Party on the Peninsulas: Recent Episodes
Michigan Democratic Party
This Week… Top of the Ticket Unofficial Primary Election Results Michigan Secretary of State Quinnipiac Poll: Trump Approval Hits New Low, Voters Expect Long War In Iran In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Michigan GOP Senate candidate makes ‘shielding’ Elon Musk campaign focus | MS NOW Mike Rogers tries for a tricky ‘change’ election | Semafor VIDEO: Pete Buttigieg on 2028, what Democrats keep getting wrong and the state of American politics \ On the Road with Jonathan Martin – POLITICO Caught On Tape: John James Promises To Pass “Most Conservative” Anti-Choice Bill if Elected | American Bridge Michigan’s GOP governor primary is getting weird – POLITICO SpaceX Is John James’ Hot New Stock Pick | NOTUS — News of the United States Rogers supported delays of Gordie Howe bridge opening, despite benefits to Michiganders | The Michigan Independent Michigan Supreme Court orders more review for Enbridge Line 5 tunnel | Detroit News The Feds Say Michigan has No Say on Line 5. Not On My Watch | Whitmer Substack Citing federal funding cuts, Planned Parenthood closing 3 Michigan clinics | Detroit Free Press Planned Parenthood of Michigan Response to Federal Funding Losses | PPOM Michigan partially denies RNC[...]
Elections Democrats Prepare for Possible Election Clashes With Federal Government | The New York Times Trump administration drive to seize election powers sparking ‘chaos’ despite pushback | The Guardian Appeals court rejects Trump bid to curb mail-in voting in 23 states | The Guardian The noncitizen voter mystery: New Trump numbers raise more questions than answers | Votebeat Bombshell Report Reveals Trump’s Sneaky Election Trick | Daily Beast Justice Department will drop New York Times subpoenas over Air Force One story | The Hill The Economy The bill[...]
This Week… Trump Administration Cuts Make Elections More Vulnerable to Foreign Influence and Disinformation Brennan Center for Justice Trump says 278,000 noncitizens are on voting rolls. Experts say that’s wrong The Washington Post In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Gordie Howe bridge event canceled amid U.S.-Canadian trade tensions | Detroit News Trump imposes 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, cites ‘retaliation’ | Detroit News Opinion | U.S. and Canada need a bridge over troubled waters – The Washington Post America’s Top States for Business (Michigan #6) | CNBC Ohio is a poor state, so is Indiana | Michigan Future Inc. SpaceX Is John James’ Hot New Stock Pick | NOTUS — News of the United States Mike Cox drops out of Michigan governor race, endorses John James | Bridge Michigan Progressives test their momentum in mid-Michigan U.S. House primary | Detroit News Trump regulator orders Kalshi to defy Michigan court – escalating battle over prediction markets | CNN Politics Plan to ban utility political donations has enough signatures, bureau says | Detroit News Slotkin Introduces MERIT Act to Require National Security Experience for Intelligence Leadership | Senator Elissa Slotkin Power outage frustration in Michigan leads to utility investigation |[...]
This Week… What Michigan’s 2026 candidates revealed during a week of debates | Detroit Free Press Bipartisan Housing Bill Becomes Law Even Though Trump Refuses to Sign It | The New York Times In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Whitmer vetoes 9 bills at center of Michigan Legislature spat | Detroit Free Press Michigan lawmakers propose crackdown on loud cars, modified exhaust | Detroit Free Press How to spoil an absentee ballot in Michigan | Detroit Free Press Pete Hoekstra says it’s a ‘myth’ Canada paid for Gordie Howe bridge | Detroit Free Press DOJ to Jocelyn Benson: Officials could be prosecuted over noncitizen voters | Bridge Michigan DOJ Monitors Appear to Be Latest Attempt to Undermine MI Elections | Promote the Vote John James, Perry Johnson, Mike Cox debate for Michigan governor nod | Detroit Free Press Mike Cox calls John James ‘hypocrite’ for business dealings with China | Detroit News Fact check: GOP rivals attack John James in gubernatorial debate | Bridge Michigan Michigan Dem Senate Poll July 6-7 El-Sayed, Stevens trade pointed barbs in Democratic U.S. Senate debate | Detroit Free Press Fact-checking Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens in MI Democratic Senate primary debate | Politifact[...]
This Week… Kleptocracy Is Trump’s Most Lucrative Business Venture The New Republic In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Michigan lawmakers pass $84B budget, 67 bills in marathon session | Bridge Michigan There Are Very Few Socialists in America | Paul Krugman Substack How the Tide Turned Against Transgender Athletes—and the Movement | Wall Street Journal Voters Support a Data Center Moratorium | Data for Progress The Economy June Jobs Report: Hiring Misses Expectations, Just 57,000 Jobs Added | Business Insider How Trump Helped China Make America’s Cheapest EV | WIRED The Trump Administration Trump hijacked US’s 250 anniversary to serve ‘political ideology and pet projects’, congressional report says | The Guardian How Trump Lied to People Trying to Donate to America250 | The New Republic FBI directing hundreds of analysts to dig into Georgia election probe subjects, sources say | MS NOW Trump wants 47 trees to mark his 47th presidency in White House park | The Washington Post Grifters and Thieves Trump Cut a Billion-Dollar Mining Deal. His Sons Stand to Profit. | The New York Times Trump is rearming America. His sons are invested in the companies selling it weapons. | MS NOW Trump ballroom built under[...]
This Week… Michigan lawmakers propose data center guardrails Detroit Free Press Voters Support a Data Center Moratorium Data for Progress Data Center Database The ‘Gander New Independent Analysis Outlines Roadmap for Responsible Data Center Development in Michigan Detroit Regional Chamber In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Mike Rogers tries to rewrite Michigan’s autoworker history with false claim | Detroit Metro Times 65 Michigan School Districts to Receive Solar Power as MISEC Genesee Solar Goes Live | NorthStar Clean Energy AG Nessel Secures Order Temporarily Halting Unlawful Kalshi Michigan Operations | Attorney General Nessel AG Nessel Secures More Than $3.4 Billion for Michiganders Against Unlawful Federal Actions | Attorney General Nessel Supreme Court transgender athlete ruling ‘doesn’t change anything’ for Michigan high school sports rules | mlive.com Ad targeting U.S. House hopeful prompts debate over reach of Michigan AI law | Detroit News Trump Administration sues Michigan requesting state turn over SNAP applicant data | wzzm13.com Michigan can keep a lid on personal voter information, court says | AP News Statement on U.S. Supreme Court decision on mail-in ballots | Sec. of State Benson Michigan Court of Appeals reverses absentee ballot stub ruling | Detroit Free Press Opinion: In Michigan,[...]
This Week… Senate Democrats Take Steps to Protect Michigan Voters, Pass Michigan Voting Rights Act Senate Democrats Continue Affordability Push With Bills to Crack Down on Price Gouging Star-studded opening for Obama library in Chicago delivers implied rebuke to Trump The Guardian Obama opens his center with a warning about America’s future POLITICO In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Slotkin Leads Purple State Senators on Bill to Stop Trump from Using Military or Federal Law Enforcement to Interfere with Elections | Senator Slotkin Michigan election critics push for investigations ahead of 2026 voted | Detroit News Michigan Democrats Allege ‘Dark Money’ Group Violated TV Ad Rules | NOTUS — News of the United States Dana Nessel: ICE to offload Romulus warehouse eyed as future detention center | Bridge Michigan Ex-House Speaker’s Wife Admits To Embezzling From Political Fund | MIRS News House Speaker Matt Hall, ex-Gov. Rick Snyder at odds over Gordie Howe bridge | Detroit News Michigan Senate Democrats push for stricter data center energy, worker rules | Bridge Michigan DeSana Calls Fellow House Republicans ‘Scumbags,’ ‘Swamp Rats’ In Leaked Recording | MIRS News Mike Rogers’ cyber fortune could haunt his Senate campaign | Detroit Metro Times Mike[...]
This Week… Consumers Energy to seek $456M electric rate hike Detroit Free Press Michigan House Democrats new legislation aimed at utility affordability and ratepayer protection Price Hike Mike website turns Rogers’ own words against him Detroit Metro Times In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Comment Ascribed To Whitmer In Viral Data Center Video Disputed | MIRS News PriceHikeMike | Michigan Democratic Party As energy prices rise, Senate candidates clash over clean power future | Bridge Michigan Canada Built a New Bridge From Ontario to Detroit. Trump Refuses to Open It. | The American Prospect House Speaker Matt Hall threatens budget stall over impasse with Senate Dems | Bridge Michigan Republicans Block Slotkin Amendments to Protect Elections from Illegal Military Interference – Senator Elissa Slotkin Michigan lawmakers seek to stop plan to turn warehouse into ICE detention center | mlive.com Michigan suspends Antrim County clerk’s voter roll privileges | Votebeat Peters for (at least) interim MSU president makes sense | Kyle Melinn – Lansing City Pulse Gary Peters for president of Michigan State? Here’s what he’s saying | Detroit News Sen. Sam Singh proposes new plan for overhauling university boards | Detroit News Rx Kids fact check: No tax money[...]
This Week… Trump Announces $700 Million Taxpayer Dollars for Coal Slush Fund | Public Citizen Opinion: Trump’s coal initiative smacks of central planning The Washington Post Federal Pause Of Renewable Energy Grants Could ‘Financially Ruin’ MI Farmers MIRS News In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Attorney General Memorandum: Election Statutes, Enforcement Trump administration investigating potential noncitizen voters in Macomb County | Votebeat Rx Kids fact check: No tax money for undocumented moms, no spending limits | Bridge Michigan Consumers Energy to seek $456M electric rate hike | Detroit Free Press Sen. Sam Singh proposes new plan for overhauling university boards | Detroit News Debbie Stabenow not interested in being MSU’s interim president | Detroit News Could Whitmer Change Her Mind On MSU Prez Job? | MIRS News You can’t handle a little critique? You’re not the leader MSU needs | Kyle Melinn/Lansing City Pulse State legislators push back against sanctions on MSU trustees | Lansing State Journal Rx Kids faces scrutiny from GOP lawmakers as study shows health gains | Detroit Free Press As energy prices rise, Senate candidates clash over clean power future | Bridge Michigan Michigan Senate Poll | Lake Research Partners Abdul El-Sayed nabs UAW endorsement[...]
