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50West Michigan Communities Receive Nearly $4 Million in Federal Affordable Housing Grants
Six West Michigan communities including Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Holland, and Benton Harbor will receive nearly $4 million in federal affordable housing grants through CDBG and HOME funding announced by U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga.
Michigan Democratic Party Convention to Endorse Key State Candidates This Weekend As West Michigan Voters Await Results
Michigan Democratic Party holds weekend convention to endorse key state candidates including attorney general and secretary of state as West Michigan voters prepare for 2026 election cycle
MDOT Launches $1.7 Million Road Resurfacing Project Across Calhoun and St. Joseph Counties
MDOT begins $1.7 million resurfacing project on M-60, M-86 and M-99 in Calhoun and St. Joseph counties, with single-lane closures expected through July.
Michigan State Rep. Reggie Miller Proposes Data Center Bills to Close Tax Loopholes, Require Environmental Disclosure
State Rep. Reggie Miller from Van Buren Township introduced bills to close tax loopholes for data centers and require environmental disclosure as Michigan communities express growing opposition to the facilities.
Michigan Legislature Approves $500,000 for West Michigan Construction Institute As Skilled Trades Training Expansion Hits Roadblocks
Michigan lawmakers approved $500,000 in legislatively directed spending for the West Michigan Construction Institute to expand skilled trades training capacity and address workforce shortages in construction.
Michigan Senate Committee Hears Testimony on Utility Rate Hike Bill to Limit Frequency of Increases
Michigan Senate Energy Committee hears testimony on bill to limit utility rate increases to once every three years instead of every 12 months, addressing concerns from families facing constant rate hikes.
Michigan Income Tax Rate Stays at 4.25 Percent as State Officials Determine No Reduction Needed for 2026 Tax Year
Michigan income tax rate stays at 4.25 percent for 2026 as state officials determine general fund did not grow faster than inflation
Michigan Declares State Energy Emergency as Flooding Forces West Michigan Evacuations
Governor Whitmer signs state energy emergency order to keep fuel moving as flooding forces Muskegon River evacuations in Newaygo County. Water levels continue rising across Michigan with multiple dams under stress.
Michigan House Passes Proof of Citizenship Voting Bill as Democrats Warn of Voter Barriers
Michigan House passes proof of citizenship voting bill along party lines as Democrats warn it could create barriers for legal voters and cost West Michigan families up to $150 million in new fees
Michigan Legislature Returns From Recess With Budget and Housing Plans As West Michigan Schools Face Funding Deadline Pressure
Michigan Legislature returns from spring recess with budget and housing plans as schools and municipalities face funding deadline pressure.
Michigan Senate Passes Bill to Ban Mandatory Nurse Overtime as West Michigan Hospitals Face Workforce Crisis
Michigan Senate passes bipartisan legislation banning mandatory overtime for nurses, setting safe work hour limits and giving nurses eight-hour breaks after 12-hour shifts. The bills advance to the House with exemptions for emergencies and collective bargaining agreements.
Michigan Cuts $1.2 Million in Invasive Species Funding as West Michigan Conservation Groups Brace for Harder Battles
Michigan state budget cuts $1.2 million from invasive species funding, forcing West Michigan conservation groups to prioritize fewer species and adjust detection strategies
Michigan LEO Cancels Going PRO Talent Fund as West Michigan Businesses Face Workforce Training Crisis
Michigan LEO announced new Going PRO Talent Fund applications while the program faces elimination in Governor's FY27 budget proposal.
Michigan LEO Cancels Going PRO Talent Fund as West Michigan Businesses Face Workforce Training Crisis
Michigan's Going PRO Talent Fund faces elimination in the Governor's FY27 budget proposal, threatening workforce training grants that have supported over 241,000 workers and 8,966 businesses since 2014.
Michigan Governor Candidate Proposes Auto Insurance 'Opt Out' to Lower Costs as West Michigan Drivers Face Rising Premiums
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard proposes allowing Michigan drivers to opt out of the state's no-fault auto insurance system and sue at-fault drivers for medical bills, a plan that has drawn mixed reactions from insurance agents and advocates in West Michigan.
Michigan Zoning Reform Bills Would Preempt Local Control Over Housing Development as West Michigan Officials Voice Concerns
Michigan lawmakers introduced zoning reform bills that would pre-empt local control over housing development. The legislation would limit minimum lot sizes to 1,500 square feet and mandate duplexes and accessory dwelling units, but the Michigan Municipal League and local officials oppose the measures as an override of community decision-making authority.
Michigan House Members Seek $6.7 Million in Arts Funding Earmarks for 2027 State Budget as Taxpayer Dollars Head to Specific Orchestras and Theaters
Four Michigan House members are seeking more than $6.7 million in taxpayer funding for orchestras and theater projects as part of the 2027 state budget. The funding requests include millions for building upgrades, music programs and subsidized ticket initiatives.
