Podcasts about Michigan Legislature

In today's news: The Van Buren Youth Fair is now underway at the fairgrounds in Hartford. It's mid-July, a couple of weeks past the Michigan Legislature’s deadline to approve a budget, and it's still nowhere near that point. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is highlighting a successful year of the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance, or CGA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Van Buren Youth Fair is now underway at the fairgrounds in Hartford. It's mid-July, a couple of weeks past the Michigan Legislature’s deadline to approve a budget, and it's still nowhere near that point. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is highlighting a successful year of the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance, or CGA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Van Buren Youth Fair is now underway at the fairgrounds in Hartford. It's mid-July, a couple of weeks past the Michigan Legislature’s deadline to approve a budget, and it's still nowhere near that point. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is highlighting a successful year of the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance, or CGA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 8, 2025 ~ State Representative Ron Robinson joins Kevin to discuss why the Michigan legislature has only passed 6 bills in 6 months.

July 7, 2025 ~ Michigan's legislature is experiencing its slowest start in 20 years due to divided government, resulting in gridlock over key issues. Disagreements between the Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate are hindering progress on the state budget, particularly regarding school funding and road repairs. Bridge Michigan reporter Jordyn Hermani joins Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, and Chris Renwick to discuss the gridlock.

This week's show is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News

June 16, 2025 ~ Rep. Jim DeSana joins Chris, Lloyd, and Jamie to discuss the Michigan legislature considering a bill that would prevent the state from enforcing vaccine mandates for school children.

June 11, 2025 ~ The Michigan legislature is addressing potential threats from China, focusing on activities by Chinese nationals and entities withing the state. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall talks with Chris and Lloyd about this package of bills aimed at mitigating these risks.

The Michigan House and Senate worked out a compromise deal on paid sick leave legislation late Thursday night. WWJ's Jonathan Carlson and Jackie Paige have your Friday morning news. (Photo: Getty Images)

Rep. Smit (R-Martin) shared thoughts on the last-minute passage of those bills in the Michigan Legislature, and it's potential impact plus possible future challenges to the measures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 24, 2025 ~ Pete Hegseth faces challenges in his confirmation. Trump orders files on RFK, JFK and Martin Luther King assassinations to be made public. Federal Judge blocks Trump's executive order to overturn birthright citizenship. Price of eggs up 37% over past year. Michigan Legislature passes tipped wage and sick leave bills and the day's biggest headlines.

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). 

Come February 21, 2025, all Michigan businesses will be required to convert to a sick time accrual system for their employees. An associated bill in Lansing would also change the pay scale for tipped-wage employees.Both have the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) concerned, particularly about what it sees as parts of the sick time proposal which do not require an employee to give notice when they call off - or substantiate their absence for several days."It's going to be extremely difficult to manage, given what this will require," former Michigan Lt. Governor and SBAM CEO Brian Calley tells Community Matters. "There is no other state in the country who has implemented a paid sick leave requirement...with this many controls."Calley sheds more light on both proposals in this discussion, which could have changes made by the lame duck Michigan Legislature before the end of 2024.Episode ResourcesSBAM ESTA, Tipped Wage and Minimum Wage Resource GuideState of MIchigan ESTA InformationBridge Michigan: As Michigan minimum wage fight rages, bipartisan plan would keep tipped rateABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERSFormer WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.

December 11, 2024 ~ The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has concerns over bills that the Michigan Legislature is considering that includes policy changes that could devastate Michigan's economy and workers. Wendy Block joins Kevin to discuss their concerns and the impact on Michigan.

December 6, 2024 ~ Rocky Raczkowski, filling in for Kevin Dietz, talks with Craig Mauger, State and Government Reporter for the Detroit News about Michigan's lame duck legislature and what they're passing before they leave.

