Michigan lawmakers OK ban on FOIA-avoidant apps for state employees
The Michigan Legislature passed a bill Tuesday that would ban apps that help state employees avoid public records requests after it was revealed in January that some State Police officers had an app on their work phones that deleted messages.
Whitmer, Michigan GOP leaders cut deal on budget talks, work rules
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican legislative leaders have announced the framework of an agreement to open budget negotiations, give lawmakers input into future pandemic restrictions and drop potential permanent COVID-19 workplace regulations.
Michigan AG looks into requests to investigate state nursing home policy
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesselโs office is looking into requests to investigate the stateโs COVID-19 nursing home policies. Whitmer announces nursing home visitation to resume in MichiganOnly eight representatives left their names off the letter, including House Speaker Jason Wentworth. Another 11 republicans signed onto the campaign to impeach Whitmer or force her to resign over the policy. READ: Michigan lawmakers hold hearing, seek answers about nursing home deaths amid pandemicThe centers for Medicaid, Medicare and the AARP have been calling for Whitmer to release all the state data on nursing home deaths. READ: Tracking COVID-19 cases, deaths in Michigan long term care facilities, nursing homes
Michigan Democrats call for federal COVID relief funds to be released immediately
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan Democrats are pressuring state Republicans to vote to release more than $5 billion in COVID relief, chastising them for holding the funds. โRepublicans need to stop holding these federal stimulus dollars hostage. This is not a partisan issue, these dollars should be at work here in Michigan right now,โ said Michigan House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski. READ: Michigan Republicans unveil $2B COVID relief plan for residents struggling due to shutdownsRepublicans have held funding, hoping to get Gov. In a statement, a spokesperson for Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth said, โOur plan addresses all needs...
Calls for discipline mount against Michigan GOP Sen. Mike Shirkey
LANSING, Mich. โ Calls for discipline have grown over the weekend after state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey was caught in two controversial hot mic conversations. He said he regretted the words he chose and apologized for his โinsensitive comments.โAdThe next day on the Michigan Senate floor, Shirkey told Lt. Gov. READ: How Michigan played a role in Donald Trumpโs 2nd impeachmentThe pressure to discipline Shirkey even extended to the U.S. Senate. AdโItโs outrageous that you have, yet again, another Republican leader engaging in conspiracy theories and lies,โ Peters said. Apparently, the leader of the state Senate in Michigan now wants to tell an even bigger lie.โMichigan Republican Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth released a statement of his own, distancing himself from Shirkey.
Michiganโs first day of legislature gets off on a tense note
New House Speaker Jason Wentworth said during a news conference that he denounces violence but supports the peopleโs First Amendment right to peaceful protest. Wentworth said that although he doesnโt agree with Lasinski, he would continue to have conversations across the aisle. That Donald Trump is the only one who is sent from God to stop that and that the election was stolen from him,โ McMorrow said. Their Democratic counterparts introduced resolutions to condemn and recognize false claims of election fraud and those who signed the letter as contributors to violence. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Threats of violent cause safety concerns at the Capitol Building in Lansing
LANSING, Mich. โ Concerns at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing are on the rise amid chatter of widespread protests in the days leading up to President-Elect Joe Bidenโs Inauguration on Jan. 20. Under the recommendation of Michigan State Police, a six-foot tall fence around the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing will be completed Friday to guard against the possibility of violence. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol. Michigan State Police circled the Capitol Building in Lansing in large numbers -- on foot and on bikes -- ahead of the fence going up Friday. Additionally, Michiganโs State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.
What are the top priorities for the new session of Michigan Congress?
The Michigan Capitol Building opened for the first time Wednesday. Democratic members of the Senate decried the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead. Newly ensconsed House Speaker Jason Wentworth said working to restore trust in politicians starts with adjusting the Lame Duck Sessions. Another House Bill proposed prohibits legislators from voting on a bill that would personally enrich them or their families. Additionally, Michiganโs State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.
6-foot fences to be installed around Michigan Capitol Building due to threats of violence
โMichigan is ground zero for those who are wishing to take over state government,โ said Michigan AG Dana Nessel. Iโm exceedingly worried.โโOn Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. Nessel said security inside the Michigan Capitol isnโt as impactful as sheโd like. New Michigan Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth held a briefing Wednesday morning along side Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hornberger. Additionally, Michiganโs State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.
Michigan senator calls for ban of all weapons at state Capitol
LANSING, Mich. โ The FBI warned law enforcement agencies of possible armed protests at state capitols of all 50 states next week. Additionally, Michiganโs 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 โimmediate actionโ 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.
Michigan GOP Rep. Gary Eisen removed from committee after comments on Electoral College disruption
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan Rep. Gary Eisen has been removed from his committee assignments for the rest of the term after he made comments during a radio interview on Monday. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson and others on the Oversight committee, Republicans, Democrats, and members of the Electoral College. Because of that, Rep. Eisen has been removed from his committee assignments for the rest of the term. Our group, who will also be at the Capitol today to request to be seated as electors, intends to participate in our democracy peacefully. Rep. Gary EisenREAD: Michigan State House and Senate offices close Monday during Electoral College vote
Michigan lawmaker disciplined for warning Trump backers
Theyโre even more unbecoming of an elected official," they said in a joint statement stating that violence and intimidation is never appropriate in politics. "That applies to threats made toward public officials, and it must also apply when the threats come from public officials. Behavior like this will not be tolerated this term or next.โJohnson could not be reached for comment. Earlier in the video, she urged people to โbe smartโ and โhit them in the pocketbook" โ an apparent reference to Trump supporters. She urged people to call 911 or the police if they have been threatened or fear for their safety.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer adds 3 counties to flood-related state of emergency
Gretchen Whitmer has added three counties to her state of emergency issued as a result of two dam failures that caused devastating floods in the middle of the state. Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties have been added to the state of emergency that was issued for Midland County. โI have declared an emergency to provide much needed assistance and have added Arenac, Gladwin and Saginaw counties to the declaration to ensure access to critical resources. (WDIV)Officials evacuated 750 Saginaw County residents, 500 Arenac County residents and more than 100 Gladwin County residents due to rising waters. By adding them to the state of emergency, Whitmer allows these three counties to receive law enforcement and shelter support, road repair help, search and rescue services and more.