriber and Maggie George discuss their top stories from this month's Republican and Democratic state nominating conventions, where party members determined the candidates for multiple statewide races (1:17).  Kicking off interviews today was Founder Erin Vilardi and State Director Cee Maul of Vote Run Lead, an organization dedicated to expanding woman representation across state legislators. They discuss Michigan's battleground races and the recent Democratic National Convention in Chicago (18:53).  MIRS interviewed Detroit City Mayor Mike Duggan while he was at the DNC, asking about another mayor's comment that he would make a good governor (39:34).  Additionally, the team meets Paul Hudson, a Grand Rapids area Republican running against U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten in West Michigan (52:47). 

MIRS was joined by Dennis Darnoi, a Farmington-based political consultant, and assistant professor Jordan Cash of Michigan State University.  Michiganders can access their absentee voter ballots for the presidential election next month. Together, Dennis and Jordan discuss if Democrats have anything to gain, or lose, from their national convention in Chicago, and what Republicans could do next (2:36).  After first leaving the Legislature nearly six years ago, former Rep. Tim Kelly -- a Saginaw County Republican -- is running to return in the 93rd state House district's general election (34:38).  Also MIRS meets Michigan's first poet laureate since the 1950s, Nandi Comer (47:11). 

Kicking things off this week, MIRS sits down with communications professional Andrea Bitely and Denzel McCampbell of Progress Michigan. Together, they discuss the winners of Michigan's recent primary elections, and what stage-setting themes they see for November (3:07).  Additionally, MIRS meets Parker Fairbairn, the Emmet County GOP chair who defeated Michigan Freedom Caucus Rep. Neil Friske in Northern Michigan's 107th state House district (35:22).  State Senator Dayna Polehanki, a Livonia Democrat, describes what it was like to see education groups criticize the school aid budget….as a former teacher (59:22). 

MIRS kicks things off with political strategists and communications professionals John Sellek, of Harbor Strategic, Brandon Dillon of the WinMATT Group, and Karen Dumas of Images and Ideas. The roundtable discusses the changed presidential race in Michigan with Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democrat candidate, and how some key down ballot races look for the State Legislature, US Congressional races in Michigan, and the Michigan US Senate race. (1:10).  C. Jay Coles, the senior government relations associate of the Verified Voting Foundation discusses his opinion that when it comes to national efforts seeking online voting, technology is not yet able to keep an internet voting system secure. (20:35).  And Mark Brewer, of law firm Goodman and Acker discusses, among other judicial items, the major Michigan Supreme Court ruling, overturning the "Adopt and Amend" package that clears the way for a higher minimum wage and mandatory paid sick leave in the state. (39:30).

MIRS kicks things off with Vice President Stephanie Van Koevering of Resch Strategies and Mario Morrow, the Southfield-based public relations professional. Together, they discuss the future of budget-making transparency, as well as the state of not-so-competitive Democratic primaries (3:00).  Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood talks about the recently signed $82.5 billion state budget, and if more spending is on the horizon (30:00). Also, MIRS meets with a coalition of Traverse City area education and economic leaders, who are hoping to secure more teachers in Northern Michigan with a planned housing incentive project (41:40). 

President Joe Biden announced Sunday he will not seek reelection, endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris. Ahead of this BREAKING NEWS, political consultant Mark Grebner and Matt Grossman – a Michigan State University political scientist – discuss the optics of a Biden drop out, and the challenges his replacement could face in Michigan and beyond (:56). MIRS also meets Jocelyn Bucaro, the director of the Mobile Voting Project, which is a national effort to permit voters to cast absentee-like ballots on their cell phones (25:40).  Additionally, state Senator Jim Runestad, a White Lake Republican, describes his time at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. He also explains his effort to educate House primary candidates on how they can possibly change the Legislature's rules (49:10).   

Lon Johnson, the Michigan Democratic Party's past chair, talks about how the shooting at former President Donald Trump will impact this election cycle. Also, he discusses why he called on incumbent President Joe Biden to end his campaign earlier this month (:55).  MIRS sits down with deputy directors Michelle Richard and Emily Laidlaw of the Governor's new department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential. They highlight their favorite items in the department's first-ever, more than $643 million budget (20:50).  Additionally, MIRS meets Nate Chesher of the Cherry Marketing Institute to discuss the state of Michigan's tart cherry industry (42:00).   