Michigan Senate Race Heats Up as College Students Rally With Streamer Hasan Piker in Controversy That Reaches West Michigan
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is courting young voters in Michigan with appearances alongside controversial Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, sparking an internal Democratic Party fight over how to address Israel-Hamas conflict while reaching disaffected voters including in West Michigan.
Michigan Cannabis Tax Faces Supreme Court Battle as West Michigan Roads Depend on Uncertain Revenue
A 24 percent wholesale cannabis tax faces a fast-tracked Supreme Court challenge that could determine whether Michigan fixes its roads. The tax is projected to generate $420 million annually for state infrastructure, including neighborhood road projects across West Michigan communities.
Michigan Governor Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices as Iran War Drives Up Costs Across West Michigan
Michigan Governor declares energy emergency and suspends fuel blend requirements in eight counties to allow cheaper gasoline amid Iran war driven price surge. The order impacts drivers across West Michigan and the state.
State Budget Director Tours Kalamazoo Food Bank as Governor's Budget Proposes SNAP Funding Despite Federal Pressure
State Budget Director Jen Flood tours Kalamazoo food bank, discusses SNAP funding and Governor Whitmer's budget proposal amid federal pressure on state programs
Michigan SOAR Program Delivers First Jobs After Two Years as Lawmakers Defund Future Funding
Michigan's SOAR corporate incentive program delivered 1,846 jobs in 2025 after two years, but lawmakers defunded the program for this budget year amid ongoing scrutiny of taxpayer subsidies.
Michigan Budget Director Tours Kalamazoo Food Bank as GOP Tax Cut Proposals Raise Questions About State Funding for West Michigan
State Budget Director Jen Flood and Democratic state Sen. Sean McCann toured Loaves & Fishes in Kalamazoo to discuss SNAP funding amid rising federal costs and Republican tax cut proposals that could require deep spending cuts across West Michigan
Michigan Legislature Passes Only Seven Bills in First Quarter of 2026 as West Michigan Communities Face Policy Stalemate
Michigan lawmakers passed only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, marking the slowest legislative pace in an even-numbered year this century and leaving West Michigan communities waiting for policy solutions on property taxes, healthcare access, and education issues.
Jocelyn Benson Proposes Ban on Michigan Utilities Political Spending to Curb Corporate Influence
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jocelyn Benson proposes banning regulated utilities from political spending to prevent companies seeking rate increases from influencing their own regulation
Michigan Governor Orders State Agencies to Help West Michigan Businesses Seek Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling
Governor Whitmer directs state agencies to help Michigan businesses recover tariffs paid after Supreme Court ruling struck down federal tariff policy.
Michigan Legislature Moves Slowly in 2026 as Campaign Season Looms and Property Tax Reform Stalls
Michigan Legislature has only passed 7 bills in first three months of 2026, slowest pace in even-numbered year this century. Property tax reform stalls while campaign season approaches.
Michigan Senate Race Controversy Heats Up as Abdul El-Sayed Campaigns With Streamer Hasan Piker
Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed faces backlash after campaigning with controversial streamer Hasan Piker at Michigan rallies. The controversy has divided progressive and establishment Democrats in West Michigan ahead of the August primary and November election.
Michigan utility rate hikes pressure West Michigan families as gubernatorial candidate promises grid reform
Michigan utility rate hikes add to family financial pressure as Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson proposes grid reform and limits on utility political spending
Michigan Voter ID Bill Requires Proof of Citizenship as 2026 Senate Race Heats Up
State Rep. Jason Woolford's House Bill 4765 would require Michigan voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote, raising concerns about accessibility and costs for West Michigan voters ahead of the 2026 Senate election.
Michigan Senate Race Heats Up as Candidates Clash Over Political Boundaries and College Voters
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is courting Michigan's young voters by campaigning alongside controversial Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, a strategy that has sparked backlash from fellow Democrats and Jewish advocacy groups. The controversy highlights a deep schism within the Democratic Party between its establishment wing and its progressive base.
Michigan Legislature passes just seven bills in first quarter of 2026 as campaign season looms
Michigan lawmakers passed only seven bills in the first quarter of 2026, marking the slowest pace in an even-numbered year this century as legislators prepare for fall elections
Michigan Legislature Passes Only 7 Bills in Q1 as Property Tax Reform and Budget Deadline Loom Over West Michigan
Michigan Legislature passed only seven bills in Q1 2026, the slowest pace in an even-numbered year this century. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids says more can be done, with property tax reform and budget deadline as top priorities affecting West Michigan families.
Michigan Legislature Passes Only 7 Bills in First Quarter of 2026 as Political Gridlock Threatens State Priorities
Michigan Legislature has passed only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, marking the slowest start to a second legislative term since 1998 as political gridlock leaves major state priorities on hold
Ypsilanti Police Budget Ballot Initiative Heads to Governor Whitmer After City Council Sends Charter Amendment to Lansing
Ypsilanti City Council sent a charter amendment ballot initiative to Governor Whitmer requiring voter approval for police budget increases. The proposal faces opposition from some council members who say it could make the city ungovernable while supporters argue it brings more democracy to the budget process.
