Michigan Archives - The Michigan Star

Whitmer, Challengers Bolster War Chests for Michigan Gubernatorial 2022 Race

October 27, 2021 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2022 campaign funds have grown to about $12.6 million after raking in $3.1 million between July 21 and Oct. 20.

The Democratic governor has continued claiming an exemption to accept contributions above the state-imposed limit of $7,150 from an individual throughout the entire election cycle. Whitmer’s campaign says it can do this, citing a loophole by which donors may exceed campaign funding limits if their candidate of choice is facing a recall election. Despite several past recalls against the governor over the past three years, none are currently active.

The GOP has challenged this strategy in court, where an Oct. 13 court filing suggests roughly $3.4 million in excess donations must be returned or given to a charity since no recalls are active. New large contributions include Whitmer’s father, Richard Whitmer ($40,000), billionaire George Soros ($25,000), and Vice-Chair of the Detroit Pistons Arn Tellem ($25,000).

Michigan Parents Allege Their Actions Were Mischaracterized at Recent School Board Meeting

October 27, 2021October 26, 2021 Cooper Moran

Frustrated parents, who attended a school board meeting in Grand Ledge, allege that their actions have been distorted by the leaders of the school board.

While the parents were visibly upset with the decisions from the school board members, the parents contend that Sara Clark Pierson, president of the Grand Ledge school board, is misrepresenting their actions.

Michigan Township Clerk Removed from Running November Second Election

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021 The Center Square

Hillsdale County Clerk Marney Kast’s office will run the Nov. 2 election next week in Adams Township after the Michigan Bureau of Elections said Adams Township Clerk Stephanie Scott failed to comply with legal requirements for election security.

“The voters of Adams Township expect, deserve, and have a right to have their election carried out in accordance with all state and federal laws,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. “I am confident that the Hillsdale County Clerk’s office will administer the election in a manner that ensures that it is legal, transparent, and secure.”

Nearly 300 Venues in Michigan Awarded $280M in Grants

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021 The Center Square

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shuttered much economic activity in Michigan without compensation for lost revenue. While groceries stores stayed open, venues designed for packing people into spaces like theaters, museums, and zoos to enjoy art shuttered for longer than five months.

So the U.S. Small Business Administration administered over $16 billion nationwide through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grantees (SVOG) nationwide. In Michigan, 279 businesses ranging from museums to art centers to theaters have been promised a total of $280 million, with amounts from $3,500 to up to $10 million.

Bipartisan Michigan Bills Aims to Restore Tax Incentives for Business Development

October 25, 2021October 24, 2021 The Center Square

A bipartisan bill aims to revive a killed business subsidy incentive that they say will spur new job creation in Michigan.

State Reps. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills and Angela Witwer, D-Delta Township, introduced House Bills (HB) 5425 and 5426 that aim to form the Michigan Employment Opportunity Program (MEOP) to provide incentives for business developments similar to the Good Jobs for Michigan (GJFM) program, which expired in 2019.

“The Michigan Employment Opportunity Program will form a public-private partnership to bring good jobs to our state,” Tisdel said in a statement. “Government can make it easier for businesses to invest in our communities and support more Michigan workers, bringing economic growth – and the revenue that comes with it.”

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Director Says Benton Harbor Water Unsafe to Drink, Situation ‘Inexcusable’

October 24, 2021October 23, 2021 The Center Square

When Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), was asked five times in a row whether Benton Harbor’s water was safe to drink, she repeatedly said, “the state of Michigan wants citizens to be drinking bottled water.”

“Come on, let’s talk like normal people here,” Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, responded. “It’s a normal question: Is the water in Benton Harbor safe to drink or not?”

Clark eventually answered “no,” and recommended residents drink bottled water.

Preliminary Audit Results Find 800 Michigan Unreported COVID-19 Deaths

October 23, 2021October 22, 2021 The Center Square

Preliminary results from Auditor Doug Ringler’s analysis of Michigan’s long-term care facility COVID-19 death data found about 800 additional confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths than the state initially counted overall statewide between Jan. 1, 2020, and July 3, 2021.

Ringler responded to a request from the Oversight Committee to investigate the accuracy of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) COVID-19 death data in long-term care facilities. The request followed questions about the accuracy of MDHHS COVID-19 death data.

