The Upper-Midwest Archives - Page 5 of 50

Michigan to Spend $506,000 Subsidizing Electric Boat Industry

August 16, 2023August 15, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan taxpayers will pay $506,000 to five private boating companies and one university to demonstrate electric boating potential on the Great Lakes, including shore-side charging stations.

“The Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge, along with today’s grant recipients, represent a critical investment in our water recreation infrastructure that will help to attract visitors, create jobs and preserve the natural beauty of our lakes and waterways for generations to come,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “By expanding access to e-boats and charging solutions, Michigan will further foster a thriving mobility ecosystem that supports local businesses, enhances community offerings and boosts overall economic growth.”

Expert: Reforming Michigan’s Public School Pension System Will Take Decades

August 13, 2023August 12, 2023 The Center Square

Efforts to reform Michigan’s pension system for public school employees may take decades to show results, according to one expert.

Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System liability continues to grow despite past attempts at pension reforms.

All 16 Charged as Michigan Fake Electors Plead Not Guilty

August 12, 2023August 11, 2023 The Center Square

The final defendants accused of being fake electors in Michigan’s 2020 presidential election pleaded not guilty Thursday to all eight counts and were each released on a personal recognizance bond.

In mid-July, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged each of the 16 with one count of conspiracy to commit forgery, two counts of forgery, one count of conspiracy to commit uttering and publishing, one count of uttering and publishing, one count of conspiracy to commit election law forgery, and two counts of election law forgery.

Michigan Local Districts Set Children’s Gender Choice Policy

August 11, 2023August 10, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan’s local school districts establish their own policies on informing parents of a child’s gender choice.

States like New Jersey and California have been involved in legal disputes about if parents should be notified about a child’s gender choice.

Michigan School Spending Rises While Enrollment Drops

August 10, 2023August 9, 2023 The Center Square

Per student spending in Michigan is up 24.8% over the past 17 years as Michigan has pumped more money into K-12 education while enrollment has been in a two-decade decline.

Enrollment fell 17.5% between 2003-04 and 2020-21, from 1.71 million students to 1.44 million. Two years later, after a nominal gain, it was down to 1.43 million. There was just one year in the 20 with an increase other than 2021-22’s nominal rise, a year impacted by COVID-19.

Trump Leads Biden in Swing State of Michigan for 2024 Election: Poll

August 9, 2023August 8, 2023 Just the News

Former President Donald Trump is ahead of President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 presidential election in Michigan, according to a new poll.

Trump received 43% support, while Biden came in at 41% and Green Party candidate Cornel West is at 4%, while 4% support someone else and 7% are undecided, according to a survey of registered voters released last week by Emerson College Polling.

$13.5 Million in Grants Going to Train 8,500 Michigan Workers

August 7, 2023 The Center Square

About $13.5 million in taxpayer grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund will help train 8,500 workers across nearly 300 Michigan businesses to earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy.”

Progressive Third-Party Candidate Gives Trump Edge over Biden in Michigan: Poll

August 6, 2023August 5, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Former President Donald Trump would win Michigan if the 2024 presidential election were held today against President Joe Biden when Green Party candidate Cornel West is included on the ballot, according to a new poll released on Friday.

Michigan was a critical swing state for Trump’s 2016 victory, where he won by 0.2%, and Biden’s 2020 victory, where he won the state by 2.78%. Should West be on the ballot, he would draw votes away from Biden and enable Trump to win the state, according to the new poll conducted by Emerson College.

Lawsuit Challenging Michigan’s 2020 President Election Votes Dismissed

August 5, 2023August 4, 2023 The Center Square

A Michigan federal judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed two years after the 2020 presidential election hoping to decertify the state’s votes.

Instead, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney said the lawsuit was “yet another attempt by misguided individuals who reject the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.”

CCP-Linked EV Company Buys Land in Michigan for Factory

August 4, 2023August 3, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

On Tuesday, an electric vehicle (EV) company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced that it had purchased 270 acres of land in the state of Michigan to build a factory for battery components.