Federal SNAP Cuts and Rising Costs Put West Michigan Families at Risk as State Budget Director Tours Kalamazoo Food Bank
State Budget Director Jen Flood toured Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes with State Sen. Sean McCann to assess the impact of federal SNAP cuts and rising costs on West Michigan families as the state budget process continues.
Michigan Joins Lawsuit Challenging Trump Executive Order That Would Restrict West Michigan Voter Access
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins 24 other attorneys general in suing the Trump Administration over an executive order that would restrict voter eligibility and federalize control over mail-in ballots, directly threatening West Michigan voters who rely on mail voting.
Michigan 2026 Road Construction Season Brings Millions in Investment and Traffic Disruptions Across West Michigan
Michigan's 2026 road construction season begins with nearly $2 billion in new funding for state and local roads, but drivers across West Michigan should expect traffic delays and detours as work proceeds on multiple projects from Mason County to Muskegon
Michigan Budget Director Tours Kalamazoo Food Bank as Federal Cuts and State Budget Debate Put West Michigan Families at Risk
State Budget Director Jen Flood tours Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes as federal SNAP cuts and rising state revenue deficits challenge food assistance access for West Michigan families amid Governor Whitmer's $88.1 billion budget proposal.
Michigan Budget Director Tours Kalamazoo Food Bank as Federal Cuts and State Spending Debate Put West Michigan Families at Risk
Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood toured Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes with state Sen. Sean McCann as federal SNAP regulations and budget changes impact West Michigan food assistance programs. The governor's $88.1 billion proposal includes $186 million for SNAP administration but officials warn Congress last year's actions created budget holes that affect food and healthcare access.
Michigan Defunds Billion-Dollar SOAR Program After First Year of Jobs Undercuts Promises
Michigan lawmakers defunded the SOAR economic development program for 2026 after companies created only 1,846 jobs last year against promises of nearly 15,000 positions. The program spent over $1 billion but remains less than 13 percent of its job creation target.
Michigan Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo Food Bank as SNAP Cuts and Rising Costs Strain West Michigan Hunger Relief
State Budget Director Jen Flood tours Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes as federal SNAP regulations and state budget challenges strain West Michigan food assistance programs. The governors $88.1 billion budget proposal includes $186 million for SNAP administration but faces $1 billion in revenue shortfalls.
Michigan State Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo Food Bank Amid Federal SNAP Cuts and Governor's $88 Billion Budget Proposal
Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood visits Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes as federal SNAP cuts and rising costs challenge West Michigan food assistance programs. Governor's $88.1 billion budget proposal includes $186 million in additional SNAP funding to offset federal reductions.
Michigan Cannabis Tax Lawsuit Threatens Road Funding Plan as Construction Season Opens Across West Michigan
Michigan's 2026 road construction season opens as two lawsuits challenge the cannabis wholesale tax that funds the nearly $2 billion-a-year road plan, with potential implications for West Michigan communities that rely on state infrastructure investment.
Trump Administration Appoints Adam Norman as Commissioner of Federal Child Support Enforcement Office
Adam Norman has been appointed Commissioner of the Office of Child Support Enforcement under HHS, overseeing federal child support policy and state compliance including Michigan's $300 million Title IV-D program.
Michigan Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo Food Bank as SNAP Cuts and Rising Costs Strain West Michigan Hunger Relief
State Budget Director Jen Flood visits Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes as Governor Whitmer's $88.1 billion budget proposal includes $186 million for SNAP administration and $780 million for Medicare amid federal program changes
Michigan Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo Food Bank as SNAP Funding Debate Heats Up
Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood visits Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes to discuss SNAP funding challenges as the state legislature debates Governor Whitmer's $88.1 billion budget proposal amid federal cuts and revenue declines.
State Budget Director Tours Kalamazoo Food Bank as SNAP Funding Uncertainty Mounts Across West Michigan
State Budget Director Jen Flood tours Kalamazoo food bank as SNAP funding faces uncertainty from federal cuts and state budget pressures
Michigan Construction Season Opens With Major Road Projects Across West Michigan as Governor Kicks Off Final Repair Season
Michigan construction season opens with major road projects across West Michigan as Governor Whitmer kicks off her final repair season with a nearly $2 billion annual road funding package that relies on controversial cannabis tax revenue.
Michigan Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo Food Bank as Federal Cuts and State Spending Debate Put West Michigan Families at Risk
Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood visits Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes to confront the impact of federal cuts on SNAP and Medicaid, as Governor Whitmer's $88 billion budget proposal seeks to address a $1 billion revenue shortfall while Republicans battle over tax increases and reserve draws.