It's Just Politics - Michigan Public

Latest Episodes:

From budget secrets to scrutiny Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws yesterday that put new rules in place over how, and when, lawmakers can request earmarks - otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. But, will it really add transparency to Lansing’s budget process? Plus, Republican lawmakers ask for federal oversight of Michigan’s 2026 elections.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Do Democrats always cave? Nov 12, 2025

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Democrats across the state - and around the country - are asking why eight Senators who caucus with Democrats sided with Republicans to reopen the government. Former Michigan Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee breaks down the surprising vote.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Detroit-Lansing Playbook Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In a post-election 2025 show, what the new incoming mayor of Detroit can take away from Mike Duggan’s twelve years in office that reshaped Lansing’s relationship with the state’s largest city. Plus, Michigan is in the middle of a legal standoff with the federal government over voter-data privacy.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incentives gone wrong Oct 29, 2025

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Michigan has ended its multi-billion dollar deal with Chinese-backed Gotion. What went wrong and what’s next for economic development policy in Lansing. Plus, the latest on “The 9 Bills.”

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Curbing petition fraud Oct 22, 2025

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Petition signature gatherers can lie to you about what’s in the petition you’re signing. New legislation aims to curb fraud in the petition signature gathering process. Plus, lawmakers look to throw the legal cannabis industry a bone after passing the new 24 percent wholesale tax on marijuana.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the budget: K-12 Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Michigan’s latest education budget may boast record funding, but school leaders say it’s not enough. Plus, “Groundhog Day” at the U.S. Capitol. Where is Michigan’s Congressional delegation in the federal shutdown?

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Marijuana Tax Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Governor Whitmer signs Michigan’s $80 billion budget, but a new 24% marijuana tax to fund roads is already in legal trouble. Hear from Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood & legal expert Robert LaBrant.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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Shutdown Averted Oct 01, 2025

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Michigan lawmakers approve a plan to fund state government for another week as they finalize a spending agreement for the new fiscal year. The state’s previous budget had run out at midnight and questions abound: was the state government shutdown temporarily or not? And, when will a permanent budget actually get passed?

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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They’ll blame everyone Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers have one week to come up with a budget deal. If they don’t there will be partial state government shutdown. What do voters think about the stalemate in Lansing? And who will they blame if there’s a shutdown? Pollster Richard Czuba, founder of Glengariff Group, has answers.

by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

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MI economy Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Governor Gretchen Whitmer warns that the budget deadlock at the state Capitol will worsen Michigan’s economic uncertainty caused by federal tariffs. With just two weeks until a possible state government shutdown, what could a shutdown mean for Michigan’s already shaky economy?

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Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.