MIRS Monday Podcast

Vice Chair Nicole Small of the Detroit Charter Commission and Horace Sheffield, a social activist and media personality, explain why the Detroit Mayor's land value tax proposal has become a source of legislative division and mistrust. 

Additionally, Kevon Martis, the co-founder of the "Our Home Our Voice" coalition, describes the  local opposition to state-controlled siting for large-scale wind and solar projects.  

David Worthams, the employment policy director for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Managing Director Denzel McCampbell of Progress Michigan discuss their differing views toward labor legislation that's been flagged by the state's business community. 

President Stephen Rapundalo of MichBio explains why his organization opposes legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as well as efforts to remove certain  immunity for pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Also, conservative graphic designer Heather Dow shares how "Patriot Post Girl" was created.       

Co-voice Karen Dumas of The No BS Newshour and Republican political strategist Jason Roe join the team to discuss former Detroit Police Chief James Craig's anticipated entrance in the U.S. Senate race, among other political headlines in Michigan. 

Also, state Senator Mary Cavanagh of Redford Township and co-owner Bob Mlynarek of 1st Call Home Healthcare describe an "urgency" to scrap the 2019 auto insurance reform's drop in long-term care reimbursements for catastrophic car accident survivors. 

Michael Stroud of Republican Nikki Snyder's U.S. Senate campaign and Thomas Norton, past president of the Michigan Conservative Union, share their experiences at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. 

State Rep. Karen Whitsett of Detroit explains why she voted against several bills creating a Reproductive Health Act in Michigan. 

Additionally, CEO Daniel Hurley of the Michigan Association of State Universities and Robert Davies, president of Central Michigan University, explains why 10 public universities are guaranteeing admission to high school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA. 

In this week's edition, Martin Waymire's crisis communication professional Angela Minicuci and senior communications strategist Adam Bitely share their thoughts on Democrats' fall policy agenda, as well as emotions surrounding Michigan's reported lack of population growth.

Automotive journalists Jordyn Grzelewski of The Detroit News and Paul Eisenstein of Headlight News discuss the UAW strike against Detroit's big three automakers. 

Policy specialist Heath Lowry of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence explains legislation banning someone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor from owning a gun for eight years. 

Livingston Post writer Buddy Morehouse and Vice President Stephanie Van Koevering of Resch Strategies discuss if Michigan's new Republican party needs Mike Rogers more than he needs them. 

Also, City of Detroit Chief Financial Officer Jay Rising gives MIRS a rundown of the city's proposed land value tax plan, which aims to end a culture of property owners feeling incentivised to let things become blighted. 

Democratic 2024 presidential candidate Marianne Williamson talks to the team on Sept. 9, saying it won’t surprise her — or “anyone” else — if President Joe Biden is not her primary opponent.  

The MIRS team discusses a story prompting questions about how state departments follow the Freedom of Information Act, after documents from an email chain concerning Benton Harbor's drinking water displayed a message in Greek characters. 

Director Peter Berg of Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations describes how, with a UAW strike looming, he doesn't see a "sky is falling" scenario right now. 

And freshman State Rep. Donavan McKinney explains some Democratic priorities beyond the scope of the Governor's "What's Next?" address. 

In this week's edition of MIRS Monday, the team is joined by legislative strategist Sarah Hubbard of Acuitas LLC and Jim Murray, a senior government relations professional at Tradecraft Strategies. Together, they discuss how energy policy could take the front seat for Fall 2023 and what legislation might be saved for next year. 

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson explains how legal scholars are now considering whether the indictments facing former President Donald Trump disqualify him from state presidential primary ballots in 2024. 

The MIRS team is joined by former state House Speaker Jase Bolger and past Democratic Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry to discuss whether the Legislature will adjourn early for 2023, which would allow the Governor the authority to call special sessions and to set the agenda. 

Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Hill Harper also explains why he wants a competitive primary for 2024.

 

Also, CEO Blake Resnick of BRINC Drones talks about how drones can provide life-saving support in active shooter incidents and search and rescue missions. 

Executive Director Abby Mitch of Michigan Rising Action and State Representative Jason Morgan, the Michigan Democratic Party's vice chair, discuss what they believe have been the most underreported stories of 2023 so far. 

State Senator Kevin Hertel, a St. Clair Shores Democrat, explains why he believes the Legislature won't adjourn early this year. As chair of the Senate Health Policy committee, Hertel wants to spend the fall dedicated to legislation transitioning Michigan to a state-based health insurance exchange marketplace. 

Additionally, Midwest advocacy manager Courtney Bourgoin of Evergreen Action describes why environmentalists are excited about a report finding that Michigan could attract nearly $8 billion in extra federal investment if lawmakers approve new carbon-free energy policies.