Ringler told Johnson he used death certificate information from the Electronic Death Record System and COVID-19 case and death data from the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services counts total COVID-19 deaths on their pandemic website using data from MDSS.

Michigan Parents Sue Attorney General Garland over Plan to Target Anti-School Board Protests

October 22, 2021October 21, 2021 Michigan Star Staff

On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed against Attorney General Merrick Garland by a group of parents in Michigan, with the intention of blocking his plans to use the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target them for protesting school board meetings, as reported by the New York Post.

The parents are from Saline, Michigan, and are represented by the American Freedom Law Center. The civil suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and seeks to protect the parents’ “fundamental right to freedom of speech, to direct the education of their children, and to be free from unlawful discrimination based upon their political and religious beliefs and views.”

Agitators Tamper with High Pressure Gas Pipeline Following Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Public Calls to Shut It Down

October 22, 2021October 21, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was silent after agitators tampered with an Enbridge pipeline following her public calls to shut it down.

Anti-energy activists appeared to trespass on Enbridge property in Tuscola County to use a pipe wrench on an emergency shutoff valve Tuesday:

Young Americans for Liberty Members at Michigan College Allege Religious Discrimination over Vaccine Mandate

October 21, 2021October 20, 2021 Cooper Moran

Two students at Oakland University in Michigan allege that they have faced widespread discrimination on campus after receiving a religious exception from a vaccine mandate.

Jake Yetzke and Inara Ramazanova, who are both members of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL), detailed in an emailed statement that university faculty members and students have ostracized the duo for not taking the coronavirus vaccine.

Senate, House Pass Michigan Opportunity Scholarship Bills

October 21, 2021October 20, 2021 The Center Square

In what was characterized as a blow against the state constitution’s Blaine amendments, members of the House and Senate on Tuesday passed a slate of bills aimed at providing opportunity scholarships for Michigan students.

Senate Bills 687 and 688 and House Bills 5404 and 5405 all passed mainly along party lines, with Republicans supporting the legislation and Democrats in opposition. Each chamber’s respective education committees moved the bills forward earlier in the day.

Michigan Legislature Passes Sweeping Education Savings Account School Choice Plan

October 21, 2021October 20, 2021 Cooper Moran

The Michigan Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a sweeping school choice plan that funds student learning through education savings accounts.

Called Michigan Student Opportunity Accounts, the legislation would allow parents to utilize state dollars as they see fit, by either staying in the traditional government system, enrolling in another option such as a private or virtual school, or receiving additional tutoring or other support.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Warned Twice Before Errors, Emails Show

October 20, 2021October 19, 2021 The Center Square

Emails show that in May 2020, the federal government warned Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance (UIA) about its lax jobless aid qualification questions. Despite a second warning as early as Jan. 6, 2021, the UIA still didn’t fix its mistakes.

The unheeded warnings are now costing nearly 600,000 Michiganders stress as well as potentially thousands of dollars to repay Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits erroneously paid out.

Michigan Bill Would Ease 1,800-Hour Classroom Requirement to Become a Barber

October 20, 2021October 19, 2021 Cooper Moran

A bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives would allow barbers-to-be to obtain the 1,800 hours of training as an apprenticeship rather than a classroom.

The Mackinac Center reported:

Majority of Michigan Republican Legislators Oppose National Popular Vote Proposal

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 Cooper Moran

A proposal to force Michigan’s presidential electors to cast ballots for the national popular vote winner — regardless of the results in the state — is meeting opposition from a majority of Republican legislators.

State Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) and state Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall) spearheaded the effort to collect 57 signatures from legislators opposed to the idea. According to the Detroit News, 17 of the 20 Republican senators and 40 of the 57 Republican representatives signed on in opposition.

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bill Guaranteeing Vaccine Exemptions for College Students

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 Michigan Star Staff

The state of Michigan’s most recent budget includes robust protections for college students seeking exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine.

House Bill 4400 — signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) on September 29 — requires that all universities receiving a state appropriation must ensure that students can receive religious and medical exemptions from the vaccine, provided that they obtain a letter from a physician or draft a statement articulating their religious beliefs.

