Road repair

The cannabis business in Washtenaw County has been rather robust since the legalization of recreational use. Now, the state is putting an additional 24% tax to help fund road repair and construction. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre spoke with Mike DiLaura about potential business impacts in Washtenaw County. Mike is the Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel at House of Dank, which has stores in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

The state is defending the new Michigan marijuana tax in court filings, arguing it is constitutional and it does not conflict with a voter-approved law that legalized recreational cannabis. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer stopped in Macomb County Monday to ceremonially sign a road funding bill that became law last week. Colin Jackson has more.

Marijuana businesses are filing lawsuits to try to stop a new wholesale cannabis tax from taking effect in January. The tax is part of a roads funding plan that’s part of the new state budget that was just signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Rick Pluta reports.

An experimental project in Washtenaw County has the potential to change the way road repair and resurfacing are carried out. The pilot project in Pittsfield Township uses a hot-mix asphalt that incorporates ground tire rubber. A study is underway to determine if it is not only better for the environment but more sustainable and resilient as a paving practice. The project is a collaboration between the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan Tech University and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Learn more in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Tech transportation engineering professor Dr. Zhanping You.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a budget Tuesday totaling $80 billion for K-12 schools, higher education, and state government spending. Rick Pluta reports.

The co-author of Michigan’s original recreational cannabis initiative is blasting the state’s tax hike on marijuana sales. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

More than two days past the deadline, the Michigan Legislature met into the early morning to finally approve a bipartisan $80 billion budget for the new fiscal year. Rick Pluta reports.

A billion-dollar plan to fund road repairs in Michigan is heading to the governor after passing the state Legislature early this morning. Colin Jackson has more.

Saline residents will decide this fall if they want to renew their street millage and approve a pair of charter amendments. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.