What do fixing the roads have to do with granting free college tuition? Nothing, of course, but the two may be linked. Welcome to Lansing, where linking unrelated issues is simply a way of life.
The Senate Democratic leader has not ruled out providing Democratic votes for the governor's road revenue package if the governor is willing to put up Republican votes for her college tuition tax break.
"I certainly would be open to talking about it," said Sen. Gretchen Whitmer. "There's no question that if there is some interest in moving forward to take care of the people of Michigan, then I'll talk to anybody."
Not so fast urges the Republican chair of the Senate Budget Committee. He thinks before you spend $1.8 billion a year by closing tax loopholes, you ought to weigh that against other state priorities.
"That goes a little far," said Sen. Roger Kahn.
However, Whitmer claims to have support from business.
"What we're hearing from the business community and from people in the legislature is education is what our constituents want. That's the key to moving this state forward," she said.
Warning to would-be college students, don't spend the college tuition savings just yet. This is not a done deal.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:01:58 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:48:16 GMT
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.