This Week… Gov. Whitmer Delivers Final Keynote Address at Mackinac Policy Conference on Collaboration and Choosing Michigan Executive Office of the Governor Mackinac Policy Conference updates: Michigan universities, Chinese cars Detroit News In the News Michigan Politics and Policy No Duggan = Gov. Benson in partisan repeat | Kyle Melinn/Lansing City Pulse Mike Rogers Said He Loved DOGE After Michigan Families Were Hurt By Funding Cuts | MeidasTouch Matt Hall Wants to Tax Your Weekend | Michigan Democratic Party Judge orders former GOP legislative aide to stand trial in Michigan earmark embezzlement case | Bridge Michigan Rep. Barrett claimed enough campaign driving to circle Earth once — and then some | Detroit Metro Times Bid to reshape how cash flows in Michigan politics submits petitions | Detroit News Michigan regional unemployment rates decrease during April | Michigan Dept. of Technology, Management and Budget Opinion: Rick Snyder’s Flint water crisis legacy isn’t a ‘witch hunt’ | Nancy Kaffer/Detroit Free Press Michigan lawmakers propose letting voters decide on AG, SOS candidates | Detroit Free Press Kevin Guskiewicz’s exit a blow to MSU, which loses momentum and more | Lansing State Journal MSU sanctions 2 trustees who refused to sign controversial board rules Why Michigan[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Trump Reneges on Supporting Michigan Auto Manufacturing Senator Mallory McMorrow Kids Rx: Protecting the Youngest Michiganders Wynett Guy Stopping an Election Denier’s Takeover in Southfield In the News Michigan Politics and Policy VIDEO: Democrats Speak Out On Health Care Costs – WNEM TV Duggan defends Trump’s Medicaid work rules as critics warn cuts will strip coverage from hundreds of thousands – Detroit Metro Times Dems target James over ACA tax-credits dispute in shutdown standoff – The Oakland Press Trump mulls canceling $1B in grants for GM, Stellantis projects – Detroit News Gretchen Whitmer signs $81B Michigan budget, roads deal. What to know – Bridge Michigan Who are the winners and losers in the state’s new budget? Kyle Melinn/Lansing City Pulse Cannabis Association Files Suit Over ‘Unconstitutional Tax Scheme’ – MIRS Blog Michigan cash aid program gets $270 million boost in state budget – Detroit Free Press Trump megadonor at center of Detroit scandals hosts fundraiser for Duggan – Detroit Metro Times Michigan needs to prepare for possibility of Trump sending national guard troops, Nessel says – Michigan Public Radio VIDEO: Peters Condemns Government Censorship, Calls Out Trump Admin.[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Federal Chaos, State Leadership Congresswoman Haley Stevens Trump’s Government Shutdown In the News More Americans blame Trump and Republicans than Democrats for shutdown, poll finds Washington Post Michigan Politics and Policy Michigan lawmakers might impose big fee hikes on EV, plug-in hybrid owners – Detroit News Cannabis group plots lawsuit over new Michigan weed tax plan – Bridge Michigan Don’t Let Anyone Tell You That You Have to Settle – Mallory McMorrow via Meidas+ Whitmer recruits fresh political talent in Ypsilanti amid ‘barrage of insanity’ in D.C. – mlive.com Weaponizing the Federal Government Donald Trump’s “The Enemy Within” speech to the military – Darrin Bell substack Veterans react to Hegseth’s ‘insulting’ address to generals and admirals – The Guardian Trump declares war on America – Popular Information Substack Trump Uses Shutdown to Maximize Pain for Democrats and Move Forward With Layoffs – The New York Times White House Asks Colleges to Sign Sweeping Agreement to Get Funding Advantage – Wall Street Journal Trump-World Grift, Lies and Corruption Another Lie: Explaining the G.O.P.’s Misleading Talking Point on the Looming Shutdown – The New York Times How an ex-ICE officer ensnared[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Weaponizing the Federal Government Sheriff Chris Swanson Federal Troops for Michigan? No thank you. In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Gretchen Whitmer: National Guard deployment in Detroit ‘unwarranted’ – Bridge Michigan Whitmer doubles down on free meals in Michigan schools after state budget deal comes up short – mlive.com Cuts, Tax Increases Make Up Road Funding Deal, Paving Road For The Rest Of The Budget – MIRS Blog Justice Department Says Whitmer Can’t Revoke Enbridge’s Easement – MIRS Blog Snyder pours cold water on Duggan’s independent bid for governor – Detroit News Rep. Haley Stevens to call for RFK Jr.’s impeachment – Detroit Free Press Congress’ swamp is real — and it’s drowning US – Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet via Detroit Free Press GOP candidate posts fake video of U.S. Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed – Detroit News Anti-abortion group to spend $4.5M to flip open Michigan Senate seat – Detroit News John James says he got ‘screwed’ in 2020 election, vows ‘consequences’ – Detroit News John James seems to be sabotaging his gubernatorial chances – Lansing City Pulse John James run for governor leaves House GOP leadership frustrated[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Government Censorship Dr. Abdul El Sayed RFK Jr.’s War on Health Michigan Democratic Party Launches Ad Program to Hold House Republicans Accountable for Budget Cuts to Police and Health Care (Sample Ad) In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Gretchen Whitmer warns Michigan: ‘Undeniable signs of an ailing economy’ – Bridge Michigan No state budget yet: What could this mean for your child? – Lansing State Journal DNR director on budget cuts: Millions of fish, hundreds of jobs at stake – Detroit News Trade war, drought squeeze Michigan farmers heading to fall harvest – Bridge Michigan JD Vance in Michigan: Trump will send National Guard to Detroit if Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asks Michigan’s overseas military voters can use online portal to return ballots – Votebeat Democratic Labor Caucus Unveils Legislation to Strengthen Unemployment Insurance – Michigan House Democrats Michigan lawmakers weigh moving primary date ahead of 2026 campaign – Detroit News GOP Representative Greene’s Committee Stripped Of Bills For Taking Israel Trip – MIRS Blog US Rep. Haley Stevens calls for RFK Jr. to resign as HHS Secretary – Detroit Free Press Whitmer quietly quits National Governors Association[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Political Violence Representative Regina Weiss The GOP Plan to Gut K-12 Education Mike Rogers justifies Trump’s tariffs with return of manufacturing jobs, WHICH ARE DECREASING! – Heartland Signal In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Opinion: As a Flint Doctor, I’ve Seen What Mike Rogers’ Medicaid Cuts Really Mean For Our Community – Dr. Aisha Harris/Flint Beat Senate Democrats say House GOP budget built on lies, accounting tricks – Detroit Free Press Fact check: Trump amplifies exaggerated Michigan ‘ghost employee’ claims – Bridge Michigan Michigan SOS branches would have ‘hours-long wait times’ under GOP budget cuts, Benson says – mlive.com Michigan Senate Democrats propose penalties for lying about elections – Votebeat Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff event at Lansing City Hall postponed – Lansing City Pulse Senate Committee Takes on Emerging Microplastics Threat – Senator Jeff Irwin Democrats, Republicans take fight over blocked bills to Michigan Court of Appeals – Bridge Michigan Fain delivers town hall speech, promises to fight for pensions in 2028 – Detroit Free Press MAGA Turnout Guru Scott Presler Panics Over GOP Wipeout In Virginia Special Election – Daily Beast Judge dismisses case against ‘fake[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Spotlighting Our Grass Roots Leaders Stella Camerlengo, Chair Michigan College Dems Organizing and advocating on College Campuses State Representative Carrie Rheingans Protecting our constitutional rights from Trump abuses Senator Elissa Slotkin (VIDEO) A New Vision for America’s National Security Jobs Report Shows Hiring Slowed in August; U.S. Created 22,000 New Jobs, Below Expectations Wall Street Journal In the News Michigan Politics and Policy How Trump Is Screwing Michigan—and What Democrats Can Do About It – The New Republic Slotkin lays out national security vision focused on middle-class priorities – Lansing City Pulse Nessel, Michigan lawmakers seek to toughen ‘critical’ human trafficking laws – Bridge Michigan Michigan may lose millions as universities see drop in international students – Bridge Michigan Rogers: Mayor Duggan should call Trump to help fight crime in Detroit – Detroit Free Press Michigan House Republicans OK transgender school bathroom ban – Bridge Michigan Michigan House speaker urges ouster of hospital association CEO after criticism – Detroit News Michigan man pleads guilty to double voting in 2024 primary – Bridge Michigan MEDC CEO ‘Potential Target’ In AG’s Grant Investigation – MIRS Blog Whitmer calls 2026[...]
GOP Budget Cuts State Police , Corrections Officers This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel House GOP Budget Plan: A Disaster for Michigan From the Archives Lawyer/speechwriter Clarence Jones: The 1983 March on Washington Barack Obama on X: “Republican Gerrymandering – Twitter/X In the News Michigan Politics and Policy With an eye on midterms, the DNC is overhauling the tech that powers its outreach – NBC News Michigan has a new law criminalizing sexual deep fakes – Detroit Free Press U-M halts DEI plans as Trump administration takes aim at diversity efforts – Bridge Michigan Doctors under pressure as U-M ends gender-affirming care for minors – Bridge Michigan Nessel: U-M cowardly for halting gender-affirming care for young people – Detroit Free Press COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan: Leaders set course amid uncertainty – Detroit Free Press Michigan’s last ‘sanctuary’ standing? Why East Lansing is a Trump immigration target – Bridge Michigan Trump admin to Michigan: Remove ‘gender ideology’ from sex ed or lose millions – Bridge Michigan GOP Bathroom Sex Bill Flushed Out Of State House Committee To Floor – MIRS Blog DePerno seeks to delay misconduct hearing as he mounts new AG bid – Bridge Michigan Local[...]
Washington D.C.’s New Police Chief This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Mike Rogers: Tax Cuts for Billionaires Delta College President Mike Gavin The attack on Community Colleges: Bad for Our Economy, Bad for Jobs In the News Mike Rogers: “Trump’s policies will be on the ballot.” – Punchbowl News Can Rogers Win Without Trump on the Ballot? – Punchbowl News Michigan Politics and Policy The unintended result of today’s politics: Michigan government heads for a shutdown – Lansing City Pulse No Outside Military In Michigan Without Governor’s Approval Under Pohutsky Bill – MIRS Blog Democratic Party penalizing candidates who endorse Duggan for governor – Detroit News Michigan electricity providers file reports showing they again have enough capacity to meet customer needs – MPSC Feds’ $10.5M cut to MSU’s program reflects fight, impact over healthy eating – Detroit News Trump issues second extension for costly Campbell Coal plant, guaranteeing rate hikes for Michiganders – MLCV Trump hurting, not helping Detroit anti-violence movement – Detroit Free Press Michigan Republicans Move to Ban Ranked Choice Voting – Votebeat James sidesteps question on Medicaid cuts during Coast Guard station visit – Detroit News With an eye on midterms, the DNC is[...]
Trump’s Military Takeover of D.C. This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas”: Chairperson Curtis Hertel Rebuilding Democrat’s U.P. Presence Trump’s Military Takeover of the Cities Promise broken: Medicare Cuts Representative Emily Dievendorf ICE “disappears” Hmong refugees In the News White House May Give 19-year-old ‘Big Balls’ Edward Coristine Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Same Medal as Rosa Parks, Mother Theresa, José Andrés and MLK – Daily Beast Michigan Politics and Policy Trump admin cancels $156M Michigan solar program as coal plant decision looms – Bridge Michigan Who will get free school meals in Michigan schools this year? – CBS Detroit Michigan gov’t shutdown concerns rise as House speaker pivots on tax cuts – Detroit News Matt DePerno, with pending criminal charges, takes step to run for AG – Detroit News Ford announces investment to bring cheaper EVs to market, secure jobs – Detroit Free Press In Michigan’s cherry country, the federal safety net is fraying – Reuters Michigan health insurers’ big rate requests could be real – Detroit Free Press GOP group helps fund Aric Nesbitt’s campaign for governor, through PAC web – Detroit News One Michigan Senate hopeful rakes in corporate PAC cash, while others shun it – Detroit News[...]
Michigan Democrats Stand With Texas Finances weigh on Texas Democrats as costs of their quorum break add up – NBC News Texas Democrats seek donations in effort to resist Trump’s redistricting plan – AP News Strategy Session (Video) Texas Dems Leave the State to Save It – Lincoln Square This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” Chairperson Curtis Hertel The Texas Gerrymander Tariffs: Prices Rising, Economy Falling Congresswoman Debbie Dingell State House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri Mike Rogers: ‘Yes’ for Trump, ‘No’ for Michigan (Video) VIDEO — ‘SHEEP’ The Lincoln Project In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Whitmer Makes Case To Trump That Tariffs Hurt Michigan – MIRS Blog Plight Of Detained Hmong Refugee Rallies Lawmakers To Family’s Side – MIRS Blog JPMorgan executive helping lead nonprofit backing Duggan’s governor bid – Detroit News Critics: ‘Prison gerrymandering’ gives some Michiganders extra ‘political clout’ – Bridge Michigan Michigan public TV and radio stations ponder the rocky road ahead – Detroit Free Press East Lansing on U.S. Justice Dept. sanctuary jurisdiction list – Detroit Free Press Trump deportation fears are hurting West Michigan economy, Hispanic leaders tell Slotkin – mlive.com 3 rural Michigan hospitals deemed at risk following Trump’s cuts to Medicaid[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: Economics fact and (Trump) fiction ✹ Representative John Fitzgerald on battling sextortion ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Republicans refusing to condemn North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson In the News Michigan Politics VIDEO – Chair Lavora Barnes on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” – MSNBC Whitmer to Andy Cohen: ‘I was your most fun friend from high school’ – Freep Top Michigan Republican already warns of a stolen election – Detroit News Democrats won complete power in Michigan. Republicans are trying to take it away. – POLITICO ‘A false sense of comfort’: Michigan Dems fight to keep voters’ attention on abortion – POLITICO Detroit chamber won’t endorse Rogers or Slotkin in U.S. Senate contest – Detroit News Ben Carson says ‘we may have to’ die to protect right-wing America at MSU visit – The State News Michigan GOP walks fine line on absentee voting, as Trump sends mixed messages – Bridge Michigan Michigan Policy Biden urges ban on Chinese cars from US roads – Detroit Free Press Lawmakers OK bills making Michigan caregivers public employees to ease unionization – Detroit News Deep in Michigan’s car country, switch to EVs fuels anxieties before election[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: The potential for decades-long judicial tyranny ✹ Justice Kyra Harris Bolden on judicial impartiality ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Rigging the rules in Georgia In the News Michigan Politics Justice For Generations – Kyra Bolden ad via YouTube VIDEO – Unite for America Rally with Vice President Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey – YouTube In Michigan, Kamala Harris calls for ‘common sense’ gun reforms after school shootings – Bridge Michigan Tom Barrett’s Anti-Abortion Record on Display In MI-07 – DCCC House Dems’ ‘sleeper’ seats suddenly in sight – POLITICO Slotkin, Rogers lean into immigration policy fight in U.S. Senate race – Detroit NewsACLU spending $2M on abortion rights ads in Michigan Supreme Court race – Bridge Michigan Mike Rogers wants voters to forget his record of backing abortion bans – The Michigan Independent In Michigan, Democrats Hope to Benefit From a Post-Biden Surge of Youth Energy – The New York Times Elon Musk super PAC working with Michigan GOP ahead of presidential election – Bridge Michigan Robert F. Kennedy Jr. again loses in bid to get off Michigan’s ballot – Detroit News Michigan Policy Belleville, Romulus, townships sue over radioactive waste shipments[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: Harris Shines, Trump Whines ✹ Representative Reggie Miller: Stop the dumping of Nuclear Waste into southeast Michigan ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Pandering with tax cut proposals that are DOA In the News Michigan Politics Walz highlights student debt, climate change in pitch to MSU students – Detroit News Michigan Dems blast Mike Rogers over opioid stance in Congress – Bridge Michigan Mike Rogers résumé includes consulting for businesses with shady foreign interests- Trump’s abortion answers complicate GOP’s push to neutralize attacks – Detroit News $$ Kennedy, West stay on the ballot, Michigan Supreme Court decides – Detroit News CBS News poll for 2024 Senate races shows Democrats lead in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin – CBS News Michigan Policy Attorney General’s Final Report: MSU/Larry Nassar Investigation Top States for Doing Business in 2024: A Continued Legacy of Excellence – Area Development Palisades nuclear relaunch gets more subsidies in Michigan — and more backlash – Bridge Michigan Trump/GOP Outrages Democrats press oil executives on Trump’s $1B ask – POLITICO Springfield Upended by Bomb Threats, School Evacuations Over False Pet-Eating Claims – Wall Street Journal Ohio governor reaffirms Haitian immigrants are not eating[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: Kamala Harris for the People; Donald Trump for Himself ✹ Biden, Harris in Michigan ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: A Media Double Standard of Accountability In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Kamala Harris, in Detroit, vows to protect workers’ rights – Detroit Free PressKamala Harris wants to make it easier to afford housing in Michigan – The ‘Gander Presidential race is a tossup in Michigan with 2 months to go, poll finds – Detroit News Slotkin builds bigger lead over Rogers in Michigan Senate race, poll shows – Detroit News Poll: Michigan minimum wage hike backed, but support dips on tipped wage change – Detroit News Michigan’s presidential ballot not finalized as Friday deadline passes – Detroit Free Press VIDEO: Lavora Barnes on the influx of presidential candidates campaigning in Michigan – CNN via YouTube Biden signs pro-labor order in Michigan, dares a successor to undo it – Detroit News Appeals court: Remove RFK Jr.’s name from Michigan presidential ballot – Detroit Free Press Michigan canvasser suit part of growing effort to preempt election deniers – Bridge Michigan Michiganders get nine new ‘I Voted’ stickers for the November election –[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: Candidates and values ✹ Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) on motivating the youth vote ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: In the News Michigan Politics and Policy Michigan Republican in Tight Senate Race Says He’d Respect Abortion Rights. His Record Suggests Otherwise. – Jezebel Harris, Trump in dead-heat among Michigan voters, new poll shows – Detroit Free Press Poll: Elissa Slotkin leads Mike Rogers in US Senate race – Detroit Free Press VIDEO — Mike Rogers: Big Pharma’s friend – DSCC via YouTube Mike Rogers vows to fight drug war, but urged opioid access in Congress – Bridge Michigan Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin introduces bipartisan bills to address forever chemicals – The Michigan Independent Michigan judge rules Cornel West eligible for presidential ballot – Detroit Free Press Why RFK may be unable to withdraw from some state ballots – NPR Former US Rep. Bob Carr dies at 81 – Detroit Free Press Trump/GOP Outrages GOP: If We Can’t Win, We’ll Cheat. If We Can’t Cheat, We’ll Intimidate – Thom Hartmann/The New Republic Trump, Vance try for a shift on abortion, riling some on the right – The Washington Post Trump Contorts Himself[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: Joy, exultation, freedom – and a big task ahead ✹ Impressions of The Best Political Convention EVER ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Attacks on a 17-year-old who’s proud of his dad In the News The Convention DNC 2024: See insider photos from the Democratic National Convention – AP NewsAt the DNC, the Democrats Are Finally Fighting – The New Republic At the DNC, the Democrats Are Finally Fighting – The New Republic Michelle Obama’s Speech Was the Best. Doug Emhoff’s Was the Most Groundbreaking. – Mother Jones “Do Something!” Michelle Obama’s Big-Hearted, Urgent, Barn-Burner of a Convention Speech – Mother Jones Gretchen Whitmer paints Trump as out of touch at DNC – Detroit Free Press Trump ‘admires dictators a lot,’ Slotkin says in DNC speech – Detroit Free Press At DNC convention, Dana Nessel sends sharp retort to US Supreme Court – Detroit Free Press UAW’s Fain ‘not going to be shy’ about going after Trump – Detroit Free Press McMorrow at DNC calls Project 2025 Trump dictatorship plan – Detroit Free Press Michigan sheriff who made headlines for marching in 2020 speaks at DNC – Detroit Free Press Michigan Politics and Policy[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: A national celebration and state nominations after that ✹ Impressions of a First-time National Delegate, Susan Skidmore ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Lying about Healthcare In the News Harris – Walz Campaign Kamala Harris unveils 2024 policy agenda, including $6,000 child tax credit for baby’s first year – The Washington Post Where do Trump and Harris stand on key issues? Abortion, immigration, taxes – AP News Kamala Harris holds slight national lead over Donald Trump, Post-ABC-Ipsos poll finds – The Washington Post Kamala Harris Puts Four Sun Belt States Back in Play, Times/Siena Polls Find – The New York Times Harris Leads Trump in Three Key States, Times/Siena Polls Find – The New York Times Americans see Kamala Harris as more honest than Trump: AP-NORC poll – AP News Playbook: How Harris is remaking the 2024 election – POLITICO Vibe Check: Voter Enthusiasm and Harris’ Favorability Have Surged Since Biden’s Exit – Data for Progress Americans’ first impressions of Walz are positive, negative for Vance – The Washington Post Michigan Politics Bankrolled by pharmaceuticals, Mike Rogers helped block Medicare price negotiation – The Michigan Independent Republican candidates go full MAGA at Michigan[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: 15,000 smiles at Detroit Metro Airport! ✹ The Winning Coalition: Michigan Republicans for Harris/Walz co-chair Bill Nowling Harris launches ‘Republicans for Harris’ to win over GOP voters – AP News ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: The smear campaign has already begun In the News Harris – Walz Campaign Kamala Harris, Tim Walz in Michigan: ‘We’re not going back’ to Donald Trump – Bridge Michigan FULL SPEECH: Kamala Harris, Tim Walz Michigan rally – YouTube Harris Leads Trump in Three Key States, Times/Siena Polls Find – The New York Times We Polled The Rust Belt. Here’s What We Found. – Split Ticket Tim Walz defends military record against Team Trump stolen valor smears Kamala Harris rallies with UAW in Michigan: ‘We believe in the collective’ – Bridge Michigan Tim Walz: From Small-Town Minnesota to the Campaign Trail – The American Prospect Details you should know about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz – Minneapolis Star Tribune Michigan Politics Michigan primary 2024 results live: U.S. House – Bridge Michigan Michigan primary 2024 results live: U.S. Senate – Bridge Michigan Michigan primary 2024 results live: State House – Bridge Michigan Video: Chair Lavora Barnes on[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: A Week to Celebrate ✹ Democratic Voices: Mike Rogers has sold out Michiganders to get rich ✹ This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Overt Racism and Sexism This Week in the News Harris for President Harris has secured enough Democratic delegate votes to become their party’s nominee, chair says – AP News UAW endorses Harris, giving her blue-collar firepower in industrial states |- AP News Election 2024: Harris dares Trump to ‘say it to my face’ and debate her – AP News Kamala Harris Erases Trump’s Swing-State Lead in 2024 Election: Poll – Bloomberg Opinion | Hillary Clinton: How Kamala Harris Can Win and Make History – The New York Times Michigan VIDEO – Paul Whelan Thanks Government, Supporters – Wall Street Journal Michigan Supreme Court rules against Legislature in adopt, amend case – Detroit Free Press What to know about Michigan’s pending minimum wage changes – Bridge Michigan Michigan bills would expand insurance contraception coverage – Detroit Free Press Deep in conspiracy country, a Michigan election clerk reconsiders retirement – Bridge Michigan Detroit lawyer: My friend, JD Vance, ditched beliefs for ‘money and power’ – Bridge Michigan Chair Lavora Barnes MSNBC[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹ Chairperson Barnes: Energized, excited and enthused! ✹ Ingham Clerk Barb Byrum: Protecting elections from Republic attacks ✹This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: GOP Incompetence This Week in the News Harris for President Kamala Harris’s life, career and firsts from AG to the vice presidency – The Washington Post Biden’s Michigan delegates vote ‘overwhelmingly’ to endorse VP Harris – Detroit Free Press Election 2024: Harris raised $200M in first week of White House campaign – AP News Harris Unlikely to Face Obstacles in Using Biden’s Campaign Funds – Michigan Campaign Finance Network Kamala Harris Gets a Potentially Game-Changing Youth Vote Endorsement – Daily Beast Barack and Michelle Obama Endorse Kamala Harris for President – Harris 2024 – YouTube Fed’s preferred inflation gauge cools, adding to likelihood of a September rate cut – AP News Opinion | Biden legacy will show U.S. economy, foreign policy improved – Fareed Zakaria/The Washington Post Opinion | Three Writers
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹President Joe Biden: Patriot ✹Senator Dayna Pokehanki: the GOP’s war on women ✹This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage: Running away from Project 2025 Kamala Harris’s life, career and firsts from AG to the vice presidency – The Washington Post Gretchen Whitmer endorses Kamala Harris for president – Detroit Free Press Kamala Harris Gets a Potentially Game-Changing Youth Vote Endorsement – Daily Beast This Week in the (Other) News Michigan Politics Trump, Fain trade barbs over UAW, state of auto industry – Detroit Free Press Lansing Mayor Andy Schor responds to Tom Barrett viewpoint on crime – Lansing State Journal Public Policy Poll: Michigan & Pennsylvania Donald Trump sues Gretchen Whitmer over Michigan voter registration efforts – Bridge Michigan Jeff Timmer: Republicans threaten the ‘Chimes of Freedom’ • Michigan Advance The Republican National Convention Fact-checking Day 1 of the 2024 RNC – The Washington Post Fact-checking Day 2 of the 2024 RNC – The Washington Post Fact-checking Day 3 of the 2024 RNC – The Washington Post Fact-checking Trump on RNC’s Day 4 – The Washington Post The Republican National Convention Was a “Man’s World” – Mother Jones A Party of Precarious Manhood, Led by a Blithering[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹Condemning political violence ✹President Joe Biden’s address to the nation ✹State Representative Kristian Grant on Democrats’ work to expand affordable housing in Michigan This Week in the (Other) News Editorial: Donald Trump Is Unfit for a Second Term – The New York Times ‘Unfit’ to serve, ‘con artist’: How Trump’s VP finalists once bashed him – The Washington Post Michigan Politics President Joe Biden impassioned, invigorated in Detroit speech – Detroit Free Press Biden goes on attack against Trump, media in Detroit – Detroit News “True Gretch” – Simon and Schuster March 2020 Biden rally looked like ‘superspreader,’ Whitmer says in new book – Detroit News VIDEO: “He’s Up For This” – Gov. Whitmer On President Biden’s Ability To Serve A Second Term – Late Show with Stephen Colbert Gov. Whitmer shuts down 2024 presidential talk but doesn’t hide her ambitions in timely book launch – AP News Once solidly red, northwest Michigan offers fighting chance for Democrats – Bridge Michigan Michigan Policy Michigan House Approves Critical Housing Legislation – housedems.com Gov. Whitmer Celebrates Record Construction Jobs in Michigan – Governor’s Office GM investment into Lansing Grand River plant expected to save 650 UAW[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹MDP Chair Lavora Barnes on a return, after 248 years, of having a King preside over America ✹This week’s Trump/GOP Outrages The double-standard of Republicans and the media for judging Joe Biden and Donald Trump ✹Michigan political legend Mark Grebner on the quiet-but-critical role of county commissions, strategies for GOTV and the amazing career of Debbie Stabenow This Week in the News Michigan Politics Whitmer Disavows ‘Draft Gretch’ Movement — and Delivers A Warning to Biden – POLITICO Whitmer Slams Rival’s Leak That She Said Biden will Lose Michigan – The Daily Beast Michigan GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers connected to Saudi companies, including one with nuclear ambitions – Heartland Signal Republican rivals attack Rogers as Senate favorite and allies counter criticism – Detroit News Michigan Policy Michigan lawmakers want to outlaw deepfake sexual content: What it is – Detroit Free Press Macomb Prosecutor Peter Lucido sues county’s top attorney, ethics board Michigan HOAs can’t ban solar panels under newly passed bill – Bridge Michigan GOP/Trump Outrages Jobs report June 2024 – CNBC (From January 2021) Trump will have the worst jobs record in modern U.S. history – The Washington Post Sotomayor’s scathing Trump[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹MDP Chair Lavora Barnes on the presidential debate: Joe Biden’s performance gets the headlines, totally obscuring the barrage of lies and outrageous statements from the increasingly unhinged Donald Trump ✹This week’s Trump/GOP Outrages The unconscionable partisanship of the U.S. Supreme Court, led by its delay of the ruling on Trump’s ridiculous claim of total presidential immunity from criminal accountability. And Oklahoma’s new mandate adding Bible study to public classroom. ✹Joe Biden bounces back with a fiery post-debate speech in North Carolina, labeling Trump for what he is: a convicted felon who lies at every opportunity. We have highlights from the speech. This Week in the News Michigan Politics Ex-Michigan GOP chair asks Court of Appeals to overturn her ouster – Detroit News Michigan GOP went to war with itself. Can it rebuild to win for Donald Trump? – Bridge Michigan Michigan Policy Judge blocks Michigan’s 24-hour mandatory waiting period for abortions – Detroit Free Press Michigan lawmakers approve $82.5B state spending plan for 2025 – Detroit Free Press Bill barrage: Michigan lawmakers pass ‘Taylor Swift’ bot ban in summer rush – Bridge Michigan Michigan’s $23B education deal: Free community college for all, pre-K for[...]
This Week’s “Party on the Peninsulas” ✹MDP Chair Lavora Barnes on the new GOP Campaign Tactic: “Cheap Fakes” that amount to video lies about Joe Biden. ✹This week’s Trump/GOP Outrage The U.S. Supreme Court’s six-month delay in deciding whether Trump had presidential immunity, i.e., the right to ignore the law whenever he felt like it. ✹Michigan Democrats versus “Deep Fake” A.I. generated X-rated videos. We’re joined by the chief sponsor of legislation reigning in A.I. deep fakes, East Lansing Representative Penelope Tsernoglou. Her bill requiring identification of political deep fakes is now law; her bill attacking X-rated A.I. generated images and videos has just passed in the House. In the News This Week The Ten Commandments as Practice by the GOP — Jimmy Kimmel Live — Michigan Politics ‘The Interview’: Gretchen Whitmer Wants a Gen X President — in 2028 – The New York Times Neil Friske arrest: Michigan state representative held after chasing adult dancer with a gun. – Slate Freep endorsements in Dem primary: Scholten, Dingell, Stevens, Tlaib – Detroit Free Press Black voters say Trump’s indictments don’t rally their support – Detroit Free Press Michigan Policy ‘Deepfake’ sexual content targeted by bills passed by Michigan House – Detroit Free[...]
