DTE Energy and Consumers Energy say their systems are more reliable after severe outages this year. But with extreme weather increasing from climate change, they’re looking at additional funding options such as customer surcharges or bonds.
Bridge Michigan
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Pay people to move to Michigan? Whitmer population panel mulls the idea
Communities (and one state) around the nation offer incentives for people — particularly remote workers — to move there. Michigan’s population commission is exploring a similar program here.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Michigan lawmakers eye tweaks to auto insurance reform that has cut rates
Michigan drivers pay less for auto insurance than they once did, but still pay some of the highest rates in the country. Critically injured crash survivors want changes. Lawmakers are split on a path forward.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
DTE monthly rates to jump by 6.4% on Dec. 15 to fund clean energy
The Michigan Public Service Commission approves a $368 million increase on Friday. The utility says it needs to raise rates to improve, diversify service.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Whitmer signs Michigan election law overhaul that aims to prevent ‘chaos’
New laws signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer aim to expand automatic voter registration, deter political ‘deepfakes’ and ‘fake electors’ while limiting the kind of pressure campaign former President Donald Trump waged in his failed attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Michigan anti-property-tax group seeks to get on 2024 state ballot
A group called AxMITax plans to begin circulating petitions in January for a potential ballot proposal, which if passed would eliminate, among other priorities, the $2.5 billion State Education Tax used to support K-12 schools.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Is Michigan ripe for a women-majority Legislature? Advocates eye one in ‘24
In a state where voters elected three women to statewide office, advocates see a women-majority Legislature in the Michigan Capitol as the next step.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
COVID-19 mini-wave back in Michigan amid holiday season
Experts say people should avoid crowded public spaces if they contract the disease and to quarantine themselves if they do get it.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
New Michigan laws ban domestic abusers from owning guns for eight years
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills Monday that will ban convicted domestic abusers from owning firearms for eight years, including those convicted on misdemeanor charges.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19), Health and Welfare
For the holidays: Another batch of COVID tests for Michiganders
Michigan households can order another four free COVID tests, while the state continues to offer free at-home tests and testing sites, too.