Gretchen Whitmer May Be Forced to Return Millions in Illegal Campaign Contributions

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) may be forced to return millions in campaign contributions that exceeded individual donation limits, a court filing hinted this week.

Whitmer recently collected some donations as high as $250,000 — blowing past the $7,150 individual limit — by claiming she was under threat of recall. No real recall threat ever materialized. In fact, the chief proponent, Chad Baase, recently revealed that he moved to California.

University of Michigan Paid Kendi $20,000 for a One-Hour Online Event

October 18, 2021October 17, 2021 Michigan Star Staff

The University of Michigan paid Ibram X. Kendi $20,000 to speak at a one-hour virtual event in November 2020.

Campus Reform obtained the contract through a public records request, which detailed that the November 11 speaking engagement would occur on Zoom.

Gretchen Whitmer Scrambles to Contain Years-Long Benton Harbor Water Scandal

October 17, 2021October 16, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is scrambling to contain a growing scandal after she promised to remove lead from drinking water in Benton Harbor within five years.

Benton Harbor, a depressed community of about 9,600 residents in southwest Michigan, has been struggling to deal with the poison in the water, and after negative national media attention, Whitmer this week vowed an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to dealing with the problem.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Shuffles Elderly Agencies as Auditor General Nursing Home Death Report Looms

October 16, 2021October 15, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is reorganizing agencies providing services to the elderly, as an auditor general report on coronavirus-related nursing home deaths looms.

The new Health and Aging Services Administration will reportedly provide better communication between agencies with the goal of increasing efficiency.

Michigan House Passes Voter ID Bill, Sends to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for Vowed Veto

October 16, 2021October 16, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has vowed to veto an election integrity bill that would require a voter casting an absentee ballot to prove their identity.

Senate Bills 303 and 304, approved by the Michigan House of Representatives, would “require anyone who casts an absentee ballot or votes in person on Election Day to provide identification.” A related piece of legislation, House Bill 5007 removes the current $10 fee to obtain a state ID

Michigan Group Pitches Plan to Spend $6 Billion of State’s Federal Aid Money

October 15, 2021October 14, 2021 The Center Square

A statewide coalition is backing a spending schedule of $6 billion of federal government money from the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

The Coalition for a Strong and Prosperous Michigan represents businesses, government organizations, local elected leaders, and statewide associations. They aim to detail strategic ways to invest Michigan’s ARP funding for future growth and prosperity.

Three Michigan Residents Charged with Absentee Ballot Voter Fraud, Following Concerning Trend

October 15, 2021October 14, 2021 Cooper Moran

Three Michigan residents have been charged with voter fraud involving absentee ballots by state officials, which follows a concerning trend over the past decade.

State Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) alleges Trenae Myesha Rainey submitted two dozen absentee voter applications on behalf of an unknowing Father Murray Nursing Home resident in Macomb County. According to prosecutors, the Centerline clerk “noticed the application signatures didn’t match those in the Qualified Voter File,” WWMT reported.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Continues Acting as Betsy DeVos’s Victim in Latest Campaign Email

October 15, 2021October 14, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) kept up the victim routine in her latest campaign fundraising email, claiming Betsy DeVos has it out for her.

This summer, Whitmer made false claims in another email, asserting DeVos was planning a run against her, forcing DeVos to deny such a plan.

Former President Trump Urges Forensic Audit in Michigan

October 14, 2021October 13, 2021 Cooper Moran

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday highlighted a recent rally at the Michigan State Capitol, calling for a forensic audit of the 2020 presidential election.

The rally, hosted by the Election Integrity Fund and Force and endorsed by Trump, called on state lawmakers to authorize an independent ballot examination

New Book Details Repeated Shortcomings in Michigan Electoral Process

October 13, 2021October 12, 2021 Cooper Moran

In a new book entitled Rigged: How the Media, Big Tech, and the Democrats Seized Our Elections, senior editor at The Federalist Mollie Hemmingway details repeated efforts by Democrats to weaken the electoral process in Michigan before the 2020 election.

According to Hemmingway, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and election attorney Marc Elias worked to “water down” requirements for absentee ballots.

Michigan Charges Three People for Alleged Election Fraud in 2020 Election

October 13, 2021October 12, 2021 The Center Square

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged three women with crimes related to attempted voter fraud in the 2020 general election.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Nessel argued the charges show that when “rare” election fraud happens, the current safeguards stop it.

