Author: SHANNON NAJMABADI
Whitmer, lawmakers strike $4.8B spending deal for water, broadband, housing
Michigan lawmakers struck a $4.8 billion spending deal later than 10 p.m. on Wednesday with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These are tough times for families, small businesses, and communities, and this bipartisan supplemental will help grow our economy, create jobs, and invest in every region of our state,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I look […]
Michigan Senate Oks bill to drop personal, corporate tax rate to 3.9%
The Michigan Senate approved a bill that aims to lower the personal and corporate tax rate to 3.9%. Michigan currently taxes corporations at 6% and Michiganders at a flat 4.25% income tax. A Tax Foundation map compared tax rates nationwide. Senate Bill 768 aims to help Michiganders and businesses recover from COVID and attract inflow migration […]
One mile of Detroit’s wireless EV charging road to cost at least $1.9 million
The state of Michigan will spend $1.9 million to build a one-mile stretch of the nation’s first public wireless in-road charging system for electric vehicles (EV) in Detroit. The system is expected to be running in 2023. “As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering […]
MDOT to award $6.2 million to fix roads in 9 communities
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is awarding nine state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category F grants to cities and road commissions to help rebuild local roads statewide. “From day one, I’ve been laser-focused on fixing the damn roads and bridges,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Today, I’m proud […]
Minnesota GOP ask for special session for hero pay, drought relief
Whether it’s COVID-19 frontline worker hero pay, drought-ridden farmers, or nursing homes struggling to stay open because of staffing shortages, Minnesotans are waiting for lawmakers to act. But the next scheduled session isn’t until January 2022, and Gov. Tim Walz hasn’t yet called a special session. Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, sent Walz a letter pitching […]
Minnesota taxpayers pay $2 million travel expenses despite many lawmakers staying home
Minnesota taxpayers paid $2 million to cover lawmakers’ per diem travel costs despite many of them working from home. Fox 9 first reported the story using an analysis of finance records. Per diem is paid out on top of lawmakers’ $48,250 base salary for living and travel expenses to St. Paul seven days a week during the regular legislative […]
Lawmakers to push for legalized sports betting next session
Surrounded by states that have legalized sports betting, some Minnesota lawmakers will push to create additional tax revenue and entertainment next session. Rep. Zack Stephenson, DFL-Coon Rapids, held a press conference to announce his plan to pursue legalized sports betting. “Minnesotans deserve the chance to engage in safe and legal sports betting right here in […]