Capitol Connection

Abigail Censky, WKAR politics & government reporter
Credit Lindsay Wilkinson Photography

From the Statehouse to Capitol Hill, WKAR is committed to explaining how lawmakers decisions affect Michiganders. Look, read, and listen here for conversations with people across Michigan about what drives their vote. Politics and Government Reporter Abigail Censky will be talking to politicians, Michiganders and 2020 hopefuls to bring you the people behind Michigan politics.

Stories in this section also come from the MPRN Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta, MPRN Capitol Correspondent Cheyna Roth and the Associated Press.

Ways to Connect

Gov. Whitmer Calls For Stricter Gun Regulations In Wake Of Mass Shootings

By • Aug 6, 2019
Gretchen Whitmer
WKAR-MSU

Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants the state legislature to act in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. 

Whitmer Administration Codifies Medicaid Coverage For Sex Reassignment

By • Aug 6, 2019
Capitol building photo
WKAR File Photo

Michigan will continue to provide Medicaid coverage for sex reassignment surgeries and medications.

Lansing City Council Primary Preview

By • Aug 5, 2019
The primary for Lansing City Council candidates is Tuesday. Voters will be tasked with narrowing the field of candidates on the ballot before the general election in November.
Reginald Hardwick / WKAR-MSU

Tuesday is the primary election for the Lansing City Council. Eight challengers will face four incumbents for four seats. Lansing State Journal reporter Sarah Lehr covers the council and she joined WKAR’s politics reporter Abigail Censky to preview the election. 


Communities Receive Partial Win In Court Fight Over Tax Dollars

By & • Jul 31, 2019
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 spending cuts, a drawdown of the state’s savings and a big influx of federal rescue aid.
Reginald Hardwick / WKAR-MSU

Local governments have won a partial victory in the Michigan appeals court in a dispute over how state government gives tax dollars to communities.


Stabenow Backs Trump Impeachment Inquiry, Cites Obstruction

By • Jul 30, 2019
Debbie Stabenow
Twitter/SenStabenow

Sen. Debbie Stabenow said she would support House Democrats if they launch an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump, becoming the latest Michigan Democrat to support such proceedings.

Michigan Republicans Sue To Block Redistricting Commission

By & • Jul 30, 2019
Michigan Capital
michigan.gov

Republican opponents of Michigan’s new independent redistricting commission are back in court.


Bill Would Outlaw Flying Pride Flag At State Offices

By • Jul 29, 2019
Rainbow Flag
File Photo / WKAR

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said her veto pen is ready if the Legislature sends her a bill that would outlaw flying the gay pride flag – or any other un-official flag -- at state offices. The bill was introduced after Whitmer flew the rainbow flag to commemorate Pride Week.


Updated State Road Plan Does Not Include More Money

By • Jul 22, 2019
I-96, Highway, bridge
WKAR-MSU

The state Department of Transportation has just released a new 5-year plan to maintain and fix Michigan’s roads.


New Bill Aims To Combat Hair Discrimination

By • Jul 19, 2019
Natural hair
Tamia Boyd / WKAR-MSU

Some Michigan lawmakers want to join New York and California in prohibiting discrimination based on hair.


Secretary of State Seeks Input On Redistricting Forms, Eligibility

By • Jul 19, 2019
Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's first Democratic secretary of state in more than 20 years gives her inaugural remarks.
WKAR

Michigan's top election official on Thursday released proposed application wording and eligibility guidelines for people wanting to serve on a new commission that will draw congressional and legislative districts instead of lawmakers.

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