MIRS Monday Podcast

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey interview 4/29/20

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey responds to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's public rejection of his proposal to extend her emergency order in exchange for legislative authority over future stay-at-home orders.

MIRS Monday, April 27, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is prepared to issue a new emergency executive order this week to extend her abilities to suspend state law during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains why. The Governor also is asked what is behind all of these national TV appearances and why she brought Pete Buttigieg's former press secretary on board if it's not to raise her national profile (5:10)

Also, Rep. Matt Hall talks about the new COVID-19 oversight committee he will be chairing for the Legislature (13:22) also Republican political consultant Scott Hagerstrom (23:28).

MIRS Monday, April 20, 2020

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) predicts the House this week will pass a second federal CARES package with more money available for small businesses. She gives her thoughts on President Trump's tweets, the role of the federal and state governments during this pandemic, and why she is not campaigning or raising money right now despite having a primary opponent.

Also, Sara Wurfel from Truscott Rossman sits in with the MIRS team over Zoom to answer the following questions: Was last Wednesday's Operation Gridlock protest political? Did it accomplish anything? What are the odds the Legislature and the Governor work out a plan to reopen the government by April 30? Did the Governor's chance for being picked for VP fall after last week's events? This and more.

MIRS Monday, April 13, 2020

It's high-tension time for grocery store workers as five of their Michigan colleagues have died from COVID-19. Amy Drumm, legislative director for the Michigan Retailers Association, said some employees are afraid to come to work. There's not enough gloves and masks for medical workers, let alone for clerks and stockers. Grocers are losing staff despite the lack of jobs elsewhere and the bumped-up pay they're offering.

Also, staying pent up for the last three weeks "sucks" says T.J. Bucholz from Vanguard Public Affairs, but he argues why it's important. He and the rest of the MIRS team also share interesting news items they read over the weekend. The group responds to Uncle Chuck in Barry County, who wants only certain areas of the state quarantined.

MIRS Monday, April 6, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lands a spot on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's podcast as talk of Michigan's chief executive as the Dem running mate heats up. MIRS talks with John Sellek from Harbor Strategic about Whitmer's increased profile (1:19), petition signatures and political fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Brian Calley, former lieutenant governor and state legislator, says it's "very reasonable" for the Legislature to come into session Tuesday to handle the one obligation they have under the emergency powers act (24:20). As president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, he also urges small businesses to get in line now for the federal "payroll protection plan."

 

And Jamey Fitzpatrick and Emily Sicilla of Michigan Virtual (27:16) urge parents and teachers to not push children into immediately doing an entire day's worth of schoolwork online. It's probably not going to work. They provide tips on how to get the most out of online learning in these difficult times.

MIRS Monday, March 30, 2020

Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) talks about the late Rep. Isaac Robinson and their joint March 16 press conference, one of the last times Robinson, who died Sunday, made a public appearance. How is she feeling? How are House Democratic members? How is Robinson being remembered? (24:06)

Rounding up personal protection equipment (PPE) has been at the forefront of governmental efforts to help doctors and nurses care for COVID-19 patients, but a feared staffing shortage at hospitals has emerged as another concern for Brian Peters, president and CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA). He also expresses fears of the next potential hotspot for an outbreak -- state prisons in rural areas.

Why would the Legislature need to meet on April 7? Did Trump create a problem for himself with his "That woman from Michigan" quip? And will the Whitmer administration wish they hadn't issued that strict March 24 guidance letter on a possible COVID-19 treatment? This and more in this week's podcast. 

MIRS Monday, March 23, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's "Stay at Home" order is not surprising to retired Brigadier General Michael McDaniel, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Homeland Defense Strategy, who praised the Governor's proactive steps in attempting to slow the coronavirus spread. The Western Michigan University/Cooley Law associate dean gives Gov. Whitmer an "A" for her work while President Donald Trump struggles to get a passing grade. Listen to why that is (20:28). 

Also, Andrea Bitely from Truscott Rossman helps break down the critical pieces of Whitmer's "Stay at Home" order. MIRS receives a letter from our former intern from China, who gives her perceptions on how "The West" is responding to the pandemic. The May 5 elections, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and rosemary bread all in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Mar. 16, 2020

It's "inevitable" that business will be shut down by the Governor's recent executive order to close bars, restaurants and other business establishments to dine-in traffic in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, according to Patrick Anderson, president and CEO of the Anderson Economic Group. He's predicting that the "body blow" to the economy of shutting down sporting events and other gatherings will create not just a recession, but at least a mini depression.

Anderson also speaks about the major changes to labor law that is a part of the U.S. House bill that was sent to the Senate over the weekend.

Why is the House and Senate returning for session Tuesday? MIRS discusses this with Mikenzie Frost of Sinclair Broadcasting and the media response to claims that it's responsible for creating coronavirus panic.

MIRS Monday, March 9, 2020

New polling numbers that show Joe Biden opening up a massive 41-point lead on Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary. Hear why a "Biden blowout" is expected (18:36). Former Michigan Democratic Party Mark Brewer isn't predicting a winner, but he does speak on where he's seeing Elizabeth Warren support going after she dropped out (35:35), among other issues.

Heather Lombardini, Lansing managing director for Lambert and Kristin Combs, Lambert's fundraising manager, say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been a "disaster" and that's helping Republicans rake in strong fundraising numbers (11:17). This, Sen. Pete Lucido's reaction to the Senate Business Office report, and more.

 

MIRS Monday, Mar. 2, 2020

Conservative radio host "Trucker" Randy Bishop talks about the impetus behind the Second Amendment sanctuary county resolutions that have been adopted in 22 counties as of Monday. Why are these resolutions needed? What does he think about Sen. Jon Bumstead voting against the rejection of George Heartwell to the Natural Resources Commission?

Also progressive social media commentator Angela Vasquez-Giroux, a former spokesperson for several prominent Democrats, sits in with the MIRS team to talk about the future of Joel Ferguson on the Michigan State University Board, Rep. Donna Lasinski (D-Detroit) emerging as the new House Democratic leader for the next term and more.