From Chairperson Lavora Barnes To listen to Republicans, we’re in the middle of an apocalyptic crime wave. The reality: the crime rates have dropped dramatically since they peaked in 2020 during the Trump administration. In his “Popular Information” newsletter, investigative journalist Judd Legum reports: ‘In a speech earlier this year at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump said that under Biden, the United States is “plagued by bloodshed, chaos and violent crime.” A March press release by the Republican National Committee claimed that “crime [is] spiking” as a result of Biden’s policies. Trump’s claims are being repeated by other Republicans running for office.’ It’s all another Big Lie, ironically being promoted by a convicted criminal. New data released this last week by the FBI reveals that both violent crime and property crime have dropped dramatically this year. The data compares crime in the first quarter of 2024 with crime in the first quarter of 2023. It shows substantial drops in every category, including murder ( down 26.4%), rape (down 25.7%), robbery (down 17.8%), and property crime (down 15.1%). The only crime rate going up: indictments and convictions of the leaders of efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including indictments of[...]
From Chairperson Lavora Barnes Last Thursday, President Biden joined with French President Emanuel Macron to honor the Greatest Generation: the men and women who, 80 years earlier, began the liberation of Europe with the D-Day invasion. The two presidents honored a legacy: the selfless sacrifices of thousands to protect the world from the threat of a racist, paranoid sociopath whose ambition was to rule the world. Thousands gave their lives that day so that we could live free. We owe the Greatest Generation a commitment to continue to fight for their legacy which is constantly endangered by would-be dictators and despots, foreign and domestic. On Saturday, your Democratic Party celebrated its legacy with our annual Legacy Dinner. UAW President Shawn Fain was presented with the MDP’s Legacy Award for his inspiring leadership which led to a record-smashing contract settlement with the Big 3 domestic automakers, a contract which means a secure and prosperous future for not just UAW members, but for untold thousands more whose employment is directly tied to the auto industry. The keynote speaker on Saturday brought her own legacy to the stage. Kamala Harris is the first woman, and the first person of color, to be elected[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes A jury: 12 ordinary citizens who take an oath to put aside their personal beliefs and opinions, listen to testimony presented by both sides in a trial, and render a verdict based solely on that testimony and the law.Our jury system dates back to the founding of the nation. The Sixth Amendment states that in all criminal prosecutions, the accused criminal has the right to a trial by an impartial jury of the state and district in which the individual allegedly committed a crime. Attacks on the American jury system are, in fact, an attack on one of the constitutional rights that makes the United States exceptional. Yet that is what we are hearing in the aftermath of the unanimous finding of guilt against former President Trump. It’s no surprise that Trump is lashing out. Anytime he loses at anything, he attacks and never accepts responsibility. In his mind he’s never lost an election, his numerous bankruptcies were the fault of others, and his recent losses in multiple civl and criminal trials are the results of a rigged system and corrupt people. Donald Trump’s political campaign is based on grievance. He poses as a martyr constantly[...]
From Chairperson Lavora Barnes “Supremes”. No – not the legendary Motown trio. It’s the United States Supreme Court, and the importance of this year’s elections on the next 2 decades of the Court. There likely will be two or more vacancies on the Court during the term of the next President. Right wing extremists and ethically challenged Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas are 74 and 75 years old; Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor are both 69. The election of Trump, coupled with a Republican Senate, could result in a Court that has five or more Trump-appointed Justices. It would be a MAGA-dominated court for two or more decades. Even if we re-elect Joe Biden, a Republican Senate could well stymie restoring balance to the Court. Mitch McConnell showed what raw power and a lack of conscience can do to the Court. McConnell’s outrageous partisanship stole two seats on the Court which should have gone to appointees of Presidents Obama and Biden. Instead McConnell used his slim majority in the Senate to gift Trump with 2 appointments: 59-year-old Brett Kavanagh and 54-year-old Amy Coney Barrett. Those two appointments cemented a radical right-wing-dominated activist court that resulted in[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes Our courts are under attack led, of course, by four-time indicted, twice-impeached bankruptcy king Donald Trump. He’s still furious that more than 60 different courts dismissed his claims of election fraud in 2020 and, as we record this, on the verge of a verdict in the first of his four felony trials. He’s called the well-respected New York Supreme Court judge crooked, biased, unqualified and corrupt simply because it fits into his campaign strategy of painting himself as a victim. Adding to his attack on the system: summoning his D.C. red tie brigade to repeat the scurrilous attacks on witnesses, the jury and even the judge’s daughter: things he can’t say because of a well-deserved gag order. On top of that Trump has made it clear that if he gets reelected, he will order the Justice Department to indict special prosecutor Jack Smith, Georgia D.A. Fanny Willis and New York district attorney Alvin Bragg for the crime of indicting Trump. In Michigan, we have a much different story. We have an Attorney General who takes corrupt public officials from both parties without fear or favor, and works hand-in-glove with our Secretary of State to guarantee free[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes In political debates, the rhetoric sometimes overshadows the impact of those policy decisions on actual people: what’s the impact on individual lives. That is one of the many reasons Joe Biden is such an amazing leader: every decision he makes is influenced by a lifetime of experiences of “Scranton Joe,” the guy who grew up in a working class family that faced the same challenges that confront millions of Americans. Sadly, a lot of the debate over reproductive rights overlooks the real world. Opponents manufacture horror stories that are mostly fantasies unattached from the real world. They talk about late term abortions right up to the moment of birth, something that simply isn’t a thing. They trivialize what, in reality, is one of the most difficult decisions a woman can make. In the case of exceeding rare late-term abortions, those decisions are the direct result of a major emergency that’s life-or-death, but opponents make it sound heartless. In the last week, Michiganders had the opportunity to learn more about the real-world impact of the anti-choice movement from two victims of those laws. Texan Amanda Zurawski and Kaitlin Joshua of Louisiana both very much wanted a child,[...]
Contempt It’s more than the fines handed out to defendant Donald Trump in his election interference criminal case. It’s the contempt of many Republican leaders who show contempt for our justice system. They scream about a two-tiered justice system when, in reality, they demand a system where their chosen leader is above the law. They say they support the police, but have no problem with a leader who says he’d considering pardoning the criminals who attacked the Capitol on January 6 resulting in the deaths of five police officers and injuries to dozens more. They complain about alleged censorship of conservatives on social media, but pass laws censoring books about racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights. They yell about their love of the Constitution, but demand police arrest people exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech and peaceful protest while defending the violent mob of January 6. The GOP response to campus protests across the nation are a frightening replay of how the Nixon administration reacted to anti-war demonstrators in the late 1960’s: using military power to silence the protesters which culminated in the deaths of four unarmed students at Kent State University, shot by the Ohio National Guard. This[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes – Arizona joined with Michigan, Georgia and Nevada this week by issuing indictments in the fake electors scheme. The defendants include several influential figures in Arizona politics, including former state GOP chair Kelli Ward and sitting state senators Anthony Kern and Jake Hoffman. Also charged was Christina Bobb, just days after she was named head of the Republican National Committee’s Election Integrity program. She is one of seven Trump confidantes also charged. Trump, who isn’t charged, is repeatedly referred to as “Unindicted Coconspirator 1” in the 58-page indictment. It turns out Trump is also an unindicted co-conspirator in Michigan’s fake elector case, and a defendant in the Georgia fake elector prosecution. Trump’s status as a co-conspirator in Michigan was revealed during a court hearing on some of the criminal charges against the faux electors. It’s more clear than ever that Donald Trump and his MAGA allies are rotten to the core and have no place in the halls of power. We shouldn’t be surprised that an extremist MI-GOP that attempts to undermine the very foundations of our democracy time and time again is consistently in lockstep with the chaos and lawlessness of Trump. This Republican Party[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes – It was a joy during the week for me to personally congratulate the two newest Democrats in the state House of Representatives: Mai Xiong in the Warren area’s 13th House District and Peter Herzberg in the Westland area’s 25th House District. Both were elected to fill vacancies created when their predecessors were elected mayor of their city. Once the special elections are certified by the state Board of Canvassers, Democrats will once again have a 56-54 majority in the House to go with the 20-18 majority in the state Senate. It comes just in time for enactment of a state budget which continues investments into our state that will pay benefits for generations: support for education, infrastructure and economic development headlining the new budget. The challenge now: maintaining that House majority in the November election. The newly adopted district maps, according to analysts, give either party a statistical chance of winning the majority. Using the current lines, 56 of the new districts were carried in 2020 by Donald Trump and 54 by President Biden. We can’t rest on our laurels. With these citizen-drawn maps, we can expand our majority or we can lose it. It[...]
From Chairperson Lavora Barnes “Whatever”. That’s Donald Trump’s position on reproductive healthcare. He’s for whatever is convenient at the time he’s asked about it. In 1999, he said on Meet the Press that he was pro-choice, and opposed any federal law restricting abortion (even virtually non-existent late-term abortions). Well, he’s changed that position almost as regularly as he’s changed wives. For decades, Donald Trump’s stance on abortion has been a moving target. In 2011, while considering a White House run, he told CPAC that he was pro-life. In 2016, while running for president, he told MSNBC’s Chris Matthews that there should be “some form of punishment” for the women who get abortions. In 2018, he vowed to overturn Roe v. Wade and advocated for a 20-week national abortion ban. His latest position: a wishy-washy “whatever”: leave it up to the states, many of which have banned and even criminalized abortion. Of course, he can’t run away from a fact about which he brags: he killed Roe. We all know that what Donald Trump says doesn’t necessarily line up with what he will do. You can be certain that a Trump administration, given the chance, would put in place a national law[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes That, in one sentence, defines Donald Trump and describes his grotesque speech in Grand Rapids. Donald Trump came here to politicize a tragic loss and lie to Michiganders’ faces about his record. When President Biden negotiated a tough, fair, and bipartisan border security deal, it was Trump who pressured his MAGA cronies to kill the bill, allowing the chaos to continue. No matter what he said in Grand Rapids, Donald Trump has no interest in being part of the solution because he doesn’t care about border security. He only cares about himself and whatever he thinks makes him look good, but Michiganders know the truth: Donald Trump has nothing to offer but dangerous rhetoric that promotes hate, division, and violence without making anyone safer. Adding to that: he told the crowd he had talked with the family of murder victim Ruby Garcia. It was a lie, according to Ms. Garcia’s sister. Mavi Garcia said neither Trump nor anybody from his campaign has contacted her or anybody in her immediate family. She said her family is close and she would know if that had happened. “It was shocking,” she told Wood TV. “I kind of stopped watching[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes On Thursday, Democrats celebrated unity heading into the November election with an historic event: a massive fundraiser which brought together three great presidents: Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Together they represent 20 years of leadership that moved America forward. The unity of the 3 Presidents was a reminder of the lack of Republican unity. Donald Trump is running without the support of much of his party’s leadership. He does not have the endorsement of President Bush, nor does he have the support of any of the living former GOP Vice Presidents: Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney and Mike Pence. Add to that the long list of more than two-dozen Trump cabinet members and White House staff who will not endorse him. Some are actively opposing him. One of many reasons for that contrast is the philosophy behind the campaigns. Donald Trump is running to benefit Donald Trump. His two goals: Stay out of prison, and Make money for Donald Trump His fundraising is all about him, a lot of it to cover his $100-million-and-growing personal legal bills. He has side hustles to make him wealthier, constantly hawking everything from sneakers to perfume and even Bibles[...]
From chairperson Lavora Barnes – Saturday marked the 14th anniversary of the signature achievement of the Obama administration: enactment of the Affordable Care Act, a. k. a. “Obamacare.” Republicans rampaged against the legislation, calling it the potential death knell for the U.S. healthcare system, raising the spectre of government “death panels” deciding who lives and who dies, and predicting it would mean you could no longer choose your doctors. President Obama fought for the law knowing it could mean he’d be a one-term President. Today in America, the Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever, and coverage is more affordable than ever. There are more than 100 million Americans — friends, family, neighbors, people you love — who can no longer be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition. More than 45 million Americans have health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act and millions of seniors have lower prescription drug costs. The Biden administration is expanding the benefits of the ACA with the new ability of Medicare to negotiate prescription costs. The law has special meaning in Michigan, and the legacy of the Dingell family. The first national healthcare bill was introduced in 1943 by Congressman John[...]
From the chair RESULTS Government is supposed to work to improve our lives. We measure our public officials by results. Under Joe Biden and Gretchen Whitmer, we’re getting results. Three years ago this week, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. There’s an excellent report on what that has brought Michigan in the current edition of the online publication The Gander. Among the highlights: 300,000 jobs added to Michigan’s economy The unemployment rate dropped from 6.5% in 2021 and has kept at 4% for the last 14 months. A surge in new businesses. According to US Chamber of Commerce data, nearly 150,000 small business applications were filed in the state in 2023. Tax relief for families. In Michigan, families of nearly 1.9 million children benefited from tax relief in 2021—with more than 1.1 million families receiving $3,000 or $3,600 per child, depending on their age. The legislation also enabled Michigan families earning less than $125,000 to get back up to half of what they spent on child care while working or studying, saving up to $8,000 for two children. An expansion to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit also benefited 600,000 workers in Michigan in 2021, providing[...]
From the chair “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” — Ronald Reagan (10-28-1980) One thing some politicians rely on during their campaigns: how time weakens our memory. It’s a tactic that Donald Trump’s campaign is using: hoping Americans don’t remember just how bad things were four years ago. Do Americans Have a ‘Collective Amnesia’ About Donald Trump? – The New York Times For the first half of his term, Trump rode the wave of the 8-year Obama economic recovery. But by the end of Trump’s turn, that wave quickly disappeared thanks to his bungled non-response to the COVID pandemic. Let’s go back four years and revisit the reality Donald Trump would have us forget: March, 2020 Unemployment was at 4.4 percent. But a month later, it was a staggering 14.8 percent. By the time Trump left office, his four-year record was the loss of 3-million jobs: the worst jobs number for a President since Herbert Hoover. This week, the monthly jobs report showed another 275,000 Americans were employed. Unemployment has been under 4 percent for a record 39[...]
