MichMash Politics - WDET FM

Latest Episodes:

State Legislature's Family Leave Policies Falling Behind Rest of State Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

Michigan’s Legislature is coming under new scrutiny for its own family leave policies for lawmakers and staffers. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with WKAR’s Abigail Censky about her reporting on this issue and why it matters to all Michiganders.

Politicizing a Pandemic Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

Throughout the pandemic, one of the biggest challenges for public health officials has been our toxic political environment. MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about efforts to politicize this health crisis and why they could have lasting impacts on public health and policymaking. And a conversation with Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun.

Sexism in State Government Mar 05, 2021

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Recent comments by male Republican lawmakers at the state Capitol have renewed conversations about misogyny in state government. MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with MLive reporter Lauren Gibbons about how voters are reacting to sexist language from legislators, and what it means for policymaking in Michigan.

Are Lame Duck Sessions On Their Last Legs? Feb 26, 2021

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There’s movement at the state Capitol toward putting limits on the Legislature’s lame duck session. That’s the time just after an even-year election that often sees hundreds of bills passed, sometimes in the dead of night. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about why transparency activists are excited about curbing the chaos of lame duck, and they speak with Voters Not Politicians Executive Director Nancy Wang.

COVID Relief Delay at State Capitol Hurting Michigan Residents Feb 19, 2021

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More than $5 billion in federal money for COVID relief for Michigan is in limbo as lawmakers in Lansing fight over how to spend it. MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk with Craig Mauger of the Detroit News about what is causing the delay and why it matters.

Will State Senate Leader Shirkey Face Any Consequences? Feb 12, 2021

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Some Democrats are calling on state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey to resign or give up his leadership position. That’s after he called the January 6th insurrection a hoax and made sexist comments about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on tape. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about whether Shirkey is likely to face any real repercussions. And a conversation with state Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor).

Should Election Day Be a Holiday? Feb 05, 2021

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Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson wants to make Election Day a holiday in Michigan. It’s one of many sweeping changes Benson would like to see in election law. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk about the cases for and against making Election Day a state holiday. And they talk with Rochester Hills City Clerk Tina Barton about the pros and cons.

Is Whitmer's Bipartisan State of the State Message Realistic? Jan 29, 2021

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling on Republicans in the Legislature to work with her in 2021. Her third State of the State address stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation. MichMash hosts Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher talk about whether there’s any room for common ground in Lansing.

Michigan GOP At Crossroads Jan 22, 2021

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With the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats now control all executive offices at the federal and at the state level in Michigan. MichMash hosts Jake Neher and Cheyna Roth talk with WKAR’s Abigail Censky about where that leaves Republicans in Michigan.

Flint's Top State Lawmaker Reacts to Criminal Charges Against Snyder, Others Jan 15, 2021

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Seven years after the decision to switch Flint’s water source, nine current and former state government officials face criminal charges. One of them is former Gov. Rick Snyder, who faces two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty. As part of the weekly series MichMash host Jake Neher speaks with state Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) about the charges.