MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS gives a news recap on state policy and politics. Updates range from lawmakers being told that forecasted state revenues are down, to an ex-House staffer being charged for allegedly spending state money on gold bars, firearm accessories and silver (1:30).

MIRS sits down with Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony, the Lansing Democrat. She explains why Senate Democrats proposed a $85.95 billion state budget, her hopes to negotiate a caregiver tax credit and her reaction to calls for state employees to work fully in-person (4:49). 

And why has Delta Air Lines been around Lansing calling for tax credits on new fuel linked to soybeans and corn? The airline's government affairs director, Sarah Gonzales, walks MIRS through the proposal (26:29). 

MIRS gives a news recap on state policy and politics. The state House wants new bans on how Michigan interacts with countries of concern, the Senate wants Trump tariff relief in the new state budget and the Governor wants future deals with President Donald Trump (1:20). 

Also, a new EPIC-MRA poll for "Protect MI Care" shows 83% of Michiganders want to see Medicaid spending either raised or maintained. MIRS talks to Bernie Porn of EPIC-MRA about the latest findings (11:33). 

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel catches MIRS up on the Selfridge Air National Guard Base and his thoughts on the Capitol's current road funding debate (27:40). 

MIRS kicks things off with MoReno Taylor II, Democrats' former state judicial program director; Adam Bitely of Bellwether Public Relations, and Sterling Heights Republican Michelle Smith. Together they discuss President Donald Trump's Macomb County rally last week, and what residents might be craving most from the state government (1:15). 

MIRS also sits down with Christina Hines, the Warren Democrat running in Michigan's 10th Congressional District for the 2026 election cycle (26:25). 

What is going on with tariffs? Executive Director Glenn Stevens of MICHAuto walks MIRS through how recent tariff orders are impacting Michigan's overall auto industry (41:50). 

MIRS' podcast host Samantha Shriber kicks things off with several news updates. For example, the state Senate last week approved bills creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), required to investigate high drug costs and authorized to set price caps (:55). 

Moreover, MIRS discussed Michigan politics last week with Dave Wasserman, the Cook Political Report's senior editor and elections analyst (11:10). 

He talks about Democrats' progressive U.S. Senate candidates, and how D.C. and Michigan folk differ when it comes to hot takes on U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Township) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

It's officially construction cone season in Michigan. 

The Governor says a bipartisan road funding deal will soon be reached. But the state Senate has some budget concerns, wanting to avoid "one time gimmicks" when it comes to bankrolling infrastructure. 

MIRS sits down with Matthew Resch, the president of Lansing-based Resch Strategies, and Brad Williams of the Detroit Regional Chamber to hear their thoughts on the developing policy debate (6:08). 

Also, should physician assistants in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Tennessee be able to practice in Michigan through a shared licensure network, without paying the state's separate fees? Thadd Gormas of the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates explains why his group wants the state to enter the PA Licensure Compact (28:17). 

MIRS kicks things off with Greg Manz – the 2024 communications director for the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee – and Democratic political consultant Mike Radtke. Together, they discuss statewide campaign rollouts ahead of the '26 elections, as well as the Governor's unusual appearance in the Oval Office (1:51). 

The Macomb County Public Works Commission says raw sewage is being dumped into the Red Run Drain by Oakland County's storm water and sewage treatment facility, washing into the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. 

MIRS joins three Macomb state Representatives--two Republicans and a Democrat---who say they're all "pissed." (23:36).

And learn more about the American Political Items Collectors' auction and collection show May 9-10 in Romulus (33:29). 

MIRS talks with Jenell Leonard, the owner of Marketing Resource Group, about recent polling of Michigan voters. Governor Gretchen Whitmer hit her highest approval rating in five years, and 53 percent of respondents support creating a state-level DOGE (2:36). 

Also, state Rep. David Prestin, a Cedar River Republican, says the U.P. is "looking at an apocalypse" if Michigan's clean energy policies shut down its RICE generators (15:13). 

What happens if the federal government no longer tests personal protective equipment? The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) thinks such government downsizing will put firefighters, construction workers and coal miners in danger (32:58). 

Should Michigan pursue a statewide cash allowance program for pregnant women and babies? MIRS sits down with Dr. Mona Hanna, the Flint-based pediatrician and founder of RX Kids, which offers "cash prescriptions" regardless of a household's income and assets (8:20). 

Also, MIRS catches up with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, a Democrat running for governor in 2026 (22:35). 

MIRS podcast host Samantha Shriber opens this edition with an update on Michigan politics and policy news for the week. (1:15)

Michigan is in the lowest 10 percent nationally when it comes to state psychiatric hospital beds, confirms the state's health department.  

Lauren LaPine of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Connie O'Malley of the University of Michigan and Republican State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom – chair of the House's Medicaid and Behavioral Health appropriations subcommittee – talk about the impacts of behavioral health management on the state.

They contemplate what is the government's role in keeping behavioral health patients out of already busy emergency departments (6:00). 

MIRS podcast host Samantha Shriber opens this edition with a quick update on Michigan politics and policy news (1:13). 

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, MIRS meets Meghan Kennedy Riordan, president of Irish Network Detroit. Meghan shares details about Michigan's relationship with Ireland, and why there are efforts to create a Michigan-Ireland Trade Commission (3:23). 

Also, the team catches up with outgoing Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement. She talks about why she's leaving the state's highest court, and why she likely would not have pursued a Republican nomination again to return to the court (15:26). 

MIRS catches up with State Rep. Jerry Neyer, chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He's introducing legislation to reframe the regulatory future of turning organic waste to biogas energy (33:20).