Legislation under consideration at the State Capitol in Lansing would allow for "affordable bail." Some opponents say it could let dangerous criminals back on the streets. WWJ's Jackie Paige and Jonathan Carlson have your Tuesday morning news update. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering the ramifications of this week's elections for the Michigan Legislature. There were two marijuana proposals on the ballot in Berrien County this week, and one passed while one failed.  There's a new resident inspector at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering the ramifications of this week's elections for the Michigan Legislature. There were two marijuana proposals on the ballot in Berrien County this week, and one passed while one failed.  There's a new resident inspector at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering the ramifications of this week's elections for the Michigan Legislature. There were two marijuana proposals on the ballot in Berrien County this week, and one passed while one failed.  There's a new resident inspector at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally loaded October 31st, re-edited November 4th. Chris Holman welcomes back Brad Williams, Vice President, Political Affairs, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit, MI. Welcome back Brad, remind the Michigan business community about your role with the Detroit Regional Chamber? How can businesses support secure elections? Tell us about the Chamber's recent polling? Their time ran short so tune back in when they discuss: What should be expected during lame duck period through the end of the year? Brad Williams is the Vice President of Political Affairs for the Detroit Regional Chamber. A lifelong Michigander, Williams delivers over two decades of experience at the highest levels of politics and public policy. Williams provides oversight of the Chambers lobby team that delivers the voice of business in the State Capitol and to regional leaders. His tenure saw the Chamber lead successful advocacy efforts surrounding the Gordie Howe International Bridge, resolution of Detroit's municipal bankruptcy, creation of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, and development of historic economic development incentives. Williams leads the Chamber's political action efforts including successful endorsements of governors, senators, and mayor and over 90% of state legislators. A respected leader, Williams has served as the voice of business for ballot efforts on behalf of public transit, road funding, and business tax reform. Prior to his service at the Chamber, Williams began his career as a staff member in the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Department of Transportation. In 2018, he took temporary leave and served as a senior advisor to then Governor Elect Gretchen Whitmer during her transition. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

October 14, 2024 ~ 7 additional state lawmakers have signed NDAs to obtain information on economic development projects planned by the state. The Detroit News' Beth LeBlanc shares more with Kevin.

An estimated 15,000 packed a hangar and out the door at the Harris-Walz Detroit Metro rally The Harris-Walz ticket launches with crowds matching Obama 2008 and Trump 2016 Hours before the new Democratic ticket attracted 15,000 to a hangar at Metro Airport, JD Vance enthused a crowd of several dozen in Macomb County. Donald Trump spent the week mean-trothing, and resting up for his one-and-only campaign event in the critical swing state of ... Montana? Michigan's primary election sets up some critical showdowns in 4 congressional races which could decide control of the U.S. House and Senate as well as the Michigan Legislature. Another domino falls in the state-by-state criminal cases against the fake electors, with disbarred attorney Jenna Ellis flipping in Arizona. And a national Republicans for Harris-Walz organization is unleashed. Helping sort out the primary election results in Michigan is returning friend-of-the-pod, Detroit Free Press political reporter Clara Hendrickson.  Clara covers Michigan politics with a focus on the governor's office and the state Legislature. She has previously covered voting rights, election administration and redistricting in Michigan. She came to The Detroit Free Press by way of Report for America – an initiative of The GroundTruth Project – to fact-check Michigan issues and politics in partnership with PolitiFact during the 2020 election. She previously worked as a research analyst at the Brookings Institution and freelance journalist in Washington, D.C. =========================== 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 ===========================

On this week's edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Troy Hagon. For 16 years, Troy has worked in the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Office of Government Affairs, the past six as director.Troy will be leaving MDOT soon to become the deputy director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC).During the conversation, Troy reflects on his work in the Michigan Legislature prior to coming to MDOT. He also recalls some good memories of his work at the department and the need to continue efforts to find a long-term, sustainable solution to Michigan's decades-long under-investment in transportation infrastructure. 

Nearly six months after the Michigan Legislature repealed Right to Work laws, more groups of workers are taking action against what they say are coercive measures of some unions to collect fees. Mechanics from Brown Motors in Petoskey and drivers from MV Transportation in Ypsilanti successfully voted recently to remove their union officials' powers to collect union dues from nonunion members. The Brown Motors mechanics voted by 75% against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Right to Work Foundation Legal Defense Foundation said. The Teamsters also faces a new lawsuit filed by nurses at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township, who say union bosses threatened to fire them if they didn't pay union fees.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxFull story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_56611d58-45ec-11ef-8e72-233cf799e918.html

In today's news: Unit 2 of the Cook nuclear power plant has been taken offline due to a leak on a charging pump discharge control valve. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a rebranding for Berrien County Animal Control.  A new state budget has been approved by the Michigan Legislature, but not everyone's a fan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Unit 2 of the Cook nuclear power plant has been taken offline due to a leak on a charging pump discharge control valve. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a rebranding for Berrien County Animal Control.  A new state budget has been approved by the Michigan Legislature, but not everyone's a fan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Unit 2 of the Cook nuclear power plant has been taken offline due to a leak on a charging pump discharge control valve. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a rebranding for Berrien County Animal Control.  A new state budget has been approved by the Michigan Legislature, but not everyone's a fan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the Monday Musing for June 3, 2024 Democrats are in trouble of diluting and mixing their campaign messaging when it comes to the serious threat Trump and the Republicans are to democracy. Democrats must be firm and consistent with their messaging in order to ensure Democrats keep not only the Michigan Legislature blue, but to ensure Democrats keep or gain state legislative seats throughout the country! 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: "Poll finds ‘jarring' stats on democracy amid widening gulf of economic misperception." By Jon King of Michigan Advance Democratic Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin's first ad for the U.S. Senate Anat Shenker-Osorio tweet on the threat of Republican fascism