From the chair “Chaos” It’s the ongoing story of Republicans running to succeed Debbie Stabenow in the United States Senate. Their story got even more muddled this week with the announcement by ultra-right-wing former Congressman Justin Amash that he was joining the circular firing squad. Michigan Republicans’ brutal infighting is getting nastier by the day. Their caustic showdown will leave them with a badly damaged nominee who is out of touch with Michigan families. Amash has an extensive record of leaving Michiganders behind: supporting dangerous abortion bans, vowing to gut health care access, and backing the 2017 tax giveaway to the wealthy and large corporations. In the meantime, the other Senate wannabes focused on slamming each other: Sandy Pensler and Mike Rogers engaged in website wars, with each redirecting Michiganders visiting mikerogersforsenate.com and electsandypensler.com to attacks on their opponent’s record. Roger Stone, a Trump ally, took aim at Rogers for being a “blatant fraud” who “voters need to be leery of.” Stone slammed Rogers for “leaving his home state of Michigan in the dust,” making nearly $2 million in the past two years alone, living in a $1.5 million Cape Coral mansion, and only moving back to Michigan “a few[...]
From the chair It’s no secret that the Republican Party is in turmoil these days. The state party has a civil war underway with competing factions fighting for control. The national party is undergoing a leadership purge as Donald Trump transforms the RNC into another one of his companies. He is installing his daughter-in-law as co-chair, and she’s already made it clear the RNC has two missions: return the family to the Oval Office, and pay Trump’s legal bills. Democrats are united. Yes, we will work tirelessly to reelect Joe Biden. But we are working just as hard on races all the way down the ballot. Michigan is a purple state, and it is going to be a battle to maintain the gains we’ve made in the last few years. We have an ally at the top. The Democratic National Committee is 100% behind us. Joining me on a special episode of this podcast this week is my friend and leader, Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison. In the News VP Kamala Harris says Michigan’s abortion protections are at stake in 2024 – mlive.com Oklahoma Pols Want a Database of Everyone Who Has an Abortion – The Daily Beast[...]
From the Chair Early voting is underway in Michigan’s presidential primary. A vote for any other presidential candidate or a vote as “uncommitted” does not help our cause against Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans. Trump and MAGA Republicans are a danger to our democracy and the health of our nation. Trump and MAGA Republicans are looking to undermine our democracy, remove gun safety measures, stall our nation’s economic progress, enact a national abortion ban, and much more. President Biden and our vision of unity must be at the forefront, and that begins with a united effort to support President Biden in the primary. The nine-day early voting period, culminating with the election on February 27, is a result of one of the 142 new laws passed in 2023 by our Democratic Legislature that went into effect last Tuesday. The delay was thanks to ongoing Republican foot-dragging. The state constitution says a law can only go into effect immediately if it gets a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Republicans decided to delay the inevitable on all of those laws by denying the two-thirds immediate effect vote. Regardless, the early voting law is part of a package of bills enacted[...]
Downloads: Democrats Deliver Fact Sheet Economist/YouGov Poll This week’s guest: Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) From the chair A new poll from The Economist and YouGov shows there’s a huge disconnect from what people believe is happening in America and what cold, hard statistics show is our very excellent reality. The perception: our economy is in a bad place, it’s getting worse, and the President has done a poor job bringing us back from the Trump-era downturn. The numbers tell us something far different. The U.S. has the strongest economic growth since the pandemic of any leading economy in the world. While economists predicted a recession as the Fed raised interest rates, it hasn’t happened. The economy continues to grow: Wages are rising—higher than last year and higher than before the pandemic, accounting for inflation Annual inflation has fallen by two-thirds since last summer and has averaged less than 2% over the last 3 months 187,000 jobs were created last month— a total of 13.5 million jobs have been created since President Biden took office (that includes 1.5 million in manufacturing, construction and engineering) The unemployment rate is just 3.8% —under 4% for 19 months in a row—the longest[...]
From the Chair While assorted Republicans are getting booked, arraigned, found liable for slander and generally spending millions on defense attorneys, Joe Biden and Gretchen Whitmer are talking about “what’s next.” For Biden – what’s next is a battle with pharmaceutical companies over prices; for Whitmer – an ambitious “families and workers first” agenda for a fall legislative session. The first half of the year was historic: a legislative session that passed a dozen major laws, all of which contribute to a future Michigan that is more prosperous, works to protect our planet from the ravages of climate change and expands the individual rights of our citizens. Last week Governor Whitmer took the unprecedented step of laying out an agenda for the fall session to do even more – her “what’s next” agenda. Legislative Republicans responded as expected: arguing for maintaining the status quo or even moving backwards.They called it a “left-wing, progressive” wish list; one Republican leader said taking steps to combat climate change would turn us into a “third world country” unable to compete for jobs. The bottom line is Michigan Democrats have delivered historic results for our state and are not done fighting for our future. This[...]
From the Chair Last week eight Republican presidential candidates staged their first campaign debate just hours before the leading candidate was booked for the fourth time in four months for a series of felonies. Those two events contrast sharply with what we as Democrats offer the state and nation. The GOP primary debate highlighted the extremism inside the Republican Party, with each candidate showing just how out of touch they are with the real needs of Americans by pushing conspiracy theories and culture wars over actual plans. Instead of following them down the rabbit hole, Michigan Democrats are prepared for a fall legislative session which is sure to be chock-full of more initiatives to uplift the middle class and put money back in the pockets of Michigan families. And the booking of Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election? Republicans have long claimed to be the party of “law and order.” But six of the eight candidates on that debate stage said they’d support a convicted criminal to lead our nation; two of them pledged to pardon him on “day one.” The two candidates who won’t support a convicted felon poll in single digits. Trump is[...]
From the Chair Think back to the first months of the Biden administration. The President had laid out a hugely ambitious agenda – an agenda focused on improving the lives of American families by growing the economy from the middle out, lowering costs for families, attacking climate change and rebuilding our infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st century – in short, fixing a lot of the failures of the Trump administration. The critics said he couldn’t do it with his razor-thin majorities in the House and Senate. They pronounced his agenda dead on arrival He persisted. And he succeeded. He passed the biggest investment in America’s critical infrastructure since the 1950s. He passed the CHIPS Act, spurring the return of computer chip manufacturing to the United States. He passed the first significant gun safety law in decades. And he passed the Inflation Reduction Act – a law providing historic investments in transitioning our economy by attacking climate change, a law that lowered healthcare costs for millions of Americans, and a law that guaranteed that massive corporations wouldn’t be able to use the tax laws to avoid paying income taxes. Last week marked the one-year anniversary of enactment of[...]
From the chair This week’s report is a little different with a couple of special guests, both of them experts in political organizing: state Representative Angela Witwer and our great senior U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. They recently headlined an MDP Virtual Event on organizing campaigns. On this week’s podcast we share highlights of that event. Introduced during the seminar: MDP’s new Digital Tool Kit. You can download all of the great tools here: Digital Toolkit – Michigan Democratic Party Also this week: Michigan and national Republicans continued to make headlines – most involving court cases and criminal investigations. Here in Michigan, arraignments have concluded for the 16 fake electors charged with 8 felony counts for trying to steal Michigan’s electoral votes for election loser Donald Trump. An investigation is underway involving a former state House Speaker for some very questionable multi-million-dollar no-bid grants to his former staff aide. That’s on top of the conviction of another former Republican speaker for bribery, and an ongoing State Police investigation into a third former Republican speaker, as well as a campaign finance investigation into a former Senate Republican leader. Of course the big national GOP story is the multiple criminal indictments naming Donald[...]
From the chair “Cleanup” It has been a big part of the work for both the Biden administration and the state Legislature: cleaning up messes left behind by the Trump administration, and a Republican state legislature that had turned a blind eye to many of the needs of Michigan families. Our new Democratic Legislature has restored a pro-family, pro-worker agenda after decades of Republican-led legislatures that tilted the scales towards the wealthy. And now, our Legislature is working to make up for years of GOP neglect on the most important issue facing humanity: climate change. While Republicans are vowing to turn back the Biden administration’s pro-planet anti-climate change initiatives, Michigan Democrats are focused on contributing to solutions to save the planet. Although the solutions ultimately require the cooperation of every nation, there’s a lot one state can do as part of protecting the planet. We’re joined on the podcast by a leader in the battle against climate change, Representative Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), chair of the Appropriations Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Subcommittee. News Stories We’re Following This Week Climate Change A Republican 2024 Climate Strategy: More Drilling, Less Clean Energy – The New York Times U.S., European heat waves[...]
From the Chair Months ago, as the world was suffering through the post-covid inflation that hurt the budgets of so many families, economists were warning of a national recession. They said controlling inflation inevitably meant higher unemployment, and a shrinking economy. They were wrong. Instead – thanks to Bidenomics, Governor Whitmer, and our majority in the state legislature – more people are working and have more resources for themselves and their families. Our state’s unemployment rate is the lowest in 23 years, and only the third time it’s been below 4 percent since the 1970s. The national unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon 54 years ago. Inflation has dropped to 3% Wage growth is outpacing inflation And the economy continues to grow What does this mean for Michigan families? As President Biden rightly notes: “Our unemployment rate remains near record lows, inflation has fallen by two thirds, real wages are higher than they were before the pandemic, and we’ve seen more than half a trillion dollars in private sector investment commitments in clean energy and manufacturing.” As inflation falls and our economy continues to improve, Republicans may need to rethink their attacks[...]
From the Chair “Criminals”. No, this isn’t about murder or other violent crimes (which have actually decreased under the Biden administration). It is about the criminal element that is infecting a segment of the Republican Party. Let me be clear: I’m not branding all Republicans as criminals. I know from my days working for the Legislature that the majority of Republicans in public office are good, well-intentioned people. We can and do differ sharply on many issues, but it is a healthy debate. However: there have far too many stories about some Republican leaders, elected and appointed, charged with and (in some cases) already convicted of crimes. It starts, of course, at the top with former President Trump. In Michigan, the headlines are equally disturbing: One former Republican House speaker convicted of accepting bribes, with investigations underway about two other former Speakers and a former Senate Republican leader 16 Republicans indicted for their roles in the Fake Electors scheme, including a former state Republican Party co-chair and three elected officials The 2022 GOP candidate for Attorney General, a state Representative and a county sheriff all facing indictments for tampering with voting machines And now, Republicans are abusing recall elections[...]
From the Chair Michigan Democrats are focused: focused on good policy, focused on spreading our message effectively, and focused on making sure we continue to steadfastly “pound the pavement” for Michigan Democrats. This week, many of you have read about the Michigan Republican Party imploding within its ranks. Even though the MI GOP appears to be in disarray, we cannot will not let up or get complacent concerning our objectives and agenda. Our message is strong: Democrats have a record of getting things done for the nation and state. The Biden-Harris Administration is making a significant difference for Michiganders with more jobs, higher wages and lowering costs. Inflation across the country has fallen for 12 months in a row to 3%, the lowest it’s been in more than 2 years. Here in Michigan, Governor Whitmer and Democrats in the legislature are focused on policy that increases economic development, supports working families, expands personal freedoms and supports small businesses. We can see the results in our daily lives: Gas prices have dropped $1.50 a gallon; prices for used cars, airline tickets and even a dozen eggs are down from a year ago. If you want a job, you can find[...]
From the Chair After 40 years where Republicans called most of the shots in state government, for the last six months Democrats have had (small) legislative majorities working with a Democratic Governor to enact a people-first agenda. The results are truly breathtaking. This week’s podcast focuses on a review of all that’s been done. Headlines seem reserved for the bad news: disfunction, corruption, scandal, controversy. Government that’s working well usually doesn’t make headlines, but it did this week in the Detroit Free Press which recounts our successes: some of them bipartisan, many of them despite united Republican opposition. It is up to us to remind the people around us of all the good things that have happened with the Democrat-led state government. Democrats Leading Michigan Checklist – The First Six Months Budget passed on time, balanced, and including nearly $1-billion in targeted tax cuts Record investments made in K-12 education, including added support for at-risk students and universal free breakfast and lunch Michigan’s 1931 law making abortion a crime repealed Laws strengthening protections for victims of sexual assault Anti-labor laws passed during the Snyder administration repealed The Snyder “pension tax” repealed Election reforms LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Protections added to the[...]
From Chairperson Barnes It’s said that moving the nation’s economy is like turning around a large ship: it takes time. But that transformation has begun after two years of Joe Biden’s leadership: Bidenomics is rooted in the simple idea that we need to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up—not the top down. An economy where we build more in America, empower and invest in American workers, and promote competition to lower costs for working families. Implementing that economic vision and plan—and decisively turning the page on the era of trickle-down economics—has been the defining project of the Biden presidency. We’re just now seeing the beginning of fixing our roads, bridges, airports and ports; the investment in bringing high-speed internet to every home in America; investments in combating climate change; and investments in the transition to electric-powered cars and trucks. Just this week we learned that, thanks to the Biden economic plan, more than $1.6-BILLION will be invested in providing high-speed internet to underserved areas all across Michigan. As other parts of these laws become fully implemented, our already strong economy will continue to get stronger. As Democrats, we look at polls showing a majority of[...]
