Podcasts about bridge michigan

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #Medicaid #WorkingClass #Farmers #Education #Tariffs #MAGA #Democrats #Republicans #Budget #LeftOfLansing Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for May 19, 2025. Tariffs could lead to 13,000 less jobs in Michigan. Some 750,000 Michiganders could lose their Medicaid under a rushed-through MAGA Republican budget bill. State universities are getting grant funding slashed, leading to further job loss and uncertainty and pain for farmers. And the state's unemployment rate keeps rising. Is this what winning feels like in Michigan under the Trump Regime? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Battle over Medicaid boils over in DC; what it means for Michigan." By Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan "Uncertainty marks Michigan's future as economists estimate tariffs could cost the state 13,000 jobs." By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance "‘Gutted.' Michigan losing $200M in fed research funding, with more in limbo." By Rob French and Robin Erb of Bridge Michigan

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Democrats #progressives #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateWelfare #WorkingClass #Lobbying #DonorBase #CorporateAuthoritarianism #Trump #ElonMusk #Whitmer #MattHall #Republicans #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 131 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-21:41: Trump's Low #'s/Slotkin & Oligarchy The first segment features Pat Johnston detailing how Michiganders, and America, are giving Trump a failing grade after his first 100 days in office. Trump's tariffs are hurting the working class, but he and his regime are doubling-down. Then, Pat breaks-down Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin's new "war plans" for Democrats, and where she says Democrats should stop saying "oligarchy" when attacking Trump. Pat gives examples where he thinks Slotkin's right, and where she's wrong. 22:01-39:00: Interview w/ Paula Gardner Paula Gardner, Business Editor at Bridge Michigan, is our guest this week. Ms. Gardner unveiled a handful of articles detailing how this state's reliance on taxpayer-funded corporate subsidies aren't bringing the jobs and economic growth many promised. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has championed these subsidies during her tenure. But because the near $1Billion in spending hasn't resulted in the jobs supporters said would happen, there seems to be bipartisan agreement that we need new solutions. Check-out Ms. Gardner's article, "WHITMER SUBSIDY RECORD: COMPANIES GET 1-BILLION DOLLARS; JOBS FALL SHORT OF PROMISES.” 39:01-46:00: Last Call-Whitmer & Trump Pat's "Last Call" is on Whitmer joining Trump during his Michigan trip this week, and where she went right and wrong on that visit.  46:01-49:16: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Whitmer subsidy record: Companies get $1 billion; jobs fall short of promises." By Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan "After $1B and mixed results, Michigan lawmakers cooling on corporate incentives." By Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan "Bernie Sanders pushes back against Elissa Slotkin's criticism of using the term ‘oligarchy.'" By Jon King of Michigan Advance "U.S. economy shrinks 0.3% in first quarter as Trump trade wars disrupt businesses." By Paul Wiseman and Christopher Rugaber of Associated Press "UP protesters gather in Marquette before Rep. Jack Bergman speaks at fundraiser." By TV6 WLUC in Marquette "Trump, joined by Whitmer, announces new jets for Selfridge." By Rob French of Bridge Michigan "More give Trump an F than any other grade for first 100 days, poll finds." By Domenico Montanaro of NPR