“These cases highlight the scrutiny applications and ballots undergo throughout the election process, as well as the thorough investigative process that ensues when instances of attempted fraud are suspected,” Nessel said in a statement.

Studies Detail Damaging Mental, Economic, Academic Impacts of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Coronavirus Lockdowns

October 13, 2021October 12, 2021 Cooper Moran

Economic indicators continue to reveal the damaging impacts of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Internet gaming platform Spider-Solitaire Challenge found 54 percent of study respondents in Michigan reported suffering from “pandemic brain,” which it described as “a decline in your cognitive abilities” during the time in-person learning was banned, businesses were ordered closed, and religious services were restricted, according to the Daily Mining Gazette.

Bill Aims to Provide for Long-Term Maintenance for Michigan Roads

October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 The Center Square

Two lawmakers introduced a bill that aims to provide long-term maintenance for roads.

Republican Reps. Steve Carra of Three Rivers and Gary Eisen of St. Clair Twp. introduced House Bill (HB) 5369, aiming to require long-term contracts for road construction and maintenance.

Central Michigan University College Republicans Respond to Student Who Tweeted About Defacing Their Sidewalk Display

October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 Michigan Star Staff

A student at Central Michigan University boasted on social media about defacing his conservative classmates’ chalk drawings.

Anthony James — operating under the username “brownskinqueer” on Twitter — declared on September 29 that he spent forty-five minutes erasing “copaganda, racist, and pro-life bullshit” from a sidewalk at Central Michigan University.

Ingham County Pauses Gun Violence Prevention Program Due to Lack of Participation

October 11, 2021October 10, 2021 Cooper Moran

Ingham County officials announced that they will pause the implementation of a new program aimed to curb gun violence in the area.

The delay in Advance Peace, the program meant to curb the spike in violent crime, according to city officials, is due to lack of participation from community organizations.

Michigan Senate Approves More Election Bills to Increase ID Access

October 11, 2021October 10, 2021 The Center Square

The Michigan Senate approved three election bills on Thursday that aim to alter election law and make it easier get a state ID.

The Senate voted 20-16 to approve Senate Bill (SB) 304 as amended. Under the bill, the election inspector must notify an elector issued a provisional ballot that it will only be tabulated if the voter verifies voter registration with the clerk within six days after the election. The inspector would also have to inform the individual that some individuals are eligible for a cost-free state ID.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Backs West Michigan University Athletes Seeking Vaccine Exemption

October 10, 2021October 9, 2021 The Center Square

Two football players who attend Western Michigan University

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld Federal District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney’s preliminary injunction, which allows 16 Western Michigan University (WMU) athletes to continue playing intercollegiate sports despite refusing a Covid-19 vaccine shot.

Appellate Judges Ralph B. Guy, Jr., David W. McKeague, and Chad A. Readler issued their opinion confirming WMU violated the athletes’ First Amendment rights by denying their requests for a religious exemption from the mandate. This decision is now binding precedent in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.

“The University put plaintiffs to the choice: get vaccinated or stop fully participating in intercollegiate sports,” the opinion says. “The University did not dispute that taking the vaccine would violate plaintiffs’ ‘sincerely held Christian beliefs.’ Yet refusing the vaccine prevents plaintiffs from participating in college sports, as they are otherwise qualified (and likely were recruited) to do. By conditioning the privilege of playing sports on plaintiffs’ willingness to abandon their sincere religious beliefs, the University burdened their free exercise rights.”

Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s Reinstated Prevailing Wage Rules Rewards Union Donors, Critics Say

October 9, 2021October 8, 2021 The Center Square

Gov. Grethcen Whitmer announces that Michigan received a $10 million grant to support the state’s registered apprenticeship expansion efforts and increase employment opportunities for Michiganders.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement this week that she is reinstating the state’s prevailing wage rules is drawing accusations that the move is nothing more than a sop to the governor’s extensive list of donors affiliated with organized labor.

