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Episodes
Weekly news and analysis of Michigan politics by the professional journalists of MIRSnews.com
Episodes
Monday Jun 04, 2012
Monday Jun 04, 2012
Budget Director John Nixon talks about how the FY '13 budget is likely to help the state when Gov. Rick Snyder, Treasurer Andy Dillon and he visit the bond raters this summer. Why did departing U.S. Rep. Thad McCotter become unpopular with Wayne County Republicans? Stu Sandler of Decider Strategies gives his opinion. Also, Lawmakers weren't able to attend the Detroit Chamber's policy conference on Mackinac Island what difference did it make?
Monday May 28, 2012
Monday May 28, 2012
Rep. Roy Schmidt talks about the reaction he's received from his decision to switch from a Democrat to a Republican. Does he regret how he did it? Schmidt answers that question in this week's edition. Also, Rep. Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) makes a definitive statement when talking about Schmidt's 76th District, "We will win that seat."
Monday May 21, 2012
Monday May 21, 2012
John Yob of Strategic National talks about the Tea Party's role in the Republican State Convention this weekend and his views on this weekend's event in Detroit. Why did Rep. Roy Schmidt change parties? Listen to how Schmidt responded to MIRS Election Guide survey from several weeks ago about why he was running for re-election.
Monday May 14, 2012
Monday May 14, 2012
Could Ron Paul supporters take over the Michigan Republican Party Convention this weekend and walk away with more delegates to the Republican National Convention in Tampa? Saul Anuzis, the state's Republican National Committeeman, says the answer is yes. Anuzis also addresses a poll he paid for in which a live caller claimed to be calling on behalf of the Republican National Committee. Also, why does it matter if U.S. Senate candidate Gary Glenn has the signatures to get on the ballot? And Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway gives a textbook example of how not to deal with the media.
Monday May 07, 2012
Monday May 07, 2012
Some retired school employees pay nothing for their health insurance coverage, but others will pay more than twice what they do today under changes being proposed by Republicans in SB 1040. What changes could be made that would improve the bill? Mark Guastella, executive director of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, shares four ideas. Also, MIRS answers five "burning questions" going into May 15 filing deadline. Will Paul Scott run in the 51st? Will Rep. Rick Olson file for re-election as a Democrat? What's going on with the Detroit-based House races?
Monday Apr 30, 2012
Monday Apr 30, 2012
Fran Brennan, Michigan State Director of Working America, says Rep. Dale Zorn (R-Ida), told her members he was a "no" vote on the cyber school legislation the morning before being the "yes" vote that put SB 619 over the top. She tells MIRS Monday that her organizers are letting Zorn's constituents know about it. Which other "yes" vote had previously told her group he was a "no?" Also, the MIRS team counts 10 potential ballot proposals in the field. Which ones have a realistic shot of making the November ballot?
Monday Apr 23, 2012
Monday Apr 23, 2012
How much money should the wrongly convicted be given once they're released from prison? Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren) has a number and he's pushing to get it passed through the Legislature. The first-term Senator also talks about why he got behind legislation regulating "puppy mills" and a separate measure giving some parental rights to men who father children with women who are married to other men. Also, MIRS talks about how the Detroit International Bridge Company is outfoxing Gov. Rick Snyder and other supporters of a second bridge across the Detroit River. And the primary question for U.S. Rep. Justin Amash appears to have been answered.
Tuesday Apr 17, 2012
Tuesday Apr 17, 2012
Listen to the audio of an interview with U.S. Senate candidate Pete Hoekstra.
Monday Apr 16, 2012
Monday Apr 16, 2012
The repeal of the Personal Property Tax (PPT) will happen in 2012, predicts Mike Johnston of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). Johnston talks about the impact on local governments and concerns a PPT would shift the tax burden down the food chain. Also, will the Republican U.S. Senate candidates eat each other before the General? And could the 3rd Congressional District turn into an Israel v. Palestine battle?
Monday Apr 09, 2012
Monday Apr 09, 2012
Summer Minnick, director of state affairs for the Michigan Municipal League (MML), catches up with MIRS on Personal Property Tax and why townships are still important. The MIRS team also discusses what went right and what could go wrong with the Detroit consent agreement, along with who came out of the struggle in good shape.