#podcast #politics #Michigan #progressives #Democrats #GretchenWhitmer #DavidHogg #Trump #ElonMusk #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Corruption #Immigration #First Amendment #Education #Republicans #Economy #Authoritarianism #WhiteChristianNationalism #RightWing #Democracy #WorkingClass Here's Episode 129 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-21:46: What Happens When We Give-Up To MAGA Pat Johnston opens the show talking about the Republicans running to become Michigan's next governor. It'll be funny, but cringeworthy, to watch Congressman John James and former state Attorney General Mike Cox try to "out-Trump" each other. Pat then explains how years of Democrats giving-up against MAGA Republicans is a major reason why we're facing the totalitarian takeover of the country by Trump & MAGA. The Trump Regime is now targeting international students at several universities and colleges in an effort to harm undocumented students, and higher education. Democrats give an inch, and Trump & MAGA will take 10 miles! 21:47-32:48: Julie Powers-Immigration Law & Justice MI Executive Director Julie Powers from Immigration Law & Justice Michigan joins the show to share her insights over the Trump Regime's attacks on international students on Michigan colleges and universities. Ms. Powers explains why Trump and his White Christian Nationalist supporters are targeting these students, and how it won't just hurt the students and higher education, but also the towns where these institutions reside. 32:49-41:00: Last Call-David Hogg Is Right In this week's "Last Call," Pat applauds Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg's announcement that he'll use his PAC to help find candidates to primary certain Democratic Party officeholders in safe-Blue seats, who've fallen asleep at the wheel. This is what we call... Democracy! 41:00-43:00: Ending Photo of Trump in White House: "Photo of the Day: January 4, 2018" by The White House is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. Democratic Party Logo: "Democratic Donkey - Icon" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: "Gretchen Whitmer Taiwan 20240304" by 總統府 (Office of the President) is licensed under CC BY 2.0. NOTES: "Some CMU student visas and records revoked, impact unclear." By Courtney Boyd & Lauren Rice Of WCMU "More foreign students in Michigan targeted for deportation, including 22 at U-M." By John Wisely of The Detroit Free Press "Donald Trump's administration is canceling student visas. What are visas? What do they do?" By Jalen Williams of The Detroit Free Press "USDA cuts hit small farms as Trump showers billions on big farms." By Kevin Hardy of Stateline (via Michigan Advance) "Trump administration to fast-track Line 5 tunnel, calling project 'emergency.'" By Kelly House of Bridge Michigan

April 3, 2025 ~ The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website indicates that it will cut about $394 million in health grants to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, but offers no description of those grants or specific reasons for their cancellation. Bridge Michigan reporter Kelly House talks to Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds about how this could impact state disease surveillance, substance use treatment, and mental health care.

March 26, 2025 ~ Travel from Canada into Michigan has dipped 10% due to uncertainty. Kelly House, environment reporter for Bridge Michigan, joins Kevin to share more.

March 24, 2025 ~ Since President Trump has been in office, Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed 6 lawsuits against him. Bridge Michigan's Lauren Gibbons joins Marie Osborne to discuss if this is a political move to to the benefit of Michigan residents.

March 20, 2025 ~ College enrollment rates in Michigan have significantly decreased, despite substantial scholarship investments. Before the pandemic, around 62% of the 2019 graduating class attended college within six months. Bridge Michigan education reporter Isabel Lohman talks with Guy and Lloyd about the growing perception that college is not worth the cost.

#podcast #politics #Michigan #Democrats #MAGA #progressives #Education #CorporateGreed #Trump #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 123 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-12:08: Public Backlash Against MAGA Starts Pat begins this week covering a few stories of extreme MAGA Michigan Republicans choosing to play culture wars rather than helping working families as they go after "Red Flag Laws" that ensures dangerous people can't purchase firearms in the state. Pat highlights how MAGA Michigan Republicans in Congress are ignoring the groundswell of anger growing in the state, and the country, over President Elon Musk & Dear Leader Trump's attacks on our veterans, our farmers, and our working class. 12:09-36:00: Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig Interview Western Michigan University Education Scholar Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig joins the show to discuss how the Musk & Trump are threatening to cut the federal funding for universities across the nation if those institutions don't eliminate their DEI initiatives. Dr. Vasquez Heilig argues that not only are these orders unconstitutional, but that universities must resist this threat in order to preserve a more level playing field for all marginalized students. Visit his site, "Cloaking Inequity," which covers the right-wing attacks against public education. And check-out Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig's podcast as well! 36:20-49:21: Last Call-Slotkin Speech Review In this week's "Last Call," Pat gives his review of Michigan Democratic U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin's rebuttal to Trump's address to Congress this week. Pat gives the high-and-lowlights of the speech, and how it shows Democrats are still guilty of believing centrism will save them, and us.  49:22-51:31: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Future of DEI In Higher Education Under Attack with Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig on Democracy NOW w/ Amy Goodman." "Facing deadline to end DEI, Michigan schools ask crucial question: What is DEI?" By Isabel Lohman of Bridge Michigan "Rep. DeSana introduces bills to repeal Michigan's red flag gun laws." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "MSU loses millions in agriculture, higher ed grants as Trump slashes USAID." By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan

March 6, 2025, ~ A group of state bipartisan lawmakers want to incentivize nuclear energy research and development in Michigan, arguing investments would make the state ‘ground zero' for the industry's growth. However, opponents fear high costs and environmental drawbacks. Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds talk to Kelly House, environmental reporter at Bridge Michigan, about the debate happening over nuclear energy in Lansing.