According to the Daily Caller, the planned factory near Big Rapids, Michigan will be located roughly 100 miles away from an American military facility, and within 60 miles of military armories. The factory will be built and operated by Gotion, an EV company that could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in both state and federal grants, as well as tax incentives, to complete the project.

Gov. Whitmer Signs $23 Million in Michigan Outdoor Recreation Grants

August 3, 2023August 2, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill funding 45 outdoor recreation projects with $23.3 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants.

“From camping and kayaking to swimming and snowmobiling, Pure Michigan offers us world-class recreation right in our backyard,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Since 1976, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has helped us protect our precious natural places and invested in accessible outdoor public recreation.”

Michigan Taxpayers May Pay $25 Million to Move Racetrack 4.5 Miles

August 2, 2023August 1, 2023 The Center Square

Plymouth Township trustees have yet to say if Michigan taxpayers will shell out $25 million to move a horse racetrack 4.5 miles.

When the Northville Downs horse racetrack closes at this year’s end, it might move to Plymouth Township. Established in 1944, Northville Downs is Michigan’s oldest and only nighttime harness racing track.

University of Michigan, National Institutes of Health to Spend Nearly $80 Million as Part of ‘DEI 2.0’

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

The University of Michigan announced a new initiative to “enhance inclusion and equity across the biomedical and health sciences community,” which includes hiring 30 new professors.

With a $15.8 million investment from the National Institutes of Health and a $63.7 million investment from the University of Michigan, the Michigan Program for Advancing Cultural Transformation will “bolster U-M’s diverse academic environment by hiring tenure-track faculty with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.”

Accused 2020 Michigan False Elector Hires Kallman Legal

July 30, 2023July 29, 2023 The Center Square

Ten days ago, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged 16 people with felonies for what she called “the alleged false electors scheme following the 2020 U.S. presidential election.”

The charges stem from a Dec. 14, 2020, meeting in the Michigan Republican Party headquarters where Nessel says each defendant signed several certificates claiming they were “duly elected and qualified electors for President and Vice President of the United States of America for the State of Michigan.”

Michigan to Spend $7.6 Million on Three Public Pools

July 29, 2023July 28, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan’s 2024 budget should make a splash in at least three communities approved for taxpayer-funded public pool repairs.

The record-setting $82 billion budget funds $7.6 million for public pools repairs: $6.2 million for Moore’s Park pool in Lansing, $1.2 million for the Forest Brook pool in Ann Arbor, and $200,000 for an Ypsilanti pool.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills Boosting Solar Power, Allowing More Stringent State Regulation

July 28, 2023July 27, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed six bills into law to boost solar power and allow promulgation of state environmental rules more stringent than the federal standard.

Whitmer signed House Bills 4317 and 4318, and Senate Bills 302 and 303, 288, and 14, which she says advance her climate goals of reaching 2 million electric vehicles driving on Michigan roads by 2030.

Abortionist Allegedly Runs over Pro-Life Protester with Car in Michigan

July 27, 2023July 26, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

An abortion doctor allegedly ran over a pro-life protester with his car in Saginaw Township, Michigan, and now has a felony warrant out for his arrest, according to Michigan Live News.

The doctor, an 87-year-old abortion provider, allegedly ran over Mark Zimmerman, who was protesting the abortion clinic, and broke Zimmerman’s leg, which resulted in Zimmerman needing to be hospitalized, according to MLive News. The doctor also reportedly assaulted another pro-life protestor in 2012, Lynn Mills, director of Pro-Life Michigan, an incident for which he was charged with assault and received probation.

Eight Michigan Lawmakers Face Recall Attempts Over Their Support of Hate Crime Bills, Red Flag Laws

July 25, 2023July 24, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan voters are trying to recall eight freshman lawmakers over bill votes this year ranging from supporting hate crime bills to red flag laws.

Six House Democrats and two Republicans face recall threats according to petitions filed with the Michigan Secretary of State.

Michigan City Council Members Sue City Mayor

July 23, 2023July 22, 2023 The Center Square

The formation of Flint’s American Rescue Plan Act Advisory Committee by the City of Flint and Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley has prompted a lawsuit from two members of the City Council and a small number of city residents.

