MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS Monday, October 9, 2023

David Worthams, the employment policy director for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Managing Director Denzel McCampbell of Progress Michigan discuss their differing views toward labor legislation that's been flagged by the state's business community. 

President Stephen Rapundalo of MichBio explains why his organization opposes legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as well as efforts to remove certain  immunity for pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

Also, conservative graphic designer Heather Dow shares how "Patriot Post Girl" was created.       

MIRS Monday, October 2, 2023

Co-voice Karen Dumas of The No BS Newshour and Republican political strategist Jason Roe join the team to discuss former Detroit Police Chief James Craig's anticipated entrance in the U.S. Senate race, among other political headlines in Michigan. 

Also, state Senator Mary Cavanagh of Redford Township and co-owner Bob Mlynarek of 1st Call Home Healthcare describe an "urgency" to scrap the 2019 auto insurance reform's drop in long-term care reimbursements for catastrophic car accident survivors. 

MIRS Monday, September 25, 2023

Michael Stroud of Republican Nikki Snyder's U.S. Senate campaign and Thomas Norton, past president of the Michigan Conservative Union, share their experiences at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference. 

State Rep. Karen Whitsett of Detroit explains why she voted against several bills creating a Reproductive Health Act in Michigan. 

Additionally, CEO Daniel Hurley of the Michigan Association of State Universities and Robert Davies, president of Central Michigan University, explains why 10 public universities are guaranteeing admission to high school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA. 

MIRS Monday, September 18, 2023

In this week's edition, Martin Waymire's crisis communication professional Angela Minicuci and senior communications strategist Adam Bitely share their thoughts on Democrats' fall policy agenda, as well as emotions surrounding Michigan's reported lack of population growth.

Automotive journalists Jordyn Grzelewski of The Detroit News and Paul Eisenstein of Headlight News discuss the UAW strike against Detroit's big three automakers. 

Policy specialist Heath Lowry of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence explains legislation banning someone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor from owning a gun for eight years. 

MIRS Monday, September 11, 2023

Livingston Post writer Buddy Morehouse and Vice President Stephanie Van Koevering of Resch Strategies discuss if Michigan's new Republican party needs Mike Rogers more than he needs them. 

Also, City of Detroit Chief Financial Officer Jay Rising gives MIRS a rundown of the city's proposed land value tax plan, which aims to end a culture of property owners feeling incentivised to let things become blighted. 

Democratic 2024 presidential candidate Marianne Williamson talks to the team on Sept. 9, saying it won’t surprise her — or “anyone” else — if President Joe Biden is not her primary opponent.  

MIRS Monday, September 4, 2023

The MIRS team discusses a story prompting questions about how state departments follow the Freedom of Information Act, after documents from an email chain concerning Benton Harbor's drinking water displayed a message in Greek characters. 

Director Peter Berg of Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations describes how, with a UAW strike looming, he doesn't see a "sky is falling" scenario right now. 

And freshman State Rep. Donavan McKinney explains some Democratic priorities beyond the scope of the Governor's "What's Next?" address. 

MIRS Monday, August 28, 2023

In this week's edition of MIRS Monday, the team is joined by legislative strategist Sarah Hubbard of Acuitas LLC and Jim Murray, a senior government relations professional at Tradecraft Strategies. Together, they discuss how energy policy could take the front seat for Fall 2023 and what legislation might be saved for next year. 

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson explains how legal scholars are now considering whether the indictments facing former President Donald Trump disqualify him from state presidential primary ballots in 2024. 

MIRS Monday, August 21, 2023

The MIRS team is joined by former state House Speaker Jase Bolger and past Democratic Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry to discuss whether the Legislature will adjourn early for 2023, which would allow the Governor the authority to call special sessions and to set the agenda. 

Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Hill Harper also explains why he wants a competitive primary for 2024.

 

Also, CEO Blake Resnick of BRINC Drones talks about how drones can provide life-saving support in active shooter incidents and search and rescue missions. 

MIRS Monday, August14, 2023

Executive Director Abby Mitch of Michigan Rising Action and State Representative Jason Morgan, the Michigan Democratic Party's vice chair, discuss what they believe have been the most underreported stories of 2023 so far. 

State Senator Kevin Hertel, a St. Clair Shores Democrat, explains why he believes the Legislature won't adjourn early this year. As chair of the Senate Health Policy committee, Hertel wants to spend the fall dedicated to legislation transitioning Michigan to a state-based health insurance exchange marketplace. 

Additionally, Midwest advocacy manager Courtney Bourgoin of Evergreen Action describes why environmentalists are excited about a report finding that Michigan could attract nearly $8 billion in extra federal investment if lawmakers approve new carbon-free energy policies. 

MIRS Monday, August 7, 2023

In this week's edition, the team is joined by Macomb County Republican strategist Jamie Roe and Kaitlyn Buss, the assistant editorial page editor for The Detroit News. Together, they discuss the latest downpour of Trump-related headlines and the impact it could have on Michigan voters.

Will the electorate become disengaged by a possible Donald Trump v. Joe Biden rematch? And whose moment in the spotlight is approaching ahead of the 2024 elections?

Additionally, President Tim Hoste of the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault discusses the recent Michigan State Supreme Court ruling allowing catastrophic car accident survivors to have their long-term care coverage unimpacted by the 2019 auto insurance reform and its reimbursement reductions.

Michigan State Capitol Commission Chair Bill Kandler also talks about an incoming firearm ban for the Capitol building that will be voted on later this month.