March 4, 2025 ~ Federal directives threaten funding for K-12 schools and colleges that do not comply with federal guidelines on DEI programs. Isabel Lohman, reporter at Bridge Michigan, joins Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie to talk about a recent document that was sent out to provide additional clarity on these vague terms schools are being asked to follow.

Michigan State University stands to lose as much as $23 million a year in federal grants because of President Donald Trump's steep cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development. Lauren Gibbons, capital reporter at Bridge Michigan joins Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie to talk about what this will mean for the university's research.

February 26, 2025 ~ Michigan is grappling with a significant childcare shortage, exemplified by the rapid filling of summer camp spots in Traverse City. Bridge Michigan reporter Ron French talks with Guy and Lloyd about the two-thirds of Michigan that are designated as childcare deserts and the critical gap in care for the youngest children.

February 24, 2025 ~ Isabel Lohman, reporter at Bridge Michigan, talks with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie to discuss Michigan's high school graduation rate hitting a 16-year high, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, signaling positive momentum despite ongoing academic challenges.

February 19, 2025 ~ The Trump administration is pushing for schools to eliminate DEI programs, threatening federal funding for non-compliance. Bridge Michigan reporter Isabel Lohman joins Chris Renwick, Lloyd, and Jamie to discuss how Michigan's Department of Education is taking a cautious approach to reviewing these guidelines with its legal team.

Feb. 10, 2024 ~ Bridge Michigan reporter Mike Wilkinson talks to Kevin Dietz about the rise in cord-cutting in Michigan.

David Horsey - Seattle Times The Musk coup is moving forward with minimal signs of effective opposition. Congressional Republicans are rolling over complacently while the Musk teenage Ninjas storm federal offices, and Democrats do little other than scream. A lot of federal employees deemed insufficiently loyal to the Mar-a-Lago golf pro are being fired, laid off or encouraged to quit … meaning literally millions of hours of professional expertise will be lost, replaced by True Believers. In Michigan, the race for the U.S. Senate is beginning to take form in both parties. We take a deep dive into the likely primary contests. Joining the discussion with an update on the turmoil in the state Legislature is veteran Michigan politics and state government reporter Lauren Gibbons from Bridge Michigan. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive, where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Lauren grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. She is also an expert on music that highlights Michigan! The first major partisan battle with the new split-control Legislature is underway, with the Senate majority leader suing the Speaker of the House. We begin this week's pod exploring that lawsuit with Majority Leader Winnie Brink's lead attorney in the case: the honorable Mr. Mark Brewer! =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management Joel Heller:Hellertoon.com

February 5, 2025 ~ Is the Governor keeping her promises? Bridge Michigan's Lauren Gibbons joins Kevin to review her track record.

January 24, 2025 ~ Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan business reporter Paula Gardner about the initial plan to redevelop the Renaissance Center, how the Bedrock executives wish they would have rolled out the plan, and her overnight stay in the RenCen.

January 7, 2025 ~ President-elect Donald Trump delivered 21 speeches in Michigan while on the campaign trail, and made 100 promises to help Michiganders. Chris, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan reporter Mike Wilkinson about the promises that are most likely to be kept.

December 23, 2024 ~ Bridge Michigan's Deputy Editor Jonathan Oosting goes over the big stories from this year with Kevin.

December 4, 2024 ~ Incoming Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could seek to end fluoridation of water once he takes office. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan health reporter Robin Erb about the benefits of fluoride, its historical link to Grand Rapids, and the arguments for and against the practice.

November 13, 2024 ~ Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan reporter Ron French about the incredible growth in online gambling in Michigan, how the state is investing in preventing addiction, and much more!