After a recent Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, tensions remain between the Michigan Legislature and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. In February, the governor proposed an $80.7 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year. Since then, both the House and Senate have passed their own. After the CREC, a final vote in both chambers is necessary to finalize the budget before the July 1 deadline.Full story:https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_5bb74142-186f-11ef-91f4-73977fe5cf9c.html

State budget officials met on May 17, 2024, to finalize state revenue estimates that will be used as guideposts for ongoing FY2025 budget deliberations. The Research Council's Bob Schneider and Craig Thiel provide insights into what the new estimates mean as lawmakers wrap up the budget as well as the budget outlook for Fiscal Year 2026. Scheider said the conference experts delivered a positive outlook, stating that the forecast for the national and state economy was generally good: real GDP, the key metric to monitor the health of the national economy, is expected to continue to grow through the next few years at a normal, healthy rate. Inflation is falling back, though not quite as fast in Michigan as it is nationally; incomes are growing, and Michigan's unemployment rate remains low. The revenue conference, held in January and May each year, brings together the State Treasurer, the Michigan Legislature's top budget advisors and economists who present information on the state and national economy, workforce, wages, the auto industry, and spending patterns by businesses and the public in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The May Revenue Estimating Conference is a key step for state lawmakers in finalizing the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins October 1. Economists and state officials determined that revenue estimates in May showed a slight increase for the state's General Fund and a slight decrease for the School Aid Fund from January estimates. Schneider says the most important takeaway is that revenues continue to grow. Revenues for the state General Fund is expected to grow about 1.5 percent, or just over $200 million. School Aid Fund revenues were adjusted down to about $160 million, or about 1 percent, from January, and that largely reflects slightly slower sales tax growth. "During COVID, people shifted their spending patterns towards goods and 'stuff.' People were buying stuff rather than services. So now, maybe we're seeing a sort of return to normal on that front, which is slowing sales tax growth."

April 29, 2024 ~ Work is being done to lower the tobacco use rate in Michigan, but the bills continue to linger in the Michigan Legislature. Jodi Radke, regional advocacy director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance, joins Kevin and Marie to discuss this.

A Michigan-based think tank is trying to build support for a new tax credit proposal focused on helping parents with young children. Plus, Early Childhood Courts program expands to reunite more parents with children in Michigan's foster care system, and more. Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines

March 20, 2024 ~ The Senate passed a revamped law on surrogacy in Michigan, and the bill will now head to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk. The lead sponsor of the House bill, Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), talks with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie about why it's time for changes with surrogates in the state.

This week on The Beauty Standard, Nicole Gregory sits down with President and Manager of MGS Consultants, Jeremiah Mankopf, and Lobbyist Vicki Baron. They dive into what lobbyists are, MGS Consultants' work with Michigan Legislature, and 2024 goals of MISpa.  Nicole Gregory, Urban You CEO, is the President of MISpa – the Michigan Medical Spa Association. MISpa prioritizes patient advocacy for med spas across Michigan and serves as the collective voice for health care providers, practice managers, and patients alike. Join today to make an impact on the Michigan Medical Aesthetics industry, access exclusive training and industry events, and stay up to date on industry trends.  Whether you're an Urban You member or an industry professional, this episode will catch you up on all things Medical Aesthetics. Tune in and become a MISpa member today! Do you have spring break or summer vacation plans? Celebrate prepping season at Urban You! Now is the perfect time to book a Wellness Consultation and create a treatment plan so you can get the results you want from Laser, CoolSculpting, and other UY services before the warmer seasons come around. New to the world of Aesthetics and looking to start your Wellness Journey with Urban You? Download the free UY App to schedule your appointments, access on demand content & exclusive deals, manage your membership plan, shop medical grade skincare, and more! Save 20% on medical grade skincare by shopping Urban You For Me as an Urban You member! Love the podcast? Rate us 5 stars and give us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Fill out our ⁠Google Form⁠ to receive a free gift from ⁠Urban You For Me⁠, your one-stop-shop for luxury, medical grade skincare! Plus, use code UYFMSOCIALS5 for $5 off your order! Connect with Nicole Gregory & The Beauty Standard: ⁠Urban You⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ MISpa MGS Consultants Topics Discussed in Today's Episode What is a lobbyist? What is MGS Consultants? What are MISpa's plans for 2024? How to get involved with MISpa?