At issue is how $15.6 million of ARPA money will be spent on community grants in the city.

Gov. Whitmer Signs Record $24 Billon Michigan Education Budget

July 22, 2023July 21, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the 2024 education budget with a record per-student investment in which taxpayers will foot all public school students’ breakfast and lunch, as well as pre-kindergarten for some 4-year-olds.

Democrats holding a political trifecta for the first time in 40 years say Senate Bill 173 will improve student success through tutoring, extra school programming, and literacy support.

Michigan’s June Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly

July 21, 2023July 20, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.6% during June, according to data released by the state’s Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

Total employment increased by 26,000, while unemployment edged down by 3,000, resulting in a labor force gain of 23,000 over the month.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Voting Rights

July 20, 2023July 19, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill package expanding voting rights approved by Michigan voters in November of 2022.

The changes include installing dropboxes for voting, nine days of early voting, pre-paid postage for absentee voter applications and a website to track ballots.

Public Blowback Threatens Michigan Electric Vehicle Battery Production

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan residents leery of manufacturing electric vehicle batteries in their respective backyards are watching two court cases filed on their behalf of in Marshall and Mecosta County.

On Monday, a legal demand letter challenged the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Renaissance Zone designation for the Gotion battery plant outside Big Rapids. A Calhoun County judge is expected to issue a ruling next week on whether to cease development on the Blue Oval Battery Park in Marshall during litigation related to alleged zoning violations.

Detroit Taxpayers Paid $56 Million in Police Settlements Since 2020

July 18, 2023July 17, 2023 The Center Square

Detroit taxpayers forked over $56 million in police settlement payouts between 2020 and four months of 2023.

Those payouts are a record amount in recent history, but public officials won’t explain why.

City of Detroit Spending $95 Million of Federal Money to Combat Blight

July 17, 2023July 16, 2023 The Center Square

The city of Detroit is targeting $95 million of federal money to take care of blight.

That’s in addition to the city’s $250 million bond that voters approved in 2020 to also address blight remediation. The city estimates it has 16,000 vacant homes in the city limits.

Northern Michigan Legislator Pledges to Restore $15 Million to Pure Michigan Campaign

July 16, 2023July 15, 2023 The Center Square

Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, announced Thursday he’s planning to restore $15 million to the Pure Michigan budget.

The Michigan tourism campaign has spent $450 million since its launch in 2008. Although the bulk of that money came from Michigan residents, the state also appropriated $15 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in the current budget.

Michigan Republicans, Democrats Disagree over Spending in 2024 Budget

July 15, 2023July 14, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Democrats are celebrating a record $82 billion budget for 2024 that Republicans say is wasteful and unsustainable without future tax hikes.

It’s the first budget crafted by a Democrat political trifecta in 40 years, which includes rollbacks of the state’s retirement tax on seniors and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit.

Unemployment Insurance Scam Cost Michigan Taxpayers $550,000

July 14, 2023July 13, 2023 The Center Square

A Detroit resident pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing more than $550,000 of taxpayer money with the help of a former Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency contract employee, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

William Haynes, 26, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith. Haynes admitted to engaging in a criminal conspiracy with Autumn Mims, a former contract UIA examiner for Michigan. Mims’s duties included reviewing, processing, and verifying the legitimacy of unemployment insurance claims.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Creates Another Education Agency

July 13, 2023July 12, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP.

MiLEAP is meant to improve education outcomes from preschool through postsecondary by establishing clear metrics, collaborating with cross-sector leaders at the local, regional, and state level, and developing a shared action plan.

Mackinac Center Sues Michigan State University over Alleged FOIA Violation

July 12, 2023July 11, 2023 The Center Square

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy sued Michigan State University, alleging it violated the Freedom of Information Act by redacting and blacking out key documents and information related to a potential Eagle Township mega site.

The free-market policy research group filed a public records request after reports on a potential government-funded mega site in Eagle Township indicated that some of the land involved might have been sold by Michigan State University. The parcel in question was donated to the university and a tip suggested that the donation agreement possibly prohibits MSU from selling the land for non-agricultural use.

