MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS Monday, Jan. 21, 2019

Michigan Democrats are getting what they asked for with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson settling with the League of Women Voters on a case that could mean the redrawing of congressional and legislative boundaries for 2020. But could this move hurt some incumbent Democrats who may be drawn out of their districts and face primaries with other current officeholders?

Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest calls last week's developments in this case a "chaotic mess." He also talks to MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn about the weekend Detroit Free Press story on John Engler and George Perles. And what is House Speaker Lee Chatfield doing by inviting President Donald Trump into town to give his State of the Union address?

Also, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Chair Sheldon Neeley talks about what a new emergency manager law should look like. This and more on this week's edition of the MIRS Monday podcast.

MIRS Monday, Jan. 14, 2019

House Speaker Lee Chatfield supports "constitutional carry," legislation that allows gun owners to carry concealed without a license, but does that mean he will push for its passage? The answer may surprise you. Also, Chatfield talks about female representation in the Legislature, his relationship with the new Senate Majority Leader and other topics. 

Josh Pugh from For Our Future joins the MIRS team in talking about how Chief Justice Bridget McCormack changed the Michigan Supreme Court. And, is if the Republican membership of the 2019-20 legislature is more or less conservative than the one from 2013-14, former Speaker Jase Bolger's final term.

MIRS Monday, Jan. 7, 2019

What were the last two weeks like in the office of former Gov. Rick Snyder and his slim "skeleton crew" of staff? Former Press Secretary Ari Adler gives us a behind-the-scenes look on how the Governor decided what to veto and sign. He also talks about his memorable trip on a state airplane and how working for the Governor differed from working with the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader.

Also, former AG Press Secretary Andrea Bitely sits in with the MIRS crew as we talk about two big decisions pending with new Attorney General Dana Nessel. We also talk U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib's utterance of an F-bomb, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist's role in the Whitmer administration and a bold prediction for the 100th session of the Legislature.

MIRS Monday, Dec. 31, 2018

Outgoing Sens. Margaret O'Brien, Rick Jones and Steve Bieda turn the tables on MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn by interviewing the 18-year veteran of the capitol press corps. Who will he miss covering? What are some of his most memorable moments? What changes has he seen in reporting over the years? Melinn answers these and other questions in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Dec. 24, 2018

The MIRS team awards its "Senator of the Year" and Democrat of the Year," our 8th annual recognition for those state politicians and lawmakers who distinguish themselves in the areas of effectiveness, impact and level of activity.

Publisher John Reurink, Editor Kyle Melinn and reporters Mike Malott, Jacob Kanclerz and Jack Spencer make their combined five nominations for each award. 

MIRS Monday, Dec. 17, 2018

The MIRS team awards its "Political Figure of the Year" and "House Member of the Year," our 8th annual recognition for those state politicians and lawmakers who distinguish themselves in the areas of effectiveness, impact and level of activity.

Publisher John Reurink, Editor Kyle Melinn and reporters Mike Malott, Jacob Kanclerz and Jack Spencer make their combined five nominations for each award. 

 

MIRS Monday, Dec. 10, 2018

If House Minority Leader Sam Singh had the chance, he would adjourn the lame duck session for the year. Why would he sacrifice his four bills in the pipeline or millions of dollars he'd like to see put into PFAS-in-the-water testing and cleanup? Singh talks about the questions surrounding Sen. Dave Robertson's former staffer and other lame duck-related issues.

Also, MIRS questions whether Michigan's lame duck fits nice and tidy into the national narrative about sore-loser Republicans using these last few weeks of 2018 as nothing more than stripping away power from incoming Democratic executive office officials. And what is the real point of the proposed Elections Commission? These topics and more in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Dec. 3, 2018

In her 15 years with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Block said today she's received more member feedback on the paid sick leave proposal than any other issue. She flagged 10 to 15 high-level issues with the legislatively passed citizens initiative and believes the recently passed Senate amendments "get it right." What does she say about those who disagree?

Also, the MIRS team is still on the lookout for Michigan state House and Senate maps that would have given the Democrats control of the House and Senate without creating more county and municipal line breaks than what currently exists. And, why does every lame duck seem like an inflated duck? This and more on this week's podcast.

MIRS Monday, Nov. 26, 2018

If Gov. Rick Snyder and Republicans think Democrats are automatic "yes" votes on a tipping fee increase, think again. Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich said regular residents shouldn't be paying more on their garbage bills to clean up businesses' pollution unless more protections are put into the mix. Ananich gives other thoughts pre-Lame Duck session in this week's edition.

Also, MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn declares the last couple debates this fall "garbage." He calls for a formal debate commission to allow the media to take control of the process so candidates are no longer dictating time, place and format to produce sterile, poorly watched talking-point sessions at strange times of the week.

MIRS Monday, Nov. 19, 2018

Who was the only Republican on the ballot in 2018 to lose traditionally Republican Clinton County? Believe it or not, it was gubernatorial nominee Bill Schuette. The MIRS team explores the "incredibly bad" campaign, why no-fault insurance reform won't be taken up in Lame Duck and why Republican lawmakers are pushing for a legislation regarding the Line 5 tunnel.

Rep.-Elect Matt Hall of the 63rd House District joins MIRS to talk about his deep background in Republican politics and how he made the motion to stop the "Never Trumpers" at the 2016 National Republican conference, among other subjects.