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Weekly news and analysis of Michigan politics by the professional journalists of MIRSnews.com
Episodes
Monday Jan 09, 2012
Monday Jan 09, 2012
Rod Albert, the executive director of the North American International Auto Show, says he can "feel the energy" about this year's show, particularly with the domestic auto companies' comeback. He talks about why Lansing should care about Detroit's annual "Mardi Gras." Also, MIRS previews Friday's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference with a few ideas on how to make the biannual event more interesting.
Monday Jan 02, 2012
Monday Jan 02, 2012
U.S. Rep. Thad McCotter, a former presidential candidate, helps MIRS break down the field on the eve of the Iowa Caucus during a 10-minute interview. Hawkeye alum Susan Demas defends Iowa's first-in-the-nation position and the whole MIRS team, plus Jack Spencer of Capitol Confidential, takes a look ahead to what should be the key issues going into 2012.
Monday Dec 26, 2011
Monday Dec 26, 2011
If 2011 was a year for legislative policy, 2012 will be "The Year Of Management" for Gov. Rick Snyder. The Governor shares his vision on reforming state bureaucracy. Also, former analyst Jack Spencer, now of Michigan Capitol Confidential, returns to rate Snyder's first-year performance. He also assists in naming MIRS' "House Member Of The Year" based on effectiveness, level of activity and impact.
Monday Dec 19, 2011
Monday Dec 19, 2011
Are there homophobic lawmakers in the Legislature? If so, who? Emily Dievendorf of Equality Michigan tackles this and several other questions, including the biggest reason Gov. Rick Snyder should veto the legislation banning domestic partnership benefits among public entities. Cindy Estrada of UAW 6000 talks about the importance of last week's contract approval by the Civil Service Commission, and MIRS names its Senator of the Year.
Monday Dec 12, 2011
Monday Dec 12, 2011
Kenneth Munson, regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tackles questions about the Affordable Health Care Act, known as "Obamacare" to Republicans. MIRS also names its "Democratic Legislator of the Year" for 2011 based on its criteria of effectiveness, impact and level of activity. Also, will the House pass legislation lifting the cap on university-sponsored charter schools and cyber-schools? And Mitch Bean of Great Lakes Economic Consulting calls the potential combined surplus and fund balance for the state of around $700 million the most significant extra money to come state government's way in 11 years.
Tuesday Dec 06, 2011
Tuesday Dec 06, 2011
Gov. Rick Snyder today signed legislation mandating school districts to create anti-bullying policies.
Monday Dec 05, 2011
Monday Dec 05, 2011
As part of its inaugural "Legislator of the Year" award series, MIRS announces its first-ever "Freshman of the Year" out of five nominees put up by the MIRS staff based on a lawmaker's effectiveness, impact and level of activity in 2011. Also, who will pick up Herman Cain's support in Michigan? And two key events in the House and Senate are recapped. Finally, Tony Hansen of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs reports some unexpected news from the deer hunting front. What is making the 2011 season so unusual?
Thursday Dec 01, 2011
Thursday Dec 01, 2011
Gov. Rick SNYDER today delivered a special message on talent and workforce development at Delta College in Bay City.
Monday Nov 28, 2011
Monday Nov 28, 2011
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer talks with the media on Nov. 28, 2011, on a larger, national strategy by Democrats to go after presidential candidate Mitt Romney for his perceived "flip-flopping" on numerous issues.
Monday Nov 28, 2011
Monday Nov 28, 2011
Which GOP freshmen lawmakers do Zach Pohl of the union-backed group We Are the People see as being most at risk going into 2012 elections? Pohl, who has been going door-to-door through various House districts, names his top two. Also, the MIRS team discusses whether Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero or Mother Nature will chase out the "Occupy Lansing" protestors from a public park first. And, with new House Education Committee Chair Tom McMillin getting ready to move the removal of the university-sponsored charter school cap, the question is asked: Why has it taken Republicans so long to move on this?