Michigan Digital Equity Director’s Qualifications Questioned

July 11, 2023 The Center Square

When Allie Herkenroder applied for the digital equity director position of Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), she admitted no experience working in state government, broadband, or as an ombudsman.

She still got the job.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s Growth Council Features One Person Under 40

July 9, 2023July 9, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Growing Michigan Together Council includes one person under 40 and no one from the Upper Peninsula.

The Council will advise Whitmer on policies to reach a population goal for 2050 and prepare Michigan’s workforce for in-demand jobs and emerging industries. The council will develop long-term, sustainable transportation, and water infrastructure funding solutions.

Report: Michigan Pursued, Lost $100 Billion Semiconductor Deal

July 8, 2023July 7, 2023 The Center Square

After a 15-month pursuit, Michigan failed to persuade Micron Technology to build its semiconductor manufacturing plant in Eagle Township.

The Detroit News first reported the story, saying the company picked New York after the Empire State offered nearly $6 billion in incentives for Micron to create nearly 50,000 jobs over 20 years, a press release says.

Michigan Dems Have ‘Pleaded’ with Gretchen Whitmer to Run for President in 2024: Report

July 7, 2023July 6, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Democrats in Michigan have “pleaded” with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to run for president in 2024, citing concerns about President Joe Biden, according to Politico’s Jonathan Martin.

State lawmakers are encouraging Whitmer, Michigan’s two-term Democratic governor, to seek the party’s nomination in 2024 despite her previously ruling out a White House bid, sources familiar told Martin. Several Democratic colleagues from other states have pushed the Michigan lawmakers to plead with the governor to reconsider, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, citing concerns over the president’s low approval ratings.

Detroit Man’s Cellphone Scheme Cost Taxpayers $11 Million

July 6, 2023July 5, 2023 The Center Square

Dewan Williams, 47, of Detroit, turned himself into the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections last week to begin serving up to a 20-year sentence for scamming taxpayers out of $11 million via a benefits phone scheme.

Williams was sentenced in February in the 3rd Circuit Court on one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and one count of identity theft, a 5-year felony, for using personal information stolen from thousands of identity theft victims to defraud the State and financially benefit himself.

Michigan Government Grows Under Gov. Whitmer

July 5, 2023July 4, 2023 The Center Square

When government grows, taxpayers should ask why and what they’re getting from it.

A Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency report shows in fiscal year 2017-18, adjusted total appropriations equaled $55.8 billion. From fiscal year 2017-24, spending ballooned to $82 billion – a spending increase of $26 billion, or 47%.

Michigan AG Charges Former Union Leader with Sexual Assault

July 2, 2023July 1, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged former union leader Jonathan Byrd, 40, of Battle Creek with one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Byrd worked for the Michigan Laborers’ District Council, of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, where he pushed forward the repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law after the alleged incident.

Michigan Department of Education Gets 54 Percent Boost in Funding in Upcoming Budget

July 1, 2023June 30, 2023 The Center Square

The Michigan Department of Education is set to receive a 54% increase in funding in the 2023-24 budget despite lagging student test scores.

The proposed budget increases funding for the MDE from $420.6 million in the current budget to $647.4 million in 2023-24. That’s a $226 million increase from the previous fiscal year.

Michigan Woman Leads Effort to Recall Officials Who Approved EV Battery Factory with China Ties

June 30, 2023June 29, 2023 Just the News

A Michigan woman is leading an effort to try to oust elected officials in her township for allowing the maker of electric vehicle batteries with ties to China to open a plant in her township.

The headquarters for battery maker Gotion Inc. is in California, but its parent company, Gotion High-tech, is based in China, which is raising concern about its connections to the Chinese Communist Party and national security.

Detroit Wins Lawsuit to Repay Pension over 30 Years

June 29, 2023June 28, 2023 The Center Square

A federal bankruptcy judge approved Detroit’s plan to push the city’s pension payments for the Police and Fire Retirement System over 30 years instead of 20.