From the Chair When right is on your side, never give up. We’ve seen it time and time again this year as Democrats have won major victories in both policy and elections that are the culmination of years of effort … the persistence to overcome strong opposition. Expansion of Michigan’s civil rights protections are a great example. For literally decades, efforts to expand civil rights protections to the LGBTQ+ community came up short. For years, even discussing the idea was politically toxic. But proponents persisted. Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer signed into law that expansion of legally guaranteed civil rights. And just this week, added to those protections was the CROWN Act – a prohibition against penalizing people in the workplace for their hairstyle. Lansing state Senator Sarah Anthony has been advocating for this change since she was first elected to the Legislature 5 years ago. Her persistence paid off. Persistence also can mean victory in elections. One example: Oakland County. For decades, Oakland County was a bastion of Republican political muscle. Outside of Pontiac, running as a Democrat seemed futile. But a generation of dedicated campaigns started to move the needle. Now, Oakland’s representatives in COngress are all[...]
From the Chair… In the 2022 campaign, Michigan Democrats promised a wave of action on issues blocked (sometimes for years) by previous Republican legislatures. Those promises are being kept. In the last week, the Legislature has finalized more than 2-dozen bills, adding to earlier laws already enacted on LGBTQ+ civil rights, worker rights and reproductive healthcare freedom. Highlighting the week’s action: bills headed to Governor Whitmer that not only implement the Voter Protection constitutional amendment, but expand on that amendment with even greater election reforms. Also passed this week: Prohibiting mental health professionals — such as social workers, therapists, physicians, nurses, counselors and psychologists — from conducting conversion therapy on children to try to change their gender identity or sexual orientation. Designating June 19th as “Juneteenth” – a celebration which commemorates the emancipation of African Americans and the freeing of the final slaves in the Confederacy on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Legislation requiring physicians to test children up to 6 years old for lead exposure. The bill cleared the Senate on Wednesday and will head to the House. Under the proposal, children must be tested when they turn 1 and once again when[...]
From the Chair The people charged with leading our state should expect to be held to account for the actions they take as public officials. That is at the heart of a new initiative by your state Democratic Party: holding Republicans in the Legislature accountable for how they vote on critical issues. We are beginning with two of the most important issues facing all of us: gun safety, and personal freedom. First, gun safety. Your party has launched a six-figure ad campaign calling out specific Republican legislators who voted against common-sense gun safety legislation overwhelmingly supported by their constituents in the wake of the tragic Michigan State University Shooting. The new campaign directly targets six Representatives – Steele, Tisdel, Thompson, DeSana, Kuhn, and St. Germaine – in vulnerable districts that are 2024 priority seats to turn from Red to Blue. Through a combination of TV, digital, and billboard ads, the campaign is calling out these representatives for opposing common sense gun safety measures, like universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders. When Republicans chose to blindly follow the NRA instead of prioritizing the safety of their constituents, we promised we would hold them accountable. Now, this is just the[...]
From the Chair Political campaigns too often revolve around what is flashy: tugging on emotions, sometimes even instilling fear if you vote “the wrong way.” It’s too easy to get distracted by high-profile wars with Disney, insults designed to tear down opponents, made-up scandals or conspiracies, dog-whistle appeals to our worst instincts, or sometimes outright lies. What really matters in the long run: electing leaders who can get the job done. Competence isn’t exciting, but it matters. And we got another demonstration of the importance of competent leadership from President Biden (as well as Governor Whitmer and our state legislative leaders) this week: The President calmly assured the nation for weeks that we would not default as a nation on our financial obligations. Despite a loud and seemingly unmovable cadre of right-wing Republicans in the U.S. House, the President brokered a compromise that both protected vital federal programs and made sure the nation paid its bills on time. The Governor and legislative leaders are, without fanfare, following through on making government work better: fixing the damn roads, protecting consumers from fraud, making Secretary of State branch offices far more efficient, and getting a balanced budget passed on time while cutting[...]
From the chair … The safety and security of all of Michigan is at the heart of much of what has happened in Lansing since Democrats took charge in January. This week, the Governor added to that record, signing into law legislation allowing the courts to temporarily remove weapons from persons deemed to pose a major public safety threat, including those cases involving domestic violence. It adds to new laws already enacted requiring universal background checks and requiring safe storage of weapons. These are laws that were blocked for years by Republican legislatures who were held captive by the NRA and gun manufacturers but quickly enacted by our new Democratic legislature. The Governor’s budget recommendations, now being finalized in the Legislature, include funding for improving security at our schools. And the latest efforts to increase our personal security were outlined this week – bills providing resources for local police to deal with the underlying causes of crime as well as give police greater resources to fight crime in our neighborhoods. Joining us to discuss how Democrats in the Legislature are working with our local leaders to make our communities safer is Lansing’s dynamic Mayor Andy Schor. Now in his second[...]
From the chair: Building a legacy is the foundation for why we work so hard in politics. Our mission is to leave our children and grandchildren a legacy of a better life. Defeating climate change, economic opportunity, uplifting families, promoting healthier lives, building a more perfect democracy: these are all a part of the legacy each of us can leave for the people we love. “Legacy” was the theme of our annual MDP dinner which we held over the weekend, a special night where we focused on the truly special legacy of Senator Debbie Stabenow as she steps down from public life after a half-century of service to the people of Michigan. She was joined onstage by her Senate colleague Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) who, among many other achievements, is a national leader in enacting gun safety laws. We share highlights of the dinner on this week’s podcast, including some very inspirational and emotional moments with Senators Stabenow and Kelly. Stories We’re Following This Week Michigan’s pitch to lure new residents: nature, high tech, abortion rights – Bridge Michigan Panel: Michigan needs to act with urgency as population slides – Bridge Michigan Michigan’s environmental rules could be stricter than national ones[...]
From the Chair: It seems pretty obvious: we elect government officials to govern. But it doesn’t always work out that way. In Washington, congressional Republicans seem interested only in politically convenient investigations, threatening to knee-cap our economy through the unprecedented step of intentionally defaulting on our national debt, and criticizing the administration without offering solutions to the challenges facing the Biden administration. On top of that, the leader of the Republican Party even went on national television to promise he would give pardons to most of the rioters who tried to overturn the government, defended his right to sexually assault women because “he’s a star”, refused to support the Ukrainian freedom fighters in their battle with Russia, lied about our economy, and lied about stealing and hiding classified documents at his golf club. In Lansing, it’s a different story. No name-calling. Just quiet, competent governing. Governor Whitmer and the Democratic legislature are getting things done. Gun safety, workers’ rights, voters’ rights, fixing our roads, strengthening our schools, investing in Michigan’s future: these are all issues where bills are being introduced and have either already passed, or are moving towards passage. In the last week, both the House and Senate passed[...]
From Chairperson Barnes Democracy. It is at risk. The continuing attacks on the integrity of our elections is a symptom of a more widespread attack by Republicans on the greatest democracy in history. Republicans in two states have attempted to banish members of their state legislatures because they didn’t agree with the members’ political positions on two important issues: gun safety and civil rights for all Americans. In Florida, the Republican governor and legislature are using the power of government to punish Disney Corporation for opposing the state’s anti-LGBTQ laws … echoing an attack used 2 years ago against cruise-ship companies that enforced COVID safety measures. Florida has also taken away the right to vote from more than 1-million former prison inmates despite a statewide vote restoring those rights. Just about every Republican state has used the excuse of non-existent election fraud to make it more difficult to vote. The Brennan Center for Justice reports that in 2023 alone state lawmakers in at least 32 states pre-filed or introduced 150 restrictive voting bills… bills which contain one or more provisions that would make it harder for eligible Americans to register, stay on the voter rolls, or vote as compared to[...]
President Biden’s reelection campaign is officially underway. President Biden has been the most effective president in decades. He has delivered[...]
Last Tuesday was Tax Day: the day when we filed our state and federal tax returns for 2022. For us,[...]
This week’s headlines provide stunning contrasts between Democrats and the current Republican party. The differences in the two parties span multiple issues:
- In Florida, the right-wing Legislature and Governor have virtually outlawed abortions with a draconian 6-week limit – before most women even know they are pregnant.
In Michigan, the 1931 law criminalizing abortion has been repealed. - Republican state Attorneys General are behind the lawsuit which would ban the use of the drug mifepristone for safe pharmaceutical abortions – another step towards a nationwide ban on abortions. They shopped their lawsuit to an anti-abortion activist appointed by Trump to the federal bench.
In Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel is actively fighting to protect womens’ reproductive health rights attacked by this horrible lawsuit. - Florida’s Governor went behind closed doors with NRA officials and pro-gun lawmakers to eliminate virtually restrictions on concealed carry of firearms.
In Michigan, Governor Whitmer just signed two more gun safety laws, and the state House has approved a red flag law to get guns out of the hands of persons who have violent mental health or domestic abuse issues. - Tennessee’s Republican state House expelled two young African American members for speaking out on gun safety.
In Michigan, the Speaker of the House is a young African American Democrat who is leading the political battle for gun safety. - More than a dozen Republican-run states are passing laws denying civil rights to trans people, many of them even banning medical support for their trans citizens.
In Michigan we have a new law expanding civil rights protections to all, including LGBTQ+ Michiganders and a Governor who has flown a Gay Pride flag outside her office. - Across the nation, horrific climate events are killing dozens and causing untold billions of dollars in damages even as Republicans block meaningful climate change laws.
In Michigan, home of the auto industry, the Whitmer administration is working hand-in-glove with manufacturers, the UAW and the Biden administration on transitioning to electric vehicles.
Joining the podcast this week is one of the primary sponsors of the Clean Energy Future bills, Senator Sue Shink. Senator Shink is a community advocate, public servant, and mother who has dedicated her adult life to building healthier, more resilient communities. She is serving her first term in the Michigan Senate where she is fighting for working families.
She grew up in Southeastern Michigan and earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and law degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Prior to being elected to the Senate, Senator Shink served as Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and as a Northfield Township Trustee. She has just introduced the Clean Energy Future Plan – a direct response to the climate change crisis.
News Stories We’re Following This WeekClimate Change and Environment
- Michigan Democrats: Utilities must use 100% carbon free energy by 2035 | Bridge Michigan
- Momentum Builds in Michigan Senate for Clean Energy Transition | Evergreen Action
- Senate Democrats Introduce Clean Energy Future Plan – Senator Sue Shink
- NEW POLL: Michigan Voters Want Legislature to Take Action on Clean Energy and Climate, Hold Utility Companies Accountable Following Blackouts – Evergreen Action
- Biden Proposes Emission Rules to Boost Sales of Electric Cars – The New York Times
- Sen. Shink Introduces Sustainability-Centered Legislation to Repeal ‘Ban on Bag Bans’ – Senator Sue Shink
- Here’s why the downpour in Fort Lauderdale just wouldn’t stop – AP News
Gun Safety
- At Michigan State University, Whitmer signs first gun reform bills ⋆ Michigan Advance
- What Michigan’s new gun proposals would actually do – Lansing State Journal
- Gun groups sue House, Senate over ability to testify on firearms bills – Detroit News
- White House Memo re: NRA Convention and gun safety
- The Democrat Who’s Betting Her Senate Bid on Gun Control – The New Republic
Reproductive Rights
- Whitmer: Abortion pill remains ‘legal in Michigan,’ despite judge’s ruling – Bridge Michigan
- AG Nessel Joins Multistate Coalition to Fight Back Against Decision to Block Medication Abortion Access
- Appeals court decision raises questions about access to abortion pill – Detroit Free Press
- Abortion pill legal fight heads toward Supreme Court showdown – NBC News
- DeSantis signs Florida GOP’s 6-week abortion ban into law – AP News
Democrats in the News
- Michigan Democratic Party Legacy Dinner Tickets
- Governor Whitmer: The First 100 Days (video)
- Dems make major inroads in the youth vote. And it’s not just college kids. – POLITICO
- Chicago to host 2024 Democratic National Convention – Chicago Sun-Times
- Michigan Democrats: Give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants – Bridge Michigan
- House Introduces Bills to Expand Support for Crime Victims – Rep. Julie Rogers
Republicans in Disarray
- Tenure of new Michigan GOP chair who spread Beyoncé paganism conspiracy theory is off to a rocky start – CNN Politics
- Michigan GOP may scrap 2024 primary for closed caucus. That could help Trump – Bridge Michigan
- Ex-Michigan Senate leader’s nonprofit still spending 3 years later – Detroit News
- Special counsel focuses on Trump fundraising off false election claims – The Washington Post
- Clarence Thomas Didn’t Disclose Harlan Crow Real Estate Deal — ProPublica
- Justice Thomas failed to report 2014 real estate deal with Texas mega-donor – AP News
- Editorial | Ron DeSantis says he’s for freedom. His Florida agenda says otherwise. – The Washington Post
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While Michigan Democrats continue to enact legislation focused on making lives better for working families, democracy is under assault from MAGA Republicans across the nation. The leader of the Republican Party has called for defunding the FBI and Justice Department even as their congressional leaders call for across-the-board cuts that defund police nationwide. MAGA Republicans continue attacks on fair-and-open elections, the civil rights of the trans community, the reproductive healthcare rights of women, and even on drag queens.
On this week’s podcast, MDP chair Lavora Barnes discusses
- The expulsion of two Democratic legislators from the Tennessee House of Representatives
- Still more criminal problems for Michigan Republicans
- Attacks on the rights of transgender Americans by MAGA-dominated legislatures
- Michigan’s new marketing campaigns for businesses, professionals and visitors: the un-Florida!
