Political and Public Policy Information

Democrats pass their first budget since taking over the Legislature, spending down a $7 billion surplus and largely adopting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s priorities. Republicans call plan bloated.

Will fans get drunker and rowdier? Research is mixed. But one thing is for sure: Millions of profits are on the line.

Democrats say the update to 1988 law is overdue. Republicans contend it criminalizes free speech.

The Michigan Supreme Court will soon decide whether to increase the minimum wage for hourly and tipped workers. Restaurants say that hurt will servers and lead to layoffs. Proponents say servers deserve better pay.

Democrats advanced bills that would give clerks up to 8 days to count absentee ballots before an election to reduce delays and misinformation. GOP lawmakers say it would open the door to election fraud.

40 million student loan borrowers across the U.S. will be affected by the impending ruling. Here is what’s at stake and the issues at play before the conservative-majority court.

Democrats, unions and local officials say legislation would give cities autonomy to set higher minimum wage, require paid sick leave. Republicans call the plan a jobs-killer.

Flurry of Democratic legislation also includes mandatory lead testing for young children, alcohol sales inside college stadiums and reforms to prevent child abuse.