Michigan Capitol Confidential

07/21/2025

Budget request puts taxpayers on hook for $10M Lansing entertainment venue.

Convention center got $5 million in 2023

07/21/2025

Michigan lost more than 125,000 auto jobs over the last two decades — a 41% drop — while Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and other states gained tens of thousands.

07/20/2025

Michigan will sue undisclosed oil companies for allegedly contributing to climate change, though it has also approved 23 industry permits or licenses within the last two years, according to a document obtained through a records request.

State approved 23 oil, gas permits and licenses in 2024 and 2025

07/20/2025

When you go to a hospital, the same drugs can cost 18 times more, depending on the facility, according to a new report from the Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition.

Report urges hospital pricing transparency

07/20/2025

As Congress debates a budget bill that could impose work requirements on certain people who receive Medicaid, a member of the Michigan House released a comment that significantly overstated its possible impact.

Number in dispute, some praise requirements for Medicaid

07/19/2025

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources paid $266,000 to advertise at gas pumps in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, according to a document obtained through a records request.

Taxpayers foot $266,000 bill to pitch drivers statewide

07/19/2025

Michigan taxpayers may soon pay $40 million to demolish a recently renovated elementary school and build its replacement elsewhere, all to make room for a megasite that lacks a tenant.

Michigan eyes $40M school move for speculative project

07/19/2025

A Flint lawmaker seeks $5 million in state funding for Berston Field House, a community center that has received millions in public funds in recent years.

Taxpayers have funded community center for six years straight

07/19/2025

Michigan encroaches on pig farmers, Michigan rock legend Ted Nugent told the Michigan House's Weaponization of Government Subcommittee at a June 25 joint hearing.

House committee addressed allegations of DNR agents harassing pig farmers and killing animals

07/19/2025

President Donald Trump signed a spending bill into law on July 4 that will shift responsibility for about $890 million of food stamps to Michigan. The state can’t pay the bill, according to Michigan’s top executive.

Feds cite fraud as reason to shift SNAP costs

07/18/2025

Joe Tate seeks $52M in earmarks for Detroit nonprofits in 2026 budget.

2026 budget likely a record $84B

07/18/2025

The Mundy megasite near Flint, which state officials gave $259 million in taxpayer funds, is dead, Crain’s Detroit Business reported on July 16.

Michigan must cut red tape, House Speaker says in response