November 5, 2024 ~ There are new election rules that help protect poll workers and the certification process. Bridge Michigan's Laruen Gibbons joins Kevin to discuss the new rules.

October 22, 2024 ~ Michigan's voter rolls have more registered voters than eligible voters, but the state claims there are safeguards in place to prevent and deter voter fraud. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan reporter Mike Wilkinson about why there are so many registered voters, and the impact on the upcoming election.

Oct. 18, 2024 ~ Mike Wilkinson, data reporter for Bridge Michigan, talks to Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds to fact-check new Michigan crime stats.

October 8, 2024 ~ Michigan voters have shied away from voting for school bonds. Mike Wilkinson, Reporter for Bridge Michigan, joins Kevin to explain why.

September 19, 2024 ~ Michigan Lawmakers have spent fewer days in session this year than the last, and each party is playing the blame game. Jordyn Hermani, state policy and politics reporter for Bridge Michigan, joins Kevin to share more.

September 12, 2024 ~ According to a Bridge Michigan investigation, at least $90 million sent to Michigan communities to fight the opioid epidemic is sitting unused in government bank accounts. Robin Erb breaks down the investigation for Kevin.

Bridge Michigan reported this week on some troubling statistics in Michigan that show that police are not making as many arrests for drunk driving and crashes caused by impaired driving are on the rise.Among key findings:Drunk driving arrests in Michigan have dropped 28 percent since 2014, while fatal alcohol- and drug-related crashes have risen 40 percent.Experts attribute the rise in crashes to fewer police officers and less traffic enforcement, leading to more dangerous driving behavior.In 67 of Michigan's 83 counties, drunk driving arrests have declined, mirroring a national trendOn this week's Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Daniel Zimmerman, senior director of government relations and policy for the Washington, D.C.-based Governors Highway Safety Association, talks about the problem.One initiative that perhaps holds promise for solutions stems from a bipartisan provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Section 24220, Public Law 117-58, IIJA) signed into law in 2021. The provision requires a new national safety standard for passive, advanced impaired driving prevention systems in new vehicles.

July 29, 2024 ~ Bridge Michigan's EV road trip around Michigan is over. Paula Gardner joins Kevin and Tom to share their takeaways.

July 29, 2024 ~ Full Show: Kevin and Tom discuss the current top contender for Kamala Harris' VP pick. General Jack Keane and Rocky Raczkowski both call in to discus the concerns over tensions in the Middle East. And the recap Bridge Michigan's EV trip around Michigan.

July 23, 2024 ~ Bridge Michigan's Paula Gardner, Kelly House and Asha Lewis are on a EV road trip. They call in to talk with Kevin and Tom to talk about how things are going.

July 8, 2024 ~ Women made up nearly 58% of last year's graduates from four-year schools in Michigan, and the gender gap is continuing to grow. Lloyd and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan data reporter Mike Wilkinson about what's contributing to fewer men attending college.

July 8, 2024 ~ College admissions numbers are favoring women. Bridge Michigan's Mike Wilkinson joins Kevin and Tom to discuss where all of the men are.

July 1, 2024 ~ Sterling Heights' Lakeside Mall officially closed on Sunday, while the next steps are the beginning of a $1 billion redevelopment to the mega-site. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan business reporter Paula Gardner about what's involved in the redevelopment. Photo: Eric Seals ~ USA Today Network

A recent Bridge Michigan article highlighted where red flag laws, which Michigan Democrats passed into law last year, didn't stop the horrific mass shooting at a Rochester Hills splash pad in Oakland County, MI. However, the law's already been used over 100 times since its passage, and if it saved one life, then the law's working as Michigan Democrats intended.  No law is a panacea, and not every gun safety law will save every life.  But that's still a hell of a lot better than MAGA Republicans, who'll do everything in their power to give more rights to the gun than to women's economic and reproductive health.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com

When the Reproductive Health Care Act passed last year, it contained a little-known provision that's about to take effect. After this summer's data drop, state officials will no longer keep track of abortion care procedures in Michigan. Bridge Michigan's Robin Erb looked into how this limit became part of the bill. We talked to her about what she found, and review the arguments for and against tracking this data. GUEST:  Robin Erb, health reporter for Bridge Michigan  Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 14, 2024 ~ Are Republicans running as fake Democrats? How reliable are Michigan polls? How are absentee ballot drop boxes monitored? Bridge Michigan reporter Lauren Gibbons answers these questions and more with Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds.

