Capitol Connection

Federal Aid Helps Michigan Fill $2.2B Hole; More Sought

Michigan lawmakers will return to session to pass a multibillion-dollar plan to resolve the deficit caused by the coronavirus shutdown — with a mix of…

Beverly Boatley (far right, standing) attended an NAACP Peace March in Lansing in June to protest police brutality and promote ending qualified immunity. Her grandson was killed by police in Arizona.

Politics & Government

Protesters Want Big Police Reforms. Michigan Lawmakers Offer Small Changes.

Abigail Censky

Legislators in Lansing are offering incremental reforms that experts and even police themselves say won’t make much difference in reducing police violence…

Hundreds of protesters marched at the capitol

Politics & Government

Hundreds Protest Police Brutality At Capitol After Police Killing Of George Floyd

Karel Vega

This post was last updated Sunday, May 31st at 11:30 p.m.Hundreds gathered at the Michigan State Capitol Sunday to protest the police killing of George…

Fair & Equal MI along with two Democrat state lawmakers, the campaign is suing the Michigan Secretary of State, Board of Canvassers, and Director of Elections to forestall the end of their campaign after falling more than 162,000 signatures short.

Politics & Government

Fair And Equal Michigan Sues State To Change Signature Requirements During Pandemic

Abigail Censky

As ballot measure initiatives across the country fizzled out during the coronavirus pandemic Fair and Equal Michigan pivoted to gathering electronic…

Michael Flynn III, center, was one of six people who escorted Rep. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) into the capitol after heavily armed white protesters stood above lawmakers at capitol protests against the stay at home order.

Politics & Government

Gun-Filled Protests Trigger Armed Escort & Push To Ban Guns From State Capitol

Abigail Censky

Two weeks ago, when the Liberate Michigan protest spilled into the Capitol building, armed protesters stood over state lawmakers. Senate Democrat, Dayna…

States are beginning to plan to pivot to conduct largely vote by mail elections during the coronavirus pandemic. In Michigan, two to three million voters are expected to vote from home.

Politics & Government

Michigan's Push For Absentee Voting During Pandemic Comes At A High Cost

Abigail Censky

Tuesday Michigan is holding the first election since announcing its first two cases of COVID-19 the night of the state’s presidential primary. The May…

Hundreds of protesters returned to Lansing Thursday as lawmakers inside failed to extend Governor Whitmer's coronavirus emergency declaration and Republicans authorized legal action against the Governor.

Politics & Government

Gov. Whitmer Extends Coronavirus Emergency As GOP Legislators Prepare For Legal Challenge

Rick Pluta

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued new executives orders Thursday to extend Michigan’s COVID-19 state of emergency for another four weeks. That was after…

Capitol Connection

Whitmer Extends Stay-Home Order Through May 15, Eases Rules

Associated Press

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday lengthened her stay-at-home order through May 15, while lifting restrictions so some businesses can reopen and the public…

Despite a plea from the governor not to, Michigan's lawmakers met Tuesday at the state's Capitol in Lansing amid the coronavirus pandemic. On the Capitol's steps, demonstrators protested the closure of businesses across the state and the ability to travel freely under the state's stay-at-home order.

Politics & Government

Lawmakers Defy Warnings, Continue To Meet In Capitols Across The Country

Abigail Censky

Many state legislative sessions were cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now lawmakers, itching to complete state business, are reconvening despite health warnings.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer sitting at a desk

Capitol Connection

Michigan Jobless Claims Ahead Of ’19; Virus Cases At 17,221

Associated Press

Nearly 800,000 people have filed for unemployment benefits in Michigan since mid-March, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Monday, detailing the extraordinary…