Senator Winnie Brinks

Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel in February ruled with Democrats that the bills should go to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but declined to issue an order to enforce the decision

Brinks said House Republicans appear to be taking their cue from President Donald Trump’s hardcore tactics

State and local representatives gathered in Grand Rapids to announce a $25 million federal grant secured for the replacement of the East Beltline bridge that crosses over I-96

Despite passing the Legislature, they hadn’t been forwarded to the governor by the time party control in the House switched from Democratic to Republican at the start of the year

House Majority Whip Mike Harris said an early priority for Republicans is minimum wage and earned sick time initiatives

Sustainable business professionals and community leaders met in Grand Rapids Monday to discuss issues impacting Michigan’s economy

Some opponents of the new laws have criticized them as being too reactive and difficult to enforce

The new year presents a chance for lawmakers to finish priorities they started last year but didn’t get done.Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) predicted swift action on a host of items.

This is the first state budget crafted in decades entirely under Democratic control of the Legislature and the governor’s office

The issue arose when sex abuse committed by former MSU athletics doctor Larry Nassar came to light