In the December episode of Speaking for Kids, the Podcast, Michigan's Children's host Matt Gillard welcomes Gongwer News Service Managing Editor Alethia Kasben to talk about the accomplishments and shortcomings of the Michigan Legislature's 2023 legislative year. Among big investments for kids and families were greater family tax relief through the expanded earned income tax credit, the adoption of free school meals, expanded free PreK for 4 year olds, and $50 million for afterschool programming. Also discussed were a few key issues that didn't make it to the finish line, including paid family and medical leave. Listen or watch it today.

Matt Grossmann, Charley Ballard, and host Arnold Weinfeld discuss Michigan and national politics, policy, and the economy on the monthly State of the State podcast from MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). The trio's guest this month is Nick Pigeon, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. It's a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to shine the brightest light possible on the role of money in Michigan politics. Conversation Highlights: (1:07) – Why did the Michigan Legislature break early? (3:19) – What are the implications if the Legislature extends their break into the spring? (4:28) – Do you think we'll see renewed calls for a part time legislature? (5:21) – What's the state of the economy? “It's been resilient, worker productivity is growing, and gasoline prices are way down.” (9:45) – What about Michigan's economy in the next six months to a year? (11:52) – How does Michigan's economy compare to other states you've visited recently? (14:32) – If you were President Biden's political consultant, what would you tell him? (15:37) – All about the Michigan Campaign Finance Network and their perspective on the recently passed financial disclosure legislation. (22:59) – Will the new legislation have a positive impact? (25:42) – What about FOIA, the Freedom of Information Act, for legislators? (27:22) – “The dream that transparency was going to lead to a more satisfied public has come and gone.” Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The Michigan legislature is adding AI technology to the state capitol to prevent any potential threeats inside the capitol building. The Detroit News' Beth LeBlanc sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss the implications of the new technology.

The Michigan legislature is adding AI technology to the state capitol to prevent any potential threeats inside the capitol building. The Detroit News' Beth LeBlanc sits down with Cheyna Roth to discuss the implications of the new technology.

There's a lot of hubbub about a Clean Energy Future Plan passed last week by the Michigan Legislature. If you want to learn more about chemical contaminants in Lake Huron, check out an upcoming event. There's a notice out about the upcoming construction of a new Lafayette Street Bridge over the Saginaw River in Bay City. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/

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 ===========================

Darren discussed these topics:The latest on the war between Israel and Hamas.The United Auto Workers have reached tentative settlements with the Big 3 automobile manufacturers.Teachers in Portland, Oregon have gone on strike for better wages and smaller classes.The Michigan Legislature has two sets of bills to require the Governor and legislators to disclose financial information. Unfortunately, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is supporting the weaker package of bills.Chevron has agreed to purchase Hess for $53 Billion. Why are taxpayers still footing the bill for corporate welfare to the oil conglomerates?Donald Trump was fined an additional $10,000 for violating a gag order.Donald Trump, Jr. and Eric Trump testified this week with Donald Sr. and Ivanka testifying next week.And the Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners has decided to delay the vote on whether to fire Health Officer Adeline Hambley.Hammer Time: Michigan State Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-43) gave a tribute to two men who were acquitted in a plot to kidnap and murder Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Ken Braun is Capital Research Center's senior investigative researcher and authors profiles for InfluenceWatch.org and the Capital Research magazine. He previously worked for several free market policy organizations, spent six years as a chief of staff in the Michigan Legislature, and also wrote political columns for MLive Media Group, a consortium including the Grand Rapids Press and seven other mid-sized Michigan newspapers. He is an alumni of Michigan State University. Ken Braun with Hugo Kruger: “The Anti-Nuclear NGO Industrial Complex”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24vUIWK19I4 https://twitter.com/BraunKen https://capitalresearch.org/person/ken-braun/ This piece was mentioned by Ken Braun in this podcast: “The Techno-Optimist Manifesto” by Marc Andreessen https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/ At 0:45 here: “we've revealed how radical groups, funded by George Soros, hired rent-a-mobs to incite others to riot in Ferguson, Missouri” https://youtu.be/3QmnSVmvwwQ?si=a96qI6qha8kWMCbx ========= About Tom Nelson: https://linktr.ee/tomanelson1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL89cj_OtPeenLkWMmdwcT8Dt0DGMb8RGR Twitter: https://twitter.com/tan123 Substack: https://tomn.substack.com/ About Tom: https://tomn.substack.com/about

