To share legislative insights from a different perspective, we assembled a panel of experts who study and report on happenings in Lansing politics. Kyle Melinn, editor/co-owner of Michigan Information & Research Service served as the moderator. Panelists included:
- Adrian Hemond, Partner & CEO, Grassroots Midwest
- Emily Lawler, Capitol Reporter, MLive
- Jonathan Oosting, Politics Reporter, The Detroit News
Moderator: What are the big issues coming up?
Oosting thinks it will be the work requirements for people receiving state benefits. Lawler believes it will be the fallout from the Nassar scandal at MSU. A bill is going through the Senate with some controversial aspects, and the issue could affect higher education funding. It’s so multi-faceted that many people will want to address it, she said. Hemond thinks roads will continue to be a hot button issue.The legislature is going to feel a lot of pressure to do something about roads.
Moderator: The governor seems to be trying to get rid of statutory revenue sharing. Why is that so tempting?
Hemond says the state has been really bad at honoring its revenue sharing commitments, and the governor’s proposals seem to be continuing that trend. There needs to be feedback from the communities – where the rubber meets the road – to make sure revenue sharing proposals make sense.
Moderator: What will be Governor Snyder’s legacy?
Hemond believes the Flint lead water problem is what everyone will remember most. But he also thinks the governor will be remembered for wrapping his arms around the budget process and getting it done on time, as well as passing right to work. Oosting thinks he’ll be remembered for fairly good economic times, the 2011 tax cuts, and his non-political, non-confrontational style to politics. Lawler believes the governor has put a lot of effort into things that aren’t sexy, like the rainy day fund and long term liabilities. He has really focused on putting Michigan on a better fiscal path.
Moderator: Several proposals are vying to be on the November ballot. Which are most likely to pass?
All three panelists think recreational marijuana will most likely pass. Oosting says that redistricting has enough signatures to make the ballot, but whether it makes the ballot depends on how much money comes in from lobbying groups. Hemond thinks a dark horse could be Voters Not Politicians, which proposes amending the Michigan Constitution to create an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. But they’re proposing eight pages of changes to the Constitution that has to be reduced to 100 words for the ballot, so Hemond is skeptical that they’ll be successful.
Moderator: In the governor’s race, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer just got endorsements from Mike Duggan, AFSCME, and other labor unions. With snowballing support, is her nomination a slam dunk?
Lawler says Whitmer has the ability to galvanize traditional support. Other candidates are pushing the boundary.
Moderator: Shri Thanedar has spent a lot of money on media. Does he have a shot?
Hemond says NO! In Democratic politics, connections to traditional Democratic endorsers is important. Plus, Thanedar and El-Sayed are competing for the same voters.
Moderator: Other big name politicians were considering running for governor. Why didn’t they?
Oosting says Whitmer announces her candidacy so early, is has held other bit names out of the competition. Does she have the enthusiasm to get a big turnout? The UAW and others fear she might be able to beat Schuette just barely, not a strong candidate.
Moderator: On the Republican side, Bill Schuette has a double-digit lead, but the governor is endorsing Calley.
Oosting says the governor is a prolific fundraiser, and that will be beneficial to Calley. As for Schuette, Hemond says he has a national fundraising base and he he’s really good at politics. “He might as well have been grown in a laboratory to run for office.”
It’s going to be an interesting election year!