Michigan lawmakers call for hearings after widespread power outages
Democratic state lawmakers said there was already interest in legislative hearings to bring state utilities to Lansing to answer questions about repeated reliability issues and long wait times for restoration Sunday, as thousands of field crews work to restore power before the next blast of winter weather.
Michigan Sen. McMorrow: Republicans ‘creating issue that doesn’t exist’ with education laws
A Democratic Michigan state senator whose passionate Senate Floor speech went viral last week is saying that her Republican colleagues are creating problems that don’t exist in an effort to rile up their supporters and avoid addressing “real issues.”
Flashpoint Interview: Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow talks viral speech
Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow sits down with us to chat about her speech that is getting national attention. The Michigan senator discusses her comments and how it’s making people reflect on what is going on in politics today.
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Going retro? Michigan bill would allow classic license plates for $100 fee
A Michigan state senator’s bill is aiming to give drivers the option of having the classic blue and black Michigan vehicle license plates for a $100 fee. Sen. Mallory McMurrow’s (D-Royal Oak) Senate Bill 1146 also would allow the Secretary of State to readminister the blue license plates Michigan used from 1983 until 2007, as well as the black plates issued between 1979 and 1983. The blue and black license plates would be available to all drivers in Michigan for an added fee of $100. Michigan License Plate -- white with blue letters, with "Pure Michigan" campaign, first issued in 2013. We are happy to support the classic license plate design knowing it will produce a positive influence on both our culture and our economy.”
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Michigan senator calls for ban of all weapons at state Capitol
LANSING, Mich. – The FBI warned law enforcement agencies of possible armed protests at state capitols of all 50 states next week. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday. READ: Democrats criticize ban on open carry of guns inside Michigan Capitol for not going far enoughREAD: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls for ‘immediate action’ to ban all weapons at Michigan CapitolWith no checkpoints inside the Capitol, McMorrow said it is now harder for sergeants at arms to spot weapons if they can be concealed. Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel want a more comprehensive approach -- a ban on all weapons and possibly metal detectors and tighter security.
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Bill aims to bring back Michigan’s blue license plate
A Michigan state senator’s bill is aiming bring back the classic blue Michigan vehicle license plate originally issued from 1983 until 2007. Sen. Mallory McMurrow’s (D-Royal Oak) Senate Bill 1146 also would allow the Secretary of State to bring back the black plate originally issued by the State of Michigan from 1979 to 1983. “Any Michigander who grew up here in the 80s and 90s remembers the simple, iconic design, and knows bringing back the blue plate is a no-brainer,” said McMorrow. “Bringing back the blue plate offers a creative way to generate much-needed revenue to help fix the roads without raising taxes.”The state switched to a white plate with blue letters and numbers in January 2007. The state plans to keep the white plate as the standard issue.

Oakland County legislators issue statements on Birmingham water advisory
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - On Monday, the City of Birmingham released a public advisory for drinking water customers in accordance with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, alerting residents that five of the 32 sites tested (out of about 9,000 total customers) exceeded the action level for lead in water. "Protecting our drinking water is a top priority for residents and families, especially in the Great Lakes State. "Since my first day in office, I've been advocating for increased funding for implementation of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act and facilitating ongoing conversations between our municipalities and DEGLE," McMorrow added. "The Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act was an important first step toward proactively identifying potential public health risks, and now it is time that we take the next step," Manoogian added. Residents can learn more about protecting their drinking water from lead contamination here.