Colin Jackson

5 days ago | michiganpublic.org | Colin Jackson

A ballot question aimed at ensuring only U.S. citizens are voting in Michigan elections inched a step closer to gathering signatures Friday. The measure would amend Michigan’s constitution to require residents to show proof of citizenship when signing up to vote. Currently, residents must check a box attesting to their citizenship while applying. The amendment would also have the Michigan Secretary of State go through the voter rolls and ensure everyone listed is a citizen.

6 days ago | wkar.org | Colin Jackson

Esta nota ha sido traducido por Clay Oppenhuizen. This article has been translated by Clay Oppenhuizen. Read the English version here. Los funcionarios laborales de Michigan dicen que el estado puede tener que intervenir para resolver disputas a raíz de los recortes a la agencia federal que normalmente maneja la mediación de contratos del sector privado. Los comentarios se produjeron durante la reunión del Comité Laboral del Senado estatal del jueves por la mañana.

6 days ago | michiganpublic.org | Colin Jackson

Michigan labor officials say the state may have to step in to resolve disputes in the wake of cuts to the federal agency that normally handles private sector contract mediation. The comments came during Thursday morning’s state Senate Labor Committee meeting. The Trump Administration has issued executive orders requiring the Federal Mediation Conciliation Service to reduce staffing to base levels.

1 week ago | michiganpublic.org | Colin Jackson

Lawmakers and policy researchers discussed a Republican-led road funding plan Wednesday before the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee. The multi-step plan involves raising the fuel tax paid at the pump by $0.20 per gallon. All the money raised from that would go straight to road repairs. Meanwhile, the proposal would also remove the sales tax from gas to balance out the higher fuel tax rate. Schools depend on that sales tax for their own funding.

1 week ago | michiganpublic.org | Colin Jackson

The Michigan House of Representatives is meeting again this week after a few weeks off for spring break. According to leadership, priorities include bills to create a pilot program that would adjust Michigan’s standardized testing system. Currently, a test taken in certain grade levels known as the M-STEP happens once a year. Other grades take other annual assessments. House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp) said once a year isn’t enough.