Thumb Reporter

'Free' community college tuition program isn't free for 20% of Michigan residents

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 9, 2021

Some Michigan residents hoping to take advantage of Michigan Reconnect, a new program offering free tuition at community colleges, may find that the program actually only covers about half of their tuition, depending on where they live.

Michigan Legislature saw record number of missed votes in last term

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 18, 2021

While Michigan has experienced an increase in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, the state’s Legislature also saw a spike in missed votes during the previous term.

Daley: Concerns over election could have been avoided with cooperation from Whitmer

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 19, 2020

The oversight committees in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature recently voted to issue a subpoena for elections records from the Michigan Bureau of Elections, a move that Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum) said fulfills the basic responsibilities of the Legislature.

St. Clair County health advisory says approach should change due to more positive COVID-19 tests

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 4, 2020

The St. Clair County Health Department recently issued a health advisory, outlining recommendations for residents and stating its intent to shift its focus in response to an increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases.

With expected seasonal increase in COVID-19, Mitchell warns against more lockdowns

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 27, 2020

As debate over whether there should be a second round of lockdowns as expected seasonal increases in COVID-19 infection rates begin to show up in national statistics, both politicians and health experts have varying opinions.

As the election approaches, Trump reaffirms abortion stance, possibly courting Catholic votes

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 6, 2020

President Donald Trump’s position on abortion was recently reaffirmed when he promised to sign an executive order requiring health care providers to administer medical care to all babies born alive, a move that some presume is meant to strengthen his support among Catholics, according to reporting by The Associated Press.

Green: Despite budget outlook better than predicted, fiscal responsibility is still needed

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 29, 2020

Despite Michigan’s state budget coming out better than previous forecasts, according to the recent Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, some of that boils down to a temporary boost from federal assistance, and careful planning for the future is needed, according to Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington).

Whitmer: Restrictions should remain until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, which could take years

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 24, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently hinted to the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce that she believes it will be necessary to keep the entire state of Michigan under a state of emergency until a vaccine for COVID-19 is widely distributed and in use, a period that experts say could take an unspecified number of years.

From Shiawassee Times

Michigan school districts opt for a variety of options for fall reopening

By Benjamin Kibbey | 5 years ago

Bridge Michigan recently published a list detailing not only the reopening plans for local school districts across the state, but how those plans will progress into the coming year, with the promise to continue updating the information as it changes.

Daley to hold office hours in three outdoor locations around District 31

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 14, 2020

State Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum) is planning office hours to meet with District 31 constituents on Friday, Aug. 21.

Daley hails passage of budget agreement to resolve $2.2 billion deficit

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 4, 2020

State Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum) recently threw his support behind legislation that is intended to resolve Michigan’s $2.2 billion budget deficit, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has now signed.

LaFave praises appeals court decision in favor of Line 5 pipeline

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jun 25, 2020

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the decision by the Michigan Court of Claims, ruling that the Enbridge oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac is constitutional, a decision that state Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) met with praise.