Tony Zammit – a past Republican communications specialist – and progressive Kent County Commissioner Ivan Diaz discuss how Michiganders are reacting to calls for President Joe Biden to end his campaign (1:07).  Public education advocate Peter Spadafore describes the newest school aid budget for Michigan, and how it deals with public school retirement debt, as homework he probably would have sent back for students to do over (22:13).  Additionally, MIRS speaks with Connor Herman of Forth Mobility and James Delgado of Mobility Development on an electric vehicle rideshare program that was launched on Detroit's east side (41:08). 

To discuss an $83 billion total budget that legislators approved after 4 a.m. last week, MIRS was joined by President Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy and Michael LaFaive, the head of fiscal policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.  One voice supports financial help for needy Michiganders, another calls for limited government. Together, they share their different "Winners and Losers" of the budget (1:13).  Also, the budget gives direct care workers serving disabled residents a 20-cents-per-hour raise. But direct care worker service providers fear this won't be enough to alleviate staff shortages (24:10).  Additionally, MIRS was joined by Political Director Max Docksey of the Republican State Leadership Committee, to talk about why his national group has launched an absentee and early voting program in Michigan (42:27). 

MIRS is joined by Brandon Reed – the Michigan Black Business Alliance's external affairs director, and former legislative policy advisor – and Adam Bitely of the Martin Waymire public relations firm.  They discuss what might still be on the Legislature's to-do list after they approve a state budget, and leftover or future costs a new budget possibly won't cover (2:50).  Also, MIRS sits down with Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters, who's running against U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in the 13th Congressional District (27:39).  Director Tim Boring of the state's agriculture department explains efforts to block an influenza virus affecting dairy cows from mutating into something more severe (49:31). 

State Senator Jeremy Moss, a Southfield Democrat, shares his insights as a Jewish legislator during a moment of "permeating antisemitism" in Michigan. He says his experiences with antisemitism have been questioned and "word policed."  As people react to the Israel-Hamas War from home, Moss believes his own U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is "contributing to the divisiveness," and he says he can't vote for her (1:09).  Also, MIRS meets up with Mary Draves, the former Dow Chemical Company executive who's running in Michigan's competitive 8th Congressional district (37:03).  Additionally, Steve Norris – a harm reduction and recovery support director in Oakland County – is concerned about different opioid remediation efforts becoming less collaborative (52:07). 

Former Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger and Co-Founder Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest discuss the chances of Renaissance Center rescue bucks appearing in the upcoming state budget.  Additionally, they chat about flippable districts in the 2024 state House elections (1:01).  CEO Alicia Guevara Warren of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation is concerned about how the preschool spending proposals could negatively impact local childcare centers and their business models (25:08).  MIRS sits down with Kimberly Thomas, the University of Michigan Law School professor looking to run for the Michigan Supreme Court as a Democratic nominee (47:33). 

Before leaving last week's Mackinac Policy Conference, MIRS was joined by Charlie Langton of WWJ News and Nick Austin of Detroit public radio for a policy and political media roundtable (2:18). Additionally, U.S. Senator Gary Peters explains why he wanted the job of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair, and why Democrats are targeting GOP strongholds Texas and Florida (27:12). Also, GOP U.S. Senate hopeful Sandy Pensler says Mike Rogers' debate cancellations have become "par for the course," calling him "so disingenuous" (35:14).

The MIRS Monday Podcast presents a special Mackinac Policy Conference edition with updated coverage from the Detroit Regional Chamber's gathering on Mackinac Island.     U.S. Senate hopeful Elissa Slotkin says she's taking nothing for granted in her primary bid despite encouraging polling data (2:18). And Michigan's Senate majority leader, Democrat Winnie Brinks, tells MIRS she's confident her caucus will get its concerns and questions addressed to pave the way for  FOIA reform in the state (18:39).