Judge Thomas Tucker ruled that “a 30-year amortization is indeed part of the confirmed [Plan of Adjustment], and the PFRS cannot change it.”

Michigan Governor Shifts Tone on Police Funding, School Resource Officers

June 28, 2023June 27, 2023 The Center Square

There’s been a shift in tone from Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer on policing issues, most notably on the funding of the state’s police and adding school resource officers.

After the George Floyd murder in May 2020, Whitmer said that she supported the “spirit” of efforts to defund the police as a way of reallocating resources, the Detroit Free Press reported. A few years later, the state is hiring more than 200 school resource officers with state police funding on the rise.

After $1.7B Taxpayer Subsidy, Ford to Lay Off Workers

June 27, 2023June 26, 2023 The Center Square

After Michigan taxpayers gave $1.75 billion for Ford’s Marshall electric vehicle factory, the company will lay off workers.

Michigan gave the money under the promise of creating 2,500 jobs, but the company cut 3,000 jobs last summer and expects a $3 billion loss on EVs in 2023. After those job cuts, a Ford spokesman said the company has nothing to announce.

Michigan House Approves Tax Changes for Prepared Foods

June 25, 2023June 24, 2023 The Center Square

The Democrat-dominated Michigan House passed two sales and use tax bills critics say are unnecessary and will confuse business owners.

House Bills 4377 and 4378 passed on votes of 56-53. The bills cover prepared food either sold in a heated state or heated by the seller or that is two or more food ingredients that are mixed or combined by the seller for sale as a single item.

Data: Michigan Labor Force Grew in May

June 23, 2023June 22, 2023 The Center Square

Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 16 of Michigan’s 17 labor market areas over the month, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

“Regional jobless rates advanced in May as residents began entering the summer job market,” labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics Wayne Rourke said in a statement. “Payroll employment rose in most metro areas over the month.”

Michigan House OKs Teacher Union Bargaining Rights, Deductions

June 22, 2023 The Center Square

The Michigan House approved six bills to boost union membership that critics say would prioritize union politics before the quality of education.

House Bill 4357 aims to allow school districts to deduct automatically union dues from teacher salaries.

After Wisconsin Line 5 Ruling, Michigan Business Leaders Say Build the Tunnel

June 20, 2023June 19, 2023 The Center Square

A federal court on Friday ordered Canadian oil company Enbridge to cease the flow of oil and decommission within three years the segment of its Line 5 pipeline in Wisconsin trespassing on the reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Concurrently, Michigan’s business leaders urged the United States Army Corps of Engineers to give the approval needed for the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel.

Michigan Car Insurance Rates to Jump July 1

June 18, 2023June 17, 2023 The Center Square

Starting July 1, car insurance rates will jump in Michigan.

The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association raised annual per-vehicle assessments on all auto insurance policies.

Federal Flood Disaster Support Sought for Five Michigan Counties

June 17, 2023June 16, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked President Joe Biden for a major disaster declaration and activation of the public assistance program for five counties.

The damage from spring flooding is estimated at $56 million.

Michigan City Bans Display of LGBTQ Flags from City Property

June 16, 2023June 15, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

On Tuesday, the city council of Hamtramck, Michigan voted to pass a resolution that forbids the display of pro-LGBTQ flags from any city property.

As reported by Breitbart, the vote by the all-Muslim council of the Detroit-area city was unanimous. The resolution in question was proposed by Mayor Pro-Tem Muhammad Hassan, and also prohibits the display of any flags that feature religious, racial, sexual, or political connotation; only the American flag is allowed on city property under the new measure, along with state and city flags, other nationalities’ flags, and the Prisoner of War flag.

Committee Says Prospective Michigan Plant’s Farmland Purchase Not in Its Jurisdiction

June 15, 2023June 14, 2023 The Center Square

Local and national efforts to stymie the building of an electric vehicle battery components plant in Michigan were dealt another setback on Tuesday.

The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment declared that the purchase of farmland in Big Rapids by Gotion was not within its jurisdiction. Opponents of the $2.4 billion plant have protested ties by its parent company to China and raised concerns about the environment.