Here's the LoL Friday Short on this October 20th, of 2023 Democrats in the Michigan Legislature have introduced bills to abolish former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's "Polluter Panels." Snyder and the MAGA majority back in 2018 created a panel filled with industry and commercial insiders with the main goal of slowing down or stopping any real, meaningful protections for the environment and every Michigander. But thanks to the new Democratic majority, steps are finally happening to eliminate these panels, and to leave the decision making to qualified people within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy--or EGLE. Now, we understand why Rick Snyder is working with the rich donor class to reinstall MAGA into the majority in Lansing next fall. It's all about profits--and saving his sad and sorry legacy.  --Pat leftoflansing@gmail.com  leftoflansing.com

 A group called on the Democrat-dominated Michigan Legislature to boost electric vehicle incentives so the state can reach 2 million registered statewide by 2030. Illinois leads the Midwest race to register EVs with nearly 80,000 EVs, while Minnesota has 41,417 and Michigan has 34,380. For Michigan to reach its EV goal, it must register 280,803 EVs each year until mid-2030, which would require registering 23,400 EVs every month for seven years. The Clean Cars 2030 coalition called for Michigan to offer more EV incentives, citing a study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy that ranked Michigan 26th nationwide for EV incentives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support

A vote today in Lansing will now make it harder for those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors to own a gun. WWJ's Jon Hewett reports the vote was along party lines in the Democratically controlled legislature.  -- 41-year old Tonya Lacey was arraigned yesterday on a child abuse charge after her 2-year old child shot and killed himself with an unsecured firearm in June. WWJ's Tony Ortiz says Lacey faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. (PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES)

This week's guest: Trygve Olson from the Lincoln Democracy Institute on growing violence in politics. We now have an audio tape of Donald Trump committing a felony: sharing classified military information that he stole from the White House and giving the details to people with no security clearance. Despite that, Oakland Republicans hand him a certificate for a made-up award as "Man of the Decade" which Trump immediately "humbly" included in a fundraising email. Back in the real world, the administration launches an all-out campaign promoting Bidenomics ... with some snark aimed at Republicans who "voted no but take the dough." The Supreme Court wraps up this term with positive results on voting rights, and reversing precedent on affirmative action in college admissions. In Michigan, a new state budget is now on the Governor's desk — on time and balanced, with major new funding for education, and tax cuts for millions of Michiganders.The Legislature also sends a tranche of bills on everything from expanded civil rights to allowing beer at college football games.  And while the Michigan Legislature is passing laws to improve our elections process, there are warning signs about the potential for increased political violence. A new comprehensive national survey warns of an increasing appetite and tolerance for violence as a part of our political process. We talk with the onetime Mitch McConnell staffer who led the study … along with a collaborator on that report, the honorable and esteemed Mr. Jeff Timmer. =========================== This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is 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 =========================== This week's news links Michigan Politics and Policy Lincoln Democracy Project Full Study Lincoln Democracy Project Summary Supreme Court ruling on online harassment angers victims, advocates - The Washington Post Michigan Legislature sends $81.7B state budget to Whitmer's desk - Detroit Free Press Michigan lawmakers approve record $82B budget plan - Detroit News Michigan passes $21.5B school budget with boost for at-risk students | Bridge Michigan Michigan budget has $950M in no-bid pork projects, some transparency reforms - Bridge Michigan Early voting, beer in college stadiums await Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's signature - Bridge Michigan Michigan set to become 22nd state to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ youths - Bridge Michigan Michigan bill repeals Snyder-era law limiting state regulations - Detroit Free Press High-speed internet is a necessity, President Biden says, pledging all US will have access by 2030 - AP News Michigan to receive $1.5B to extend internet to 210,000 in rural areas - Bridge Michigan Dana Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn't resolve Michigan's claims - Bridge Michigan Trump said EVs will ‘decimate' Michigan. Bridge fact-checks his claims - Bridge Michigan A return to the familiar as Trump kicks off Michigan campaigning for '24 - Detroit Free Press USS Carl M. Levin commissioned, going on active duty in US Navy - Detroit Free Press Across the nation Bidonomics - White House Embracing "Bidenomics," Biden seeks to turn an insult into a strength - The Washington Post White House touts legislative wins on the road, in GOP strongholds - POLITICO The public still has negative views of the national economy - AP-NORC Supreme Court rejects GOP in North Carolina case that could have reshaped elections beyon...

Do Republicans have any shot at policymaking after Democrats take power in Lansing? Can Democrats really get everything they want? And what about 2024? With Free Press politics reporter Dave Boucher.