Photo is A.I. generated We recorded this week's podcast at 5 p.m. EDT Thursday. Minutes before we hit the ‘record' button, the New York jury handed down its verdict...so Jeff had to put on his Lincoln Project hat. In his absence Walt Sorg joins Mark on a day that will go down in American history. Clearly the guilty verdict on 34 felony counts is our #1 topic, but there are other talk-worthy stories in our political biosphere: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito refuses to follow the ethical standards demanded of all federal judges except him and his colleagues. Flags or no flags, he's not recusing from January 6-related cases because it's all about his stubborn wife and has nothing to do with him. Sure. Chief Justice John Roberts adds to the court's arrogance by declining an invitation from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to talk about his court's ethics. The movers and shakers of Michigan business and politics are just now ending their annual policy party on Mackinac Island. We'll review the highlights of a pretty substantive week with Bridge Michigan reporter Lauren Gibbons. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel hints he'll run for Governor in two years … and then says he won't vote for President Biden. That's not going to help him much with Democratic voters. Tudor Dixon's gift of a half-million-dollars from her losing gubernatorial campaign draws a second look from state regulators. Democrats Plan $100 Million Push on Abortion Rights to Win House Michigan voters losing trust in democracy, education and economy, poll finds  Trump makes sweeping promises to donors on audacious fundraising tour  Opinion | Detroit sues Census Bureau, claiming vast undercount. It has a point. - The Washington Post Democrats add five candidates (including Sen. Kristin McDonald-Rivet) to Red to Blue program - Roll Call (including McDonald-Rivet) Hollier appeals decision to remove him from U.S. House ballot - Detroit News Rigging Elections: Why the new platform from the Republican Party of Texas matters Secretary Benson, Detroit Regional Chamber and business leaders launch new coalition to support safe and secure elections - Secretary of State 'New reality': Michigan clerks sued as activists seek voting records Dana Nessel calls for pork politics reforms amid Clare grant probe Joining the conversation: Bridge Michigan reporter Lauren Gibbons who has spent the week on Mackinac Island, tracking the many significant policy and political developments that are an annual feature of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce Policy Conference. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for the MIRS Newsletter. Lauren has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. She grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and … according to her official biography … her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. Mark Fiore - markfiore.com =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA,  a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management ===========================    

#Politics #Michigan #Podcast #MichiganDemocrats #MichiganRepublicans #RuralVoters #Rural #Elections #DeltaCounty #LivingstonCounty #Election2024 #Voting #Democracy #SheriffMikeMurphy #ChristianNationalism #Progressives #ProgressivePodcast #Democrats #MAGA #Republican #Fascism #Abortion #AbortionRights #GovernorGretchenWhitmer #GunViolence #GunSafetyLaws #GunLaws #GunRights #LeftofLansing #Farming #RenewableEnergy  Here's Episode 86 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! Pat's got much to say about the shenanigans happening in Delta County this week! Just after three MAGA Delta County commissioners suffered humiliating recall election losses, two right-wing Board of Canvassers there refused to certify the elections! It's a pattern we've been seeing when it comes to right-wing Republicans, as we saw here in Michigan after the presidential election. It's part of the Christian Nationalist handbook where they believe God wants them always in power. They despise democracy. Pat also has some words for right-wing Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy. If you recall, Murphy steadfastly refused to enforce the new gun safety laws passed by Michigan Democrats last year, especially the new red-flag law. But thanks to excellent reporting from Bridge Michigan, Sheriff Murphy used the new red-flag law to confiscate weapons from a man suffering a mental health crisis. That's right! So, despite his ridiculous display of fake MAGA machoism, Murphy's realized that Democrats passed a common sense law designed to prevent further gun violence!  Then, Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus Chair Mark Ludwig joins the show to talk about the work the Rural Caucus is doing to reach voters across the state of Michigan. Mr. Ludwig talks candidly on where Democrats are doing a better job, and where they aren't doing the best job, in attracting more rural voters to our side. Allowing Republicans to rule in rural communities must end, and people like Mark Ludwig are working to expand the Democrats' reach far beyond the more populated areas of the state.  The "Last Call" covers a new survey showing how a majority of younger people are saying they won't live in states with harsh abortion restrictions. This vindicates Michigan Democrats' stance that enshrining abortion rights in our state constitution will help attract young people, and businesses, to the state.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing@gmail.com leftoflansing.com