- The big win for fair elections and reproductive healthcare rights in Wisconsin
The two federal court opinions on the use of safe pharmaceuticals for abortions have raised a lot of questions. Attorney General Dana Nessel provides some answers.Stories We’re Following This WeekReproductive Healthcare Rights
- Governor Whitmer Repeals Michigan’s Extreme 1931 Abortion Ban
- Texas judge suspends FDA approval of abortion pill mifepristone – The Washington Post
- Statement from President Joe Biden on Decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA – The White House
- Statement from Vice President Harris on Decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA – The White House
- Opinion | The Abortion Ban Backlash Is Starting to Freak Out Republicans – The New York Times
Marketing Michigan* Gov. Whitmer Launches New Bold Approach to Marketing the State as Home of Opportunity for All * Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Announces Innovative Partnership to Attract and Retain Investment Professionals in Michigan * Gov. Whitmer Announces Hemlock Semiconductor Joins State Partnership to Lower Cost of Child Care for Employees
Gun Safety and the Tennessee House Expulsions
- Tennessee lawmakers expelled by House GOP: Reps. Pearson, Jones ousted – The Tennessean
- Tennessee lawmakers’ removal part of a GOP effort to tamp down dissent – The Washington Post
- Vice President Harris travels to Tennessee to meet with expelled lawmakers – The Washington Post
- What top Republican lawmakers said about the Nashville school shooting – The Washington Post
- White House calls Ron DeSantis ‘shameful’ for signing Florida gun bill – The Washington Post
- Michigan Democrats have more ideas on gun safety, labor, civil rights – Detroit Free Press
State Government
- Former House Speaker Rick Johnson, others charged in marijuana bribery case ⋆ Michigan Advance
- Benson in wake of Johnson scandal: Lobbying law rewrite overdue – Detroit News
- Michigan insurers will cover preventive screenings during ACA appeals – Detroit Free Press
- Gilchrist touts Democrats’ policies as party nears 100 days in control
Wisconsin Supreme Court
- Democrats’ choice wins key Wisconsin Supreme Court race – AP News
- Janet Protasiewicz defeats Dan Kelly in Wisconsin Supreme Court race – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- (3) Judge Janet Protasiewicz on how to pronounce her name – Twitter
GOP Attacks on LGBTQ Rights
- Indiana governor signs ban on gender-affirming health care – AP News
- GOP lawmakers override veto of transgender bill in Kentucky – AP News
- Florida Senate approves ban on transgender treatments for kids – POLITICO
- North Dakota advances suite of restrictions on trans rights – AP News
- West Virginia governor signs ban on gender-affirming care – AP News
- Kansas passes trans bathroom bill; Arkansas OKs own version – AP News
- Utah Is “Protecting” LGBTQ+ Kids by Letting Their Parents Read All Their Messages – Mother Jones
- High court: Trans girl can run girls track in West Virginia – AP News
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Another week, another shooting followed by more Thoughts and Prayers. At the federal level, Republicans make it clear that is all they are willing to do as innocent Americans are slaughtered, almost always with legally obtained AR-15 style assault rifles.
Democrats in the Michigan Legislature also offer sincere thoughts and prayers, but are continuing to move forward with action on common-sense gun safety laws that have the support of an overwhelming majority of Michiganders.
We are joined this week by the chair of the state House Criminal Justice Committee, Representative Kara Hope, on gun safety as well as protecting election workers from threats of violence.
News Stories We Are Following This Week
- Michigan is passing gun safety laws. Most counties may not enforce them – Bridge Michigan
- Democratic gun safety laws met with a shrug in Michigan gun country – Bridge Michigan
- After Nashville shooting, Senate chaplain makes rare plea to lawmakers – The Washington Post
- In Congress, little urgency to address gun violence with legislation – The Washington Post
- What top Republican lawmakers said about the Nashville school shooting – The Washington Post
- Legislature’s three-month sprint reflects sea change in Michigan politics
- GOP lawmakers override veto of transgender bill in Kentucky – AP News
- West Virginia governor signs ban on gender-affirming care – AP News
- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel calls income tax cut temporary. Republicans express fury – Bridge Michigan
- On second look, Michigan’s COVID death rate wasn’t so bad, study finds – Bridge Michigan
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: “That woman from Michigan” – CBS News via YouTube
- 20 Michigan high schools to teach African American AP course this fall – Bridge Michigan
- Poll: Cut federal spending — but not big-ticket programs – AP News
- Arizona Democrats sue to keep ‘No Labels’ candidates off ballots – CNN Politics
- Yellen calls climate change ‘existential threat’ after GOP lawmaker labels it ‘Trojan horse’ for spending – The Hill
- Lansing power players, secret deals draw feds’ attention in marijuana probe – Detroit News
- Republicans Face Setbacks in Push to Tighten Voting Laws on College Campuses – The New York Times
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We have an epidemic of gun violence in this country. The leading cause of death of children is guns; seemingly every night the news includes reports of still another mass shooting.
As Governor Whitmer said after the tragedy at Michigan State University, the time for “only thoughts and prayers is over”. And Democrats in the Legislature agree, and are enacting common-sense gun safety measures that are being demanded by voters. The bills have overwhelming public support, but that support isn’t shared by the Michigan Republican Party. The party called the bills a step towards gun confiscation, and compared them to the actions of Nazis in the 1930s.
Joining this week’s podcast is the Speaker Pro-Tem of the Michigan House, Laurie Pohutsky.
She is serving her third term representing the 17th House District, which encompasses parts of Northwest Detroit, North Redford Charter Township and Northeast Livonia. She is a long-time activist and volunteer, and spent time as a crisis hotline volunteer and a caregiver at Angela Hospice.
Pohutsky graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in microbiology. After college, Pohutsky worked in the fields of food safety, toxicology and health care. She brings this knowledge, along with her experience in water quality testing, with her to the Michigan House of Representatives. She has a deep commitment to bringing a scientific perspective to government and advocating for environmental causes.
Stories across Michigan on politics and policy
- Legislature’s three-month sprint reflects sea change in Michigan politics – Detroit News
- Michigan Right to Work repeal, prevailing wage clear Legislature, head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan lawmakers repeal right-to-work, revive prevailing wage – Detroit News
- Michigan Democrats vote once more to repeal right-to-work – Detroit Free Press
- Michigan Gov. Whitmer says time for ‘only thoughts and prayers’ is over, vows to take action on gun violence – Fox News
- Michigan passes ‘safe storage’ gun bill; state GOP likens it to Nazism -|Bridge Michigan
- Michigan House passes safe gun storaproposal – WILX TV
- Oxford shooter’s parents can be tried for manslaughter, court rules – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan GOP slammed for comparing gun reform to Holocaust – AP News
- Michigan GOP tries to tie gun reforms to Holocaust, draws backlash – Detroit News
- Karamo: Gun laws equate to slavery, internment camps – Twitter
- Michigan GOP leader: Whitmer, a ‘monster,’ should face criminal investigation for COVID response – mlive.com
- House Freedom Caucus Radical Budget Demands – Twitter
- Freedom Caucus lays out debt limit, spending demands – Roll Call
- Biden’s Billionaire Tax and Budget Proposals Enjoy Widespread Voter Support – Data for Progress.org
- Michigan 3rd grade reading law retention requirement removed – Detroit Free Press
- New bill could ban child marriages in Michigan – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan judge approves $626 million Flint water crisis settlement – Bridge Michigan
- Generative AI is a legal minefield – Axios
- Biden-Trump fake audio argument – TikTok
- Could Michigan’s GOP split into two? – WLNS 6 News
- Michigan voter roll maintenance means removing nearly 100,000 registrations – Bridge Michigan
- The war on drag shows – Popular Information
- Experts cast doubt that Lapeer librarian can be charged over LGBTQ book – Bridge Michigan
- The fate of ‘Gender Queer’ now in the hands of Lapeer librarian – Bridge Michigan
- As US education secretary, I want us to enrich public schools, not ban books and topics – New York Times Op-ed Column
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In the last week there have been two major developments showing respect: respect for LGBTQ+ Michiganders as the Governor signs a law expanding the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity … and respect for workers’ rights.
Under the Snyder administration, there were continual attacks on the rights of workers to improve their working conditions and pay. The most egregious: after saying that so-called “right to work” legislation wasn’t on his agenda, in 2012 Governor Snyder and Republicans jammed through a ban on union shop contracts during a lame-duck legislative session. The bills passed with no committee hearings and minimal floor debate on straight party line votes.
Just this week, the former Governor doubled down on his betrayal of workers with an op-ed in the Detroit News claiming that repealing the law means Michigan is now closed to business.
Also working it’s way quickly through the Legislature: restoring Michigan’s prevailing wage law, which requires that workers on government-funded projects be paid a wage consistent with the local prevailing wage.
Our guest this week is Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, who talks about how these bills are good news for ALL Michigan workers.
From the U.S. Department of Labor: Five Ways Unions Benefit All of Us (YouTube)Links to stories we’re following
- Michigan set to repeal right-to-work laws – The Washington Post
- The Union Advantage – U.S. Department of Labor
- Snyder: Repealing right to work means ‘closed for business – Detroit News
- Michigan Right-to-Work backers plot ballot proposal as Dems pursue repeal – Bridge Michigan
- What is Michigan Right-to-Work: How law impacted wages, jobs, unions – Bridge Michigan
- Democrats pitch tax credit for union dues, other pro-labor measures
- Inside the Gun Safety Package Michigan Lawmakers Want to Pass – Time Magazine
- Michigan Senate OKs ‘history-making’ gun control bills after gun violence
- Democrats push Michigan gun reforms. Here’s what the laws are now – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan voters support lifetime firearms ban for some crimes, poll says – Detroit News
- Insider: Voters in poll see gun laws as priority for Michigan Legislature – Detroit News
- Gun rights group calls for recall effort against lawmakers who vote for reform – Fox47 Lansing
- Joe Biden seeks more gun background checks through new executive order – USA Today
- Biden Remarks on Gun Background Checks – White House
- Michigan man who threatened Dems charged with gun crime – WLNS 6 News
- Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Rights and Freedoms for LGBTQ+ Michiganders – Governor’s Office
- New Statewide Voter Poll – the Economy, Future Direction; Pronounced Partisan Differences Continue – Detroit Regional Chamber
- How Democrats disarmed a brewing Senate battle in Michigan – POLITICO
- Michigan Republicans face debt, crossroads on presidential primary – Detroit News
- New GOP chair rejects party headquarters; accepts donor and voter data – Detroit Free Press
- Michigan a Top State for Electric Vehicle & Battery Investments, Bringing Home $16.6 Billion, Creating 16,300 Good-Paying Jobs
- Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Joins Public, Private Partners to Launch New $10 Million Microloan Fund for Women, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs of ColorWayne State to offer free tuition to certain Michigan students – Detroit Free Press
- Michigan lawmakers slam ‘new normal’ of DTE, Consumers outages
- Michigan prosecutor mulls charging Lapeer library over LGBTQ book – Bridge Michigan
- President’s Budget | OMB | The White House
- Biden’s 2024 Budget Proposal Wins Support of Voters- Morning Consult
- Biden says he’s focused ‘intensely’ on lowering drug costs | AP News
- Opinion | Republicans Are Delusional If They Think Biden Will Be Easy to Beat – POLITICO
- House conservatives issue new spending demands in debt ceiling debate – The Washington Post
- February job growth tempered but strong – The Washington Post
- Hilary Scholten on Her First Months in Congress – The Dispatch
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The Biden record … and what MAGA Republicans would do to it (YouTube)The Democratic Legislature is setting historic records for movement of major legislation, all focused on improving the lives of Michigan families: their schools, their workplace, and their cost of living. Today’s podcast catches up on all the incredible action by our legislators, beginning with a nearly $1-billion tax cut for working families and senior citizens.
Links to Stories We’re Following This Week
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs Michigan tax relief, minus $180 inflation relief checks | Bridge Michigan
- Michigan House passes bills to repeal right-to-work – Detroit Free Press
- Michigan House Democrats pass prevailing wage bill – Detroit Free Press
- Michigan House votes to repeal 1931 abortion ban – Bridge Michigan
- House votes to expand background checks on gun sales – Detroit Free Press
- Gun reform proposals receive first hearing in Michigan Legislature – WILX TV
- Michigan bill would repeal legal protections for gun industry – Detroit News
- Michigan voters support lifetime firearms ban for some crimes, poll says – Detroit News
- Michigan Safety Survey Report – Glengariff Group
- MSU shooting victim’s mom testifies for gun safety laws – Bridge Michigan
- Democrats mobilize on gun safety bills after flipping state legislatures, governor’s offices – The Washington Post
- Democrats push Michigan gun reforms. Here’s what the laws are now – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan House passes bills to repeal right-to-work – Detroit Free Press
- Tax relief restored for Michigan retirees, low-income earners- Detroit Free Press
- Whitmer approves $630 million to support Ford battery plant – Detroit Free Press
- 5 (mostly) good things to know about Michigan’s progress on EVs – Bridge Michigan
- New Michigan scholarship seeks to fill jobs at state’s EV companies – Bridge Michigan
- Opinion | Ford Is Leaving Tesla in the Dust – The New York Times
- Biden 2024 budget to revive transformative economic policy plans – The Washington Post
- Opinion | Joe Biden: My Plan to Extend Medicare for Another Generation – The New York Times
- The Programs You’d Have to Cut to Balance the Budget – The New York Times
- Biden budget vs. House GOP: Values on display in debt fight | AP News
- Tucker Carlson amplifies Jan. 6 lies with GOP-provided video | AP News
- Tucker Carlson mocked by Anderson Cooper, Stephen Colbert over Jan. 6 coverage on Fox – The Washington Post
- Why Michigan Republicans are fretting about 2024 – The Hill
- Ex-Michigan GOP chair, others interviewed for fake Trump elector probe
- Voters Oppose States Censoring Discussions of Racism in Schools
- Jack Carpenter accused of threatening to kill Jewish officials in Michigan – The Washington Post
- Detroit VA hospital harmed patients, altered records, investigation reveals – Detroit News
- VA secretary: Fixes being made at Detroit hospital after critical report – Detroit News
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Tax cuts, civil rights, gun safety, voter protection — just another remarkable week of results for Michigan driven by Democrats in the Legislature. Joining the conversation this week is Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) who is getting results at the federal level on multiple issues directly impacting the people of our state.