“Governor Whitmer is putting campaign donors before Michigan’s hardworking taxpayers,” Eric Ventimiglia, executive director for Michigan Rising Action, said in a statement that included an extensive list of skilled trades unions that have contributed to the governor’s campaign war chest. “Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders worked to place this initiative in front of the legislature, and her unilateral decision to break the law is another example of Whitmer pandering to her highest donors.”

Among the donors listed by MRA are the Painters & Allied Trades Political Action Committee; Michigan Council of Carpenters PAC; Michigan State AFL-CIO; and several pipefitters unions.

Michigan Rep. Tlaib Says She Only Wears Masks in Front of Camera

October 8, 2021October 7, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

Rep. Rashida Tlain (D-MI-13) admitted on video Wednesday that she only wears a mask when the cameras are rolling.

“I’m only wearing it because I have this Republican tracker over here,” Tlaib said when asked by a man whether he should put on a mask.

Michigan State Senate Passes Voter ID Law

October 8, 2021October 7, 2021 Cooper Moran

The Michigan State Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would strengthen voting laws in the state, requiring an individual to present a photo ID in order to vote.

In addition to the ID requirement, the legislation would prevent the Secretary of State from mailing absentee ballots, unless specifically requested by the voter.

Gov. Whitmer Calls on Lawmakers to Boost Michigan Economic Development Corporation Funding

October 7, 2021October 6, 2021 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on the Legislature to provide more taxpayer money to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to attract businesses, but an economic development analyst and GOP leader disagree.

Citing Ford Motor Company choosing Kentucky and Tennessee to build electric vehicle battery plants instead of its home state, Whitmer called on legislative leaders to give the MEDC “more resources and more advanced procedural and legal tools” to pursue projects.

Gretchen Whitmer Hints Support for Coronavirus Vaccine Mandate

October 7, 2021October 6, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) hinted Tuesday she may follow President Joe Biden’s lead and support a coronavirus vaccine mandate in the state.

Whitmer was asked about the federal mandate for federal government employees and employers with 100 or more workers, and the Democrat incumbent did not indicate any concern. In fact, she said she would follow Biden’s lead.

Gretchen Whitmer Slams Justin Trudeau, Accuses Leftist Prime Minister of ‘Doing Bidding’ of Oil Companies

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) lashed out at fellow leftist Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after his government bypassed her to ensure an energy pipeline continues operating.

Whitmer has sought to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5, which runs from Canada through Michigan to refineries in the Midwest. If Whitmer is successful, energy disruptions and price increases would be inevitable, analysts say.

Michigan Nurse Charged for Stealing, Selling COVID-19 Vaccine Cards

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

A nurse in Michigan was charged last week after authorities say they caught her stealing and selling authentic COVID-19 vaccination cards.

“The first complaint charges Bethann Kierczak, 37, of Southgate with theft of government property and theft or embezzlement related to a healthcare benefit program,” the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a press release. “Kierczak, a registered nurse, was arrested this morning and will be appearing in federal court this afternoon on the charges.”

Joe Biden Visits Michigan to Rally Support for Floundering Multi-Trillion ‘Infrastructure’ Plan

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 Cooper Moran

President Joe Biden (D) visited a union training center in Howell, Michigan on Tuesday to rally support for his “infrastructure” plan alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D).

Whitmer posted on Twitter her support for Biden’s multi-trillion spending behemoth shortly before the President’s visit:

Canada Invokes 1977 Treaty to Keep Michigan’s Line 5 Flowing

October 5, 2021October 4, 2021 The Center Square

A 1977 pipeline treaty between Canada and the United States is being invoked by Canada in order to prevent closure of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, which has been in operation under the Straits of Mackinac for the past 68 years.

On Monday, Gordon Giffin, legal counsel for the Canadian government, issued a letter to the U.S. Western District of Michigan Federal Court on Monday, according to a news report by Reuters. In the letter, Giffin noted the 1977 treaty prohibits Michigan and/or the U.S. government from disrupting the operation of Line 5, and asked U.S. District Judge Janet Neff to delay issuing an opinion to allow treaty negotiations between the Canada and the United States to proceed.

Article II of the treaty reads: “No public authority in the territory of either Party shall institute any measures, other than those provided for in Article V, which are intended to, or which would have the effect of, impeding, diverting, redirecting or interfering with in any way the transmission of hydrocarbon in transit.” Article V specifies “an actual or threatened disaster, operating emergency or other demonstrable need” as reasons to shut down the internationally operated pipelines.