#Michigan #Politics #Transportation #Taxes #MassTransit #GenerationZ #GenZ #Roads #Environment #PopulationDrain #LeftofLansing #Progressives #Democrats Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musings" for May 13th, 2024! Detroit News Editorial Page Editor Nolan Finley believes all this increased attention on mass transit upgrades in Michigan is a waste of time.  Despite younger voters refusing to drive, and how many younger people continue leaving Michigan for other more vibrant and transit-friendly places, Finley believes we can just stay mired in our economic and transportation a past. And meanwhile, Michigan keeps getting older and older, bot economically and demographically.  --Pat Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com leftoflansing.com NOTES: "A mileage tax for Michigan motorists? Lawmakers want $5M for pilot program." By Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan

Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan chats with Eric Paul Dennis, research analyst specializing in infrastructure policy. While Michigan is working to ‘fix the damn roads,' with historic levels of state and federal road funding, this effort has been undermined by unprecedented inflation in the cost of construction. And road construction inflation is not uniform: using 2015 as a baseline year, cost increases range from 34 percent in the Upper Peninsula to 63 percent in the Detroit Metro region. Michigan's highway construction costs have increased 12 percent above expected historical rates, resulting in the purchasing power of Michigan's road agencies dropping by over $700 million in 2023 alone. Following the enactment of a 2015 road funding package to increase Michigan's annual transportation revenue by an estimated $1.2 billion by 2021, subsequent gains in state and federal funding increased Michigan's transportation budget from $3.7 billion in 2015 to $6.1 billion in 2023. Expenditures on road and bridge programs, specifically, increased from $2.9 billion in 2015 to $5.7 billion in 2023. In nominal dollars, this represents a healthy 99 percent increase over these eight years. But when adjusting for inflation, the purchasing power of this funding is much lower. Michigan's road agencies generally have significantly more funding than any time in the past. However, this funding is not going as far as would have been expected only a few years ago. Agencies remain challenged to utilize existing funding levels to catch up with historical maintenance backlogs and bring Michigan's roads and bridges into a state of good repair.

May 1, 2024 ~ The new Social Work Early Childhood Support Clinic offers specialized training in infant mental health, and is a revolutionary program in Detroit. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Bridge Michigan health reporter Robin Erb about how they're helping promote healthy relationships for future well-being, and how lack of human contact could lead to developmental delays and disorders.

There are many tough decisions on the horizon for Michigan school districts. Schools are facing massive sums of federal pandemic relief funds ending at the same time that many they are facing declining enrollment, partially also due to the pandemic. Approximately 50% of K-12 budgets are allocated on staff salaries, with another 20% to 30% allocated for benefits. Added together, salaries and benefits – people -- account for about $4 out of every $5 dollars in school budgets, spread across a variety of programs. Not surprisingly, many, many districts used the additional resources to grow their staffing, leading to what will now be exceedingly tough decisions on staffing levels. Bridge Michigan education speaks with Council Research Director Craig Thiel about his recent papers on this imminent, critical issue and what we can expect from school district budgets for the coming year. They discuss how districts programmed federal (and state) pandemic resources over the last three years as they crafted their budgets. They speculate about the number of districts who accounted for the limitations of the one-time federal funding and that the federal deadline for allocating it all is this September. They also discuss how parents and members of school communities can get involved and get engaged in the process. This includes everything from reviewing and looking for spending red flags in public documents online, such as schools' budgets past and present, as well as financial statements, to attending their local school board meetings where budgets get adopted. Even better: attending their local school or district finance committee or budget committee meeting, where budget proposals are crafted. Other “red flag” warnings in budgets include a reliance on Rainy Day funds to support operations. While this is justifiable when needed – to transition to a new budget norm – Rainy Day funds are not designed to support ongoing programming in a district because those one-time resources will run out too. Districts with stronger Rainy Day fund balances will not have as many, if any, painful cuts. Those that don't have a robust Rainy Day fund and used federal pandemic resources for ongoing costs are going to be challenged. For example: districts that allocated pandemic funds to one-time programming or services – facility upgrades, equipment and curricula purchases – will not face as many, if any, painful cuts.

