Michigan politics

Third party gubernatorial candidate Robin Sanders focuses on public safety

Current State — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:50:24 +0000

Many Michigan voters have begun anticipating a Gubernatorial contest next year between Republican incumbent Rick Snyder and Democratic challenger Mark Schauer.

Democratic Rep. McCann calls for change to redistricting laws

Current State — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:41:31 +0000

Michigan’s state legislative districts are redrawn after every U.S. Census. The last time around the process turned contentious and led many Democrats to allege gerrymandering by the GOP majority. They point to what they say are contorted district lines drawn to ensure a political advantage.

Democratic nominee Mark Schauer discusses governor's race

Current State — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:35:51 +0000

Rep. Andy Schor discusses budget and reforms

Current State — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:12:14 +0000

Michigan’s fiscal year 2014 budget is due in six weeks. In the midst of the always intriguing process, Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, joins Current State. Schor has also been active in May launching and announcing support for measures involving voting reform, gun control and women’s health.

Today, he talks with Current State host Mark Bashore about the ongoing budget proposals, Medicaid expansion, the possible use of an unanticipated revenue increase, his voting reform bills, and more.

Current State #73 | April 24, 2013

Current State — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:55:08 +0000

Today on Current State: House Minority leader Tim Greimel; the MSU Wind Symphony performs at the Latin IS America Festival; Niowave pole barn dispute comes to an end; the Greater Lansing African American Health Institute; and the impact of flooding on agriculture.

House Minority leader Tim Greimel

Current State — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:42:24 +0000

Democratic State Representative Tim Greimel is serving his first full term in the Michigan House. It’s also his first as the leader of his party’s caucus.

Representative Greimel speaks with Current State host Mark Bashore about the Snyder administration's education project, his party’s struggle for influence in the GOP-majority legislature and likely Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate and Governor.

Local journalists review the top news stories in March

Current State — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:52:24 +0000

From the appointment of Detroit’s emergency manager to the ongoing fallout from Right to Work, March was a dramatic month in Michigan. And in Lansing, officials finally unveiled a controversial plan to address the city’s long-term structural budget shortfalls.

Current State #54 | March 28, 2013

Current State — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:05:17 +0000

Today on Current State: mother-daughter duo discuss their political involvement; winning Detroit Tigers' influence in 1968; Stations of the Cross reenactment in Lansing; and flutist Sir James Galway.

Barb and Dianne Byrum: Mid-Michigan’s mother-daughter political duo

Current State — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:01:43 +0000

Michigan's Right-to-Work law set to take effect

Current State — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:56:09 +0000

Curtis Hertel on running for state Senate in 2014

Current State — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:50:27 +0000

Current Ingham County Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel recently announced his plans to run for state Senate for 2014. As of now, he is the only democrat seeking to replace Gretchen Whitmer, who will reach her term limit come 2014.

Current State speaks with Hertel on his future plans for the position.

Legislature set to cut state revenue to universities over new worker contracts

Current State — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:56:55 +0000

Yesterday the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee proposed a plan that would cut state revenue to universities that approve new long-term contracts with faculty unions. Several schools including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University have been pursuing the new contracts to delay the impact of Michigan’s new Right to Work law, which is set to take effect next week.

State Representative Sam Singh on latest issues before state government

Current State — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:18:08 +0000

Leaders of Michigan cities seek more revenue sharing

Current State — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:38:16 +0000

Since 2000, Michigan's state government has cut a total of $4.2 billion of revenue sharing with municipalities. With lawmakers at work on the next state budget, and with a modest surplus projected, advocates for Michigan’s cities and towns are pleading for an increase in revenue. This afternoon, many of those advocates will meet at the Lansing office of the Michigan Municipal League to make some noise.

Lansing school superintendent opposes Educational Achievement Authority

Current State — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:56:13 +0000

A bill is moving through the Michigan legislature that would expand the state's oversight of struggling schools.

Lansing schools Superintendent Yvonne Camaal-Canul says the move to expand the preview of Michigan's Educational Achievement Authority is "not about education.It's about politics." She joins us.

Gov. Snyder to announce Detroit emergency financial manager

Current State — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:03:37 +0000

Thursday afternoon in Detroit, Governor Rick Snyder is expected to name Kevyn Orr, a Washington D.C.-based bankruptcy attorney, as Detroit's incoming financial manager. The Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta explains the importance of this historic announcement.

Congressman Gary Peters discusses his political future

Current State — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:43:45 +0000

Since Carl Levin’s announcement last Thursday that he won’t be seeking another term as Michigan’s senator, many names have been dropped as possible successors. Arguably none has been mentioned more often as Democratic Congressman Gary Peters, who represents Michigan’s 14th congressional district.

Congressman Peters discusses his political career and where it might be headed.

Current State #43 | March 13, 2013

Current State — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:18:12 +0000

Today on Current State: A debate on biodiversity and commerce in Michigan; the Lansing Jaycees features in Neighbors in Action; Lansing City Pulse reporters on the LPD's missing cold case list; a Jackson ice cream institution reopens; and an Ann Arbor high school orchestra wins national acclaim.

Biodiversity and commerce in Michigan

Current State — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:10:37 +0000

A proposed bill making its way through the Michigan legislature aims to put tighter limits on the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission.

Governor Rick Snyder addresses latest issues facing Michigan

Current State — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:30:18 +0000

From the controversial decision over a Detroit emergency manager, to the politics of road funding, to a call by Democrats to make college tuition available to all state high school graduates, Governor Rick Snyder had a lot going late last week. Current State host Mark Bashore managed, however, to get the Governor for a few minutes by phone for a quick update on all these issues.