Links We Are Following This Week
- Dingell Statement on Transport of Hazardous Waste from East Palestine, Ohio to Belleville | Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
- Detroit VA hospital harmed patients, altered records, investigation reveals – Detroit News
- Eli Lilly caps insulin prices at $35 a month – Axios
- Jack Carpenter accused of threatening to kill Jewish officials in Michigan – The Washington Post
- Michigan lawmakers send Whitmer tax cuts; $180 payments are dead – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan Senate OKs $1.3B spending deal: $630M for Ford battery plant prep – Bridge Michigan
- New Michigan scholarship seeks to fill jobs at state’s EV companies – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan Senate passes bill to protect LGBTQ from discrimination – Detroit Free Press
- Christian and Muslim groups oppose LGBTQ rights bill, call for changes – Detroit Free Press
- New state bills restrict transgender health care — for adults – The Washington Post
- Gun reform proposals receive first hearing in Michigan Legislature – WILX TV
- Michigan House votes to repeal 1931 abortion ban – Bridge Michigan
- Voters Oppose States Censoring Discussions of Racism in Schools
- Obama launches leadership network focused on local civic engagement – The Washington Post
- Dubious Democracy 2022 – FairVote
- Competitive congressional districts decline – POLITICO
- National popular vote for president builds momentum in Michigan | Bridge Michigan
- Finley: Michigan to weigh switch to national popular vote – Detroit News
- Is there any hope for Kristine Karamo as Michigan Republican chair? – The Ballenger Report
- Michigan GOP donor base shrinks as party tilts right, records show – Detroit Free Press
- Conservative group steps in to aid Michigan Trump electors – Detroit News
- GOP election deniers are gaining control of Republican operations – Raw Story
- Ron DeSantis’ War on Freedom – Mother Jones
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FOCUSFirst, our focus as Democrats. Some of the pundits look at the new ultra-right-wing Michigan Republican Party leadership team and assume that Democrats have it made – even some prominent Republicans across Michigan are saying it.
We have to maintain FOCUS: focus on organizing at the grassroots level, focus on continuing to recruit the very best candidates, and focus on fundraising to support those candidates. Michigan is still a purple state and we cannot take anything for granted, no matter what’s happening at the state GOP Headquarters.
And FOCUS also applies to our policy agenda. It’s easy for political candidates to make promises. The challenge is following through, especially on those issues where there’s a fundamental divide between the two major parties.
Here in Michigan, it’s especially challenging because of the razor-thin majorities Democrats hold in the state Legislature: 56-54 in the state House, 20-18 in the state Senate.
Even with those small majorities, Democrats are following through to make campaign promises a reality. The House and Senate have already passed a nearly one-billion-dollar tax cut package focused on working families and retirees. Several other major planks of our campaign are moving quickly through the Legislative process.
We are joined this week by Senator Stephanie Chang, chair of the Senate’s Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee about two major groups of bills: civil rights for LGBTQ+ Michiganders, and badly needed gun safety laws.
This week in the news:
- How Democrats are using their new power in these two state legislatures – Axios
- Democratic Governors Form Alliance on Abortion Rights – NowThis
- 12 states sue FDA to make mifepristone abortion pill more accessible – The Washington Post
- AG Nessel Joins Multistate Coalitions to Defend and Protect Access to Medication Abortion
- Tax deal clears Michigan Senate, but inflation checks remain in limbo – Bridge Michigan
- Michigan lawmaker survey offers glimpse on gun law changes – Detroit Free Press
- Gun bill would require background checks for Michigan rifle, shotgun sales – Detroit News
- Michigan Democrats move to tighten gun rules after MSU shootings – Bridge Michigan
- Slotkin: Gun owners who support reform should contact elected officials – Detroit Free Press
- A guide to Michigan Democrats’ gun safety bills – Detroit Free Press
- Spartan Strong Fund – Financial support for shooting victims
- Good signs for Democrats in Wisconsin, Virginia primaries, special elections – The Washington Post
- Finley: R.I.P., Michigan GOP – Detroit News
- Michigan G.O.P. Installs Kristina Karamo, an Election Denier, as Leader – The New York Times
- Michigan GOP donor base shrinks as party tilts right, records show
- What It Looks Like When the Far Right Takes Control of Local Government – POLITICO
- GOP election deniers are gaining control of Republican operations – Raw Story
- Trump’s grip on the Republican base is slipping ahead of 2024 election – The Washington Post
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Ryan Garza, Detroit Free PressWe add our voices in support of the MSU community, and especially to the family and friends of the three students murdered and those critically injured the shooting rampage. The response from all corners of Michigan demonstrates that, in this time of tragedy, we are all Spartans.
The carnage at MSU raises, once again, a terrible question: how many more must die? Nationally we are averaging more than 1 mass shooting a day so far this year. In Michigan, Democrats have been fighting for common-sense gun safety legislation for years, stymied by Republicans beholden to the NRA’s lobbyists. With
Democrats now in the majority, our leaders have pledged quick action on gun safety bills which Governor Whitmer has promised to sign.
On this week’s podcast we talk with the state Senator who represents MSU, Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh, about those efforts, along with Democrat-led efforts to cut taxes for Michigan working families and retirees.
Links to this week’s News Stories
- MSU shooting victims remembered: Alexandria Verner, Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser – The Washington Post
- Twitter: “A survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting is a student at Michigan State University
- Michigan Democrats pushed for stronger gun laws before MSU shooting – The Washington Post
- Michigan Senate leader: Lawmakers must ‘meet this moment with action’ – Detroit News
- this:’ Dems vow gun reform | Bridge Michigan
- Laws provided path for MSU gunman to own firearm after conviction – Detroit News
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Statement from President Joe Biden on the Shooting at Michigan State University – The White House
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Ford Taps Michigan for New LFP Battery Plant; Creates 2,500 More New American Jobs | Ford Media Center
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Ford to create 2,500 jobs at new $3.5 billion EV battery manufacturing facility in Michigan – MEDA
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Tax deal clears Michigan Senate, but inflation checks remain in limbo | Bridge Michigan
- Minority Leader Hall, Michigan Republicans Set To Turn Their Backs On Inflation Relief – Michigan Democratic Party
- Who benefits most from tax cut plans from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Republicans? | Bridge Michigan
- Michigan SOS Benson pushes to ban guns at polling places, create Voting Rights Act – Fox 2 Detroit
- National Task Force on Election Crises Report
- Far-right Republican groups surge in swing state Michigan | Reuters
- Fox Stars Privately Expressed Disbelief About Trump’s Election Fraud Claims – The New York Times
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Rep. Jason MorganSen. Erika GeissMore than 1,600 Michigan Democrats have selected the leadership team for the 2023-24 election cycle.
Chairperson Lavora Barnes was unanimously reelected, and joining her team in Lansing are vice chairs Rep. Jason Morgan and Sen. Erika Geiss. Chairperson Barnes talks with both of them on this week’s podcast.
Also in the news this week —
- Governor Whitmer has sent the Legislature a budget that puts a priority on lowering taxes for working families, investing in Michigan education, and investing in making Michigan the next Silicon Valley.
- President Biden’s State of the Union Address has touched a nerve with Republicans by correctly pointing out multiple statements by Republicans calling for cuts and even ending Social Security and Medicare benefits. While the GOP leaders in the House and Senate say it’s not GOP policy, influential members in both chambers are on record calling for the cuts.
- Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Michigan consumers to be aware of phishing text messages that claim their EBT benefit cards are locked. The message includes a phone number to call for help. Responding to these messages may allow scammers to access the card’s funds.
- There are still more Republican scandals in Lansing. This time, the investigations are into former House Speakers Rick Johnson and Jason Wentworth.
Democratic Party State Convention
- Michigan Democrats take a victory lap at convention, reelect leader – mLive
- Michigan Democrats reelect party chairwoman Lavora Barnes
Whitmer Budget
- Gov. Whitmer Announces Fiscal Year 2024 Budget: Building a Brighter Future
- What Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to fund in $79B budget
- 5 highlights of Whitmer’s record-setting state budget plan
- Whitmer, Dems want ‘inflation relief’ checks for all taxpayers
- Michigan inflation relief checks may be in jeopardy, even as tax cut passes
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pitches 9 percent boost in Michigan school spending
- Democrats, out of power for decades, passing bills in record time in Lansing
- Whitmer laid out talent attraction plan in annual address
- What you may have missed in Whitmer’s budget recommendation
- Civil rights department would grow by one third under Whitmer budget
Whitmer’s Lowering MI Costs agenda
- U.S. Automakers Aim to Make Detroit the Next Silicon Valley
- Michigan Democrats seek to codify LGBTQ civil-rights protections
- businesses
- UPDATE: Michigan fights back attacks on LBQTQ+ students
- Trump vows to use DOJ and Congress to make being transgender illegal while promoting the ‘nuclear family’
- The College Board Just Watered Down Its New AP African American History Course
- The College Board Strips Down Its A.P. Curriculum for African American Studies
- DeSantis targets state college for overhaul with new conservative identity
- DeSantis trolls with ‘tax-free gas stove’ proposal — there’s just one big problem with that – Raw Story
State of the Union
- Biden Lays Down Economic Challenge to House Republicans in State of the Union Address
- Opinion | Biden’s State of the Union shows he is no punching bag – The Washington Post
- GOP’s John Thune Sees US Debt-Ceiling Hike as Vehicle for Budget Cuts – Bloomberg
- House Republicans eye Social Security, Medicare in debt limit fight
- Republican House Conservatives Threaten Debt Limit Default to Cut Social Programs
- Entitlement, Spending Cap Plans Linked by GOP to Debt-Limit Deal
GOP Crime Watch
- State officials indicate a criminal investigation is underway into Sen. Bumstead
- Insider: Wentworth-linked nonprofit spent $137,000 on travel
- Marijuana group quietly gave cash to Michigan lawmakers’ nonprofits
- Feds investigate ex-House Speaker Johnson for bribery in pot licensing
- FBI raids pot lobbyist’s home in bribery probe involving ex-Speaker
- ‘Dark money’ nonprofit at center of yet another Lansing scandal
- The crimes Trump or his allies could be charged with in Fulton County (Georgia)
- Trump campaign paid researchers to prove 2020 fraud but kept findings secret
Presidential Primary
- Democrats Overhaul Party’s Primary Calendar, Upending a Political Tradition
- Michigan’s move to early primary state brings potential economic boon
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The Legislature session is off to a fast start with Democrats taking immediate action on several of Governor Whitmer’s top priorities: job creation, tax cuts for working families, and moving Michigan to the head of the line in the presidential primary calendar.
Chairperson Lavora Barnes reports this week from Philadelphia just minutes after the wrap-up of the Democratic National Committee’s winter meeting.
Links for More Information on this week’s political news
- Democrats, out of power for decades, passing bills in record time in Lansing | Bridge Michigan
- Whitmer, Dems want ‘inflation relief’ checks for all taxpayers – Detroit Free Press
- From Twitter: Record speed as the Legislature starts the 2023-24 session
- Good-bye Iowa! Democrats approve Biden’s revamped primary calendar – Reuters
- Democrats Overhaul Party’s Primary Calendar, Upending a Political Tradition – The New York Times
- Michigan’s move to early primary state brings potential economic boon – Detroit News
- Michigan Democrats seek to codify LGBTQ civil-rights protections | Bridge Michigan
- Trump vows to use DOJ and Congress to make being transgender illegal while promoting the ‘nuclear family’ – Raw Story
- Employers added 517,000 jobs in January, surprisingly strong growth in the labor market – The Washington Post
- Michigan GOP in turmoil as leaders navigate tricky Trump terrain – NBC News
- RNC urges Republicans to double down on anti-abortion laws. – Slate
- State officials indicate a criminal investigation is underway into Sen. Bumstead ⋆ Michigan Advance
- Feds investigate ex-House Speaker Johnson for bribery in pot licensing
- ‘Dark money’ nonprofit at center of yet another Lansing scandal – Detroit Free Press
- Democrats want House investigation into Rep. Daire Rendon’s role in voting machine probe – MLive.com
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Welcome to a preview of Party On the Peninsulas with Lavora Barnes, your weekly update on the Democrats and Democratic policies leading Michigan’s future. Each week we’ll have three primary segments:
- A quick summary of important developments in Lansing, Washington DC and across the state (along with links for more information on those stories)
- An update from the Chair of the Party, Lavora Barnes
- An interview with a top Democrat from Michigan and the nation
We welcome your comments – just email us at comments@partyonthepeninsulas.com.
This week’s links
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer State of the State 2023 – YouTube
- Gretchen Whitmer State of the State: Tax cuts, gun reform, expand pre-K | Bridge Michigan
- 5 takeaways from Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State speech | Detroit News
- Gretchen Whitmer: Expand Michigan Reconnect program for community college | Bridge Michigan
- State of the State: Whitmer urges ‘immediate’ tax relief, gun reforms | Detroit News
- Whitmer in State of the State calls for tax cuts, gun safety | Detroit Free Press
- GM to invest close to $1B in 4 US factories, 2 in Michigan
- Debate over speed of tax cut looms over Whitmer’s State of the State
- Michigan lawmakers OK tax cuts for 1M residents, $1.1B spending plan | Bridge Michigan
- Michigan Senate votes to move up presidential primary, but GOP may thwart plan | Bridge Michigan
- Michigan Democrats move to strike abortion ban references from state law | Bridge Michigan
- In Michigan, Democratic women are rising. Now some are weighing a Senate run | The Washington Post
- Inside the Early Elbowing for Michigan’s Open Senate Seat | The Daily Beast
- Nessel to reopen investigation into fake electors scheme | Michigan Advance
- Michigan Biden electors sue false Trump slate | Detroit News
- Opinion | How Democrats can take advantage of GOP’s ‘weaponization’ subcommittee | The Washington Post
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