Bridge Michigan data reporter Mike Wilkinson talks with Research Council infrastructure analyst Eric Paul Dennis, who recently published a report showing that Michigan's road pavement quality ranks 40th nationally and 10th out of 11 among peer states. While Michigan's roads still lag those of other states, they are improving, thanks to more funding in the system. However, challenges remain, as future funding to maintain the new construction, critical to upkeep, will also be needed to make payments on current road bonding.

Here's Episode 81 of Michigan's premier progressive podcast! On this week's episode, Pat talks about "Florida" Mike Rogers' audacity to run for Michigan's open Senate seat this Fall even though he hasn't lived in this state for years (because he wanted to make lobbying cash), and he's registered to vote in both Florida and Michigan! How can a guy, who didn't even know about the abortion rights proposal, which passed in 2022, portray himself as a true Michigander? Pat would like to know. Pat also congratulates friend of the podcast, Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia, on her hard work passing a law which allows Michiganders ages 16-to-17-and-a-half years old to pre-register to vote. That law is in effect, and now, those Michiganders can pre-register by going online using a driver's license or state ID, or they can pre-register in-person by visiting their local clerk's office. Again, Democrats work to engage more people to take part in our democracy, and to make voting more accessible.  Then, Pat talks with Bridge Michigan business editor Paula Gardner on how corporate subsidies aren't working as promised here in the state. Ms. Gardner's fantastic investigative work into the state's corporate subsidy programs, and how these programs are leading to low-paying jobs, is a must-read. It's proving what many of us worry about when it comes to these "incentives." They aren't giving us the best results.  In the "Last Call," Pat once again says the Arizona State Supreme Court's decision to rule a near-complete abortion ban law from 1864 as constitutional shows how abortion will remain a top issue in this Fall's election. Many "Very Serious People" in Lansing, and in D.C., keep telling us that abortion is so 2022, but you know better! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com leftoflansing.com

The Michigan primary resulted in easy victories for both former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, but it also laid bare some discontent in both parties. In this installment of the 538 Politics podcast, Galen speaks with Bridge Michigan politics reporter Jonathan Oosting, POLITICO senior Washington correspondent and co-author of Playbook Rachael Bade, and 538 director of data analytics G. Elliott Morris about Trump's and Biden's vulnerabilities within their own parties. Later in the show the crew turns its focus to Washington to discuss the looming partial government shutdown and how immigration is continuing to grow as a key issue for voters. They also question whether a recent poll using pictures of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a "good or bad use of polling?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From policy proposals to 80s music references, a lot happened at Gov. Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service, longtime political consultant Greg Bowens, and Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan, join Stephen to break down the speech, including the specific policy proposals and what we should expect from Lansing ahead of the upcoming elections.

