The State of Politics

Michigan State University interim president John Engler is facing fallout from e-mails he sent regarding the Larry Nassar scandal.  A new redistricting proposal is heading to the November ballot.  Plus, Planned Parenthood is facing major cuts due to the next state budget.  WEMU's David Fair and the Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta discuss these issues in this week's "The State of Politics."

Government officials, gubernatorial candidates, and business and industry leaders have spent the week on Mackinac Island.  Through the week, some policy decisions have been made and, as we head toward mid-term elections, some issues are taking definitive shape.  Rick Pluta has been covering the Regional Chamber Conference on the island and joins WEMU's David Fair for a look back at the week and a look ahead to what's to come. 

A petition drive aimed at ending gerrymandering in Michigan has turned in it's signatures but, for now, it remains in flux.  We now know how the legislature wants to spend a $315-million dollar windfall in the new state budget.  Those are just a few of the topics covered in 89.1 WEMU's 'The State of Politics' this week. 

The State of Michigan gets a $315-million dollar windfall.  That money will be used in a budget that should be finalized in early June.  Working out the sticking points on Medicaid reform may take much longer.  Those are just two of the topics covered in 89.1 WEMU's 'The State of Politics." 

The state Board of Canvassers has approved the petition signatures for the November referendum, the August primary ballot for state offices are set, and the Legislature is closer to passing a budget for the coming fiscal year.  WEMU's David Fair discusses all of these issues with MPRN's Rick Pluta in this week's edition of, "The State of Politics." 

School safety measures are being debated in Lansing as students grow more vocal in demanding protections from gun violence.  And the race to become Michigan's next governor is heating up in both the Republican and Democratic parties.  Get an insider's look and the latest information in this week's edition of 89.1 WEMU's new feature, 'The State of Politics.' 

For more than two decades, Rick Pluta has been covering Michigan politics in Lansing as chief correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.  He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening at levels of state government.  Now, he'll regularly share his expertise with you in 89.1 WEMU's new feature, 'The State of Politics." 

For more than two decades, Rick Pluta has been covering Michigan politics in Lansing as chief correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.  He has his finger on the pulse of what is happening at levels of state government.  Now, he'll regularly share his expertise with you in 89.1 WEMU's new feature, 'The State of Politics."