Gretchen Whitmer Vetoes Four Election Integrity Bills, Pledges Similar Fate for 35 More

October 5, 2021October 4, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Sunday vetoed four election integrity bills the legislature passed to improve training for election clerks and increase database security.

Pandering to a “captive audience,” Whitmer rejected the bills during a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People dinner in Detroit. Democrats argue election integrity legislation discriminates against black people, though recent polling found some provisions, such as requiring an ID to vote, are popular with that voting bloc.

Michigan Senate Set for Tuesday Hearing on Anti-CRT Bill

October 4, 2021October 3, 2021 Cooper Moran

The Michigan State Senate Education and Career Readiness Committee on Tuesday will hold a hearing on an anti-critical race theory bill.

The legislation, which was introduced by Education and Career Readiness Committee Chair Lana Theis (R-Brighton), would seek to limit the teaching of critical race theory in schools.

Michigan Redistricting Committee Draws Fire for Canceled Meetings, Limiting Public Comments

October 3, 2021October 2, 2021 The Center Square

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Committee (MICRC), charged with redrawing the state’s district boundaries based on 2020 U.S. Census data, has been riddled throughout its inaugural outing with blown deadlines and other missteps.

The most recent issue raising public concerns is the MICRC’s apparent lack of transparency, which was prompted by the committee eliminating four of its nine scheduled October public hearings. That means the committee will comply with the minimum number of five meetings called for in the state constitution, but canceling the four meetings will disappoint voters in Novi, Kalamazoo, Marquette and Warren. The five meetings not cancelled will be held in Detroit, Flint, Gaylord, Grand Rapids and Lansing.

University of Michigan-Flint Grant to Support 300 Jobs, $10.4M Investment in Flint

October 2, 2021October 1, 2021 The Center Square

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $3.8 million Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Recovery Assistance grant to the University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, to construct the university’s new College of Innovation and Technology.

The grant, to be matched with $4.9 million in local funds, is expected to create 126 jobs, retain 175 jobs, and generate $10.4 million in private investment.

“We are grateful to Secretary Raimondo and the Biden Administration for investing in University of Michigan-Flint’s College of Innovation and Technology,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This grant will help us usher in a new era of prosperity by supporting over 300 good-paying jobs and generating $10.4 million in private investment.” 

Mayor Sheldon Neeley welcomed the investment.

Michigan’s Second Largest City Declares Racism a ‘Public Health Crisis’

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 Cooper Moran

Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city and the hub of the more conservative western side of the state, declared racism as a “public health crisis.”

The Grand Rapids city commission approved a resolution that read in part, “We know that racism is deep and pervasive throughout many systems and policies impacting health. Examples include health care, public education funding structures, criminal justice and sentencing, housing, and wealth-building opportunities.”

Michigan Senate Passes Election Integrity Bills, Head to Gretchen Whitmer for Predicted Veto

October 1, 2021October 10, 2021 Cooper Moran

The Michigan Senate passed a series of election integrity bills on Thursday, sending them to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) desk for a predicted veto.

The bills, part of a 39-bill package making its way through the legislature, “would limit who can access Qualified Voter File, prohibit poll books from being connected to the internet, require specific training for poll challengers and change how municipalities decide where to hold polling locations,” Mlive reported.

Congressional Candidate Calls for Investigation of How Zuckerberg-Funded Nonprofit MCELA Influenced 2020 Election in Michigan

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 Frank Daniel Miele

Congressional candidate and current State Representative Steve Carra (R-59) is calling for a legislative investigation into the role of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in funnelling outside money into the 2020 election. Carra is a first-term Republican representative for House District 59 in Southwest Michigan and has been…

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Vetoes Funds ‘Encouraging Adoptions as Alternative to Abortion’

September 30, 2021September 29, 2021 Cooper Moran

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Wednesday vetoed over $16 million in funds in the new state budget allocated to programs promoting adoption over abortion.

Whitmer, a staunch abortion proponent, nixed spending “that either prohibits pregnancy service programs from providing referrals for abortions or would be allocated to programs aimed at steering pregnant people toward abortion alternatives,” according to Mlive.