Election law ... and the courts ... dominate politics as we begin 2024: Michigan's redistricting re-do - what, why, and how! The Supreme Court's challenge from conflicting decisions on Trump's ballot access A separate Supreme Court challenge on whether the President is above the law … or, as Nixon famously told David Frost decades ago "but when the President does it, that means that it's not illegal" Also this week: Another candidate steps up to succeed Dan Kildee in Congress, and immediately becomes the Democratic frontrunner Kristina Karamo's days as Michigan Republican Party chair may be numbered And a new report illustrates how Donald Trump and his family used the U.S. government to rake in millions for their businesses. John Bebow (Bridge Michigan photo) We're joined by award-winning journalist John Bebow. Bebow began his journalism career on a bike delivering newspapers and ended it playing an instrumental role in shaping Michigan's modern media industry. Bebow, 56, stepped down at the end of 2023 from his role as publisher of Bridge Michigan, a publication that under his leadership won more than 200 state and national awards and was lauded as a national model for economic viability in nonprofit news. He will remain as an executive adviser through 2025. He had crucial roles in some of the biggest changes in Michigan media over the past 25 years, from uncovering corruption in Detroit as a reporter and helping launch the MLive online news site to launching and growing Bridge Michigan and its sister publication, BridgeDetroit. In 2006, Bebow was the first employee of The Center for Michigan, that launched what was then Bridge Magazine in 2011. When the latest round of expansion concludes this month, Bridge and the Center will have more than two dozen full-time employees, with offices in Ypsilanti and Lansing and a more than $4 million annual budget. “It is exponentially more rewarding than any story that ever appeared under my byline,” Bebow said of Bridge's growth. “It's so far beyond my wildest dreams, it would have taken me two bottles of Jack Daniel's to have dreamed up the ridiculous success that has happened.” Bebow has had ink in his blood since middle school, when he delivered the Lansing State Journal on a route in his Ingham County hometown of Mason. After graduating from Western Michigan University, he worked at the Lansing State Journal, Traverse City Record-Eagle and Ann Arbor News before joining The Detroit News. There, he covered the mob, corruption in casino development and troubles in the city water department. He deployed to Iraq to cover the war for the News in 2003, and was injured in a military truck mishap. After a stint at the Chicago Tribune, John returned to his home state, where, for the Detroit Free Press, he investigated Baker College. Bebow was part of the launch of MLive, which served as an early model for publications moving stories online. There, he rose to become editor in chief. “Without John Bebow, there is no Bridge Michigan,” said David Egner, CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. (Bridge photo by Brayan Gutierrez) At Bridge, the former investigative reporter became a prolific fundraiser, a shrewd accountant, and a boss that demanded the best of his employees while sticking to a mantra of “family first,” giving staffers generous time off to deal with family issues. “I have tremendous admiration and respect for my colleagues,” he said. “I lit a lot of fires, (but) I think a lot of that was needed at various points to get to where we are today. It was the product and the impact that were first and foremost.” By almost any measure, those efforts worked. The initial goal of Bridge in 2011 was to reach 10,000 Michigan residents. By 2022, annual readership had swelled to 7.8 million. In 2024, there will be about 20 journalists putting out at least six online editions and five newsletters every we...

Christmas comes early for the now-departed Michigan Legislature, but only after an unprecedented year of major legislation. Ho ho ho! The Legislature is taking an early (and extended) holiday break. With two House members set to resign after being elected Mayors of their hometowns, Democrats and Republicans have a 54-54 split in the state House, meaning an end (for now) of Democrats' state government trifecta. Adding to their early holiday joy, good tidings from Republicans in the form of guaranteed messy and expensive Republican primary for the U.S. Senate as Peter Meijer joins the field, along with more news of internal turmoil for the Michigan Republican Party. Ethics (or a lack of same) make headlines this week. In Washington, Republicans in the Senate make it clear they have no interest in the apparent long-term corruption of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, but Republicans in the House are focused on what is, to now, an evidence-free drive to impeach Joe Biden. In Michigan, a watered-down financial disclosure package clears the state House in a late-night marathon session and is on its way to Governor Whitmer for signing.  Also this week:  Mark Brewer updates us on the legal efforts (in which he is a lead attorney) to keep Insurrection Master Strategist Donald Trump off the Michigan ballot. The U.S. House votes to censure Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib which could well help her in her reelection bid next year. Right to Life is suing to overturn Michigan's newly approved constitutional amendment guaranteeing women's reproductive healthcare options Legal arguments have concluded in a federal trial over whether Michigan's Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission violated the Voting Rights Act in drawing Michigan's legislative maps.  We're joined in the podcast by Bridge Michigan reporter Lauren Gibbons who has been covering all the legislative action in Lansing, as well as the federal court case on redistricting. Lauren covers state politics and policy for Bridge Michigan. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive, where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Lauren grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. Reach her at lgibbons@bridgemi.com or on Twitter @LaurenMGibbons. =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA,  a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management ===========================