MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS Monday, April 27, 2015

East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett and Paul Mitchell of the Coalition Against Higher Taxes and Special Interest Deals lock horns this week in a no-rules debate on Proposal 1. Triplett challenges Mitchell to detail his preferred "Plan B" if Prop 1 fails, while Mitchell dubs the May 5 ballot proposal the largest state tax increase in the past 50 years.

MIRS Monday, April 20, 2015

The Michigan Association of School Boards have supported repealing prevailing wage for school projects in the past, but where are they this year? New deputy director Don Wotruba talks about this, state-mandated school board training, teacher certification, Proposal 1 and more.

Also, is Gov. Rick Snyder serious about running for president? If not, why is Gov. Rick Snyder raising money for out-of-state conferences and speaking engagements?

MIRS Monday, April 13, 2015

This week, MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn and Publisher John Reurink speak with Bernie Porn, president of the Lansing-based polling form of EPIC/MRA about a new survey his firm released today on public perception of electric choice. 

Also on the agenda, the health of Proposal 1 and a break down of what this weekend's announcement by Hillary Clinton that she's running once again for president means for the race on both sides. 

MIRS Monday, April 6, 2015

MIRS Monday turns to the topic of education reform in a discussion with Lindsay Huddleston, the new state director of Students First Michigan. 

MIRS publisher John Reurink along with Craig Mauger, Jacob Kanclerz and Lauren Gibbons talk to Huddleston about everything from a single charter authorizer to teacher evaluation and third grade reading requirements.  Tune in to learn more about the group that characterizes itself as the "union for students." 

MIRS Monday, Mar. 30, 2014

What did Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, see during his recent trip to Cuba? Byrum also gives updates on the emerging trade feud with Canada, Proposal 1 and his opinion on how Gov. Rick Snyder has treated agriculture.

Also, the legislative subcommittees have reported their suggested budgets for FY 2016, but how much does it matter considering voters haven't voiced their opinion on Proposal 1? This and much more in this week's edition of MIRS Monday.

MIRS analysis on Proposal 1 poll, 3/27/15

MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn speaks with MIRS Publisher John Reurink and Target Insyght's Ed Sarpolus on polling results that show Proposal 1 is losing 55 to 36 percent.

MIRS Monday, Mar. 23, 2014

Remember Skunk Works? The technology-based initiative crafted by Lansing attorney Richard McLellan, a self-described policy wonk for Gov. Rick Snyder and two previous governors, designed to use technology to drive down costs in schools? McLellan is back with his "second version of Skunk Works" called Digitally Optimized One-Room Schoolhouses or (DOORS). McLellan talks about his new idea, among other education-related ideas.

Also, Mark Grebner of Practical Political Consultants, makes his voter turnout predictions for Proposal 1, the road funding ballot proposal. What rabbit does he think will need to be pulled out of a hat in early May to make this proposal happen?

MIRS Monday, Mar. 23, 2014

Remember Skunk Works? The technology-based initiative crafted by Lansing attorney Richard McLellan, a self-described policy wonk for Gov. Rick Snyder and two previous governors, designed to use technology to drive down costs in schools? McLellan is back with his "second version of Skunk Works" called Digitally Optimized One-Room Schoolhouses or (DOORS). McLellan talks about his new idea, among other education-related ideas.

Also, Mark Grebner of Practical Political Consultants, makes his voter turnout predictions for Proposal 1, the road funding ballot proposal. What rabbit does he think will need to be pulled out of a hat in early May to make this proposal happen?

Incoming state Treasurer Nick Khouri's introductory press roundtable 3/17/15

DTE Vice President Nick Khouri was introduced today as the state's incoming state treasurer starting April 20. He will replace Treasurer Kevin Clinton, who is leaving for the private sector. The following is his first media availability unedited. 

MIRS Monday, Mar. 16, 2014

Why should Democrats support or not support Proposal 1? What are the issues they are grappling with as they head to the polls May 5?

UAW 6000 legislative liaison Ray Holman gives his thoughts on the merger of the Michigan Department of Human Services and Department of Community Health and other subjects.

It's also the pre-St. Patrick's Day edition of MIRS Monday, complete with a special greeting from a former legislator, a gift to the office's St. Patrick's Day skeptic and an Irish step dancing performance from Senate reporter Lauren Gibbons.