Federal Government

Governor Gretchen Whitmer yesterday signed a $62.7 billion state budget as the new fiscal year begins today.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

The pandemic isn't slowing down and is expected to get worse in the fall and winter.  That increases need on a variety of fronts, but there is no sign a divided Congress will pass a relief and stimulus package anytime soon.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says she is keeping the faith that a deal will get done.  She joined WEMU's David Fair with perspective on that and other issues of concern in the federal government. 

Nineteen years ago today, four commercial airliners were hijacked and then crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and an open field in Pennsylvania.  Today, we commemorate the anniversary of these attacks amidst the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell reminisces about the attacks and discusses how the federal government is operating during the many challenges America faces today with WEMU's David Fair. 

School is resuming across the country, but financial concerns weigh heavily as the federal government has yet to vote on a new budget or coronavirus relief measure.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to express her concerns and weigh in on a number of local and national environmental issues.  

Ann Arbor Zingerman's co-owner Ari Weinzweig is part of the recently formed "Independent Restaurant Coalition" working to get a bill approved to provide financial support for restaurants struggling due to the current pandemic.

He talks with WEMU's Lisa Barry about his hopes for keeping his doors open, especially with no home football games this year in Ann Arbor, and the approach of colder weather which will impact outdoor dining, which is helping to sustain many restaurants right now.

Another police shooting of a Black man, social unrest and urgent calls for racial justice.  That has been the news playing behind the four-day Republican National Convention that concluded Thursday night.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss, among other things, her opinion of the RNC, dealing with issues of policing and race, and the possibility of a federal government shutdown. 

Washtenaw County says federal funding is needed to continue offering COVID-19 response services. 

The US Postal Service has been at the fore of national conversation this week.  Sorting machines at local offices are being dismantled, public mailboxes are being removed, and there are service delays throughout the country.  As a result, the Postmaster General is also undergoing congressional questioning.  Michigan's 12th District Congresswoman, Debbie Dingell, addressed those issues, potential of a new COVID-19 relief package, and the party conventions in a conversation with 89.1 WEMU's David Fair. 

As the pandemic continues, Congress remains divided on a number of issues.  The latest federal stimulus bill remains stalled, while President Donald Trump is issuing executive orders and threatening to defund the U.S. Postal Service.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss her perspective on these issues and the effort to find a way forward. 

The number of coronavirus cases has surpassed 4.5 million.  COVID-19 deaths now top 154,000.  At the same time, extra unemployment benefits expire today, and an expiration of moratoriums on evictions could lead to much higher levels of homelessness.  Yet, there is still no agreement in Congress on the next relief and stimulus package.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell discussed those topics and the uncertainty about the start of a new school year in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she’s aware parents, students, and teachers are anxious for details on back-to-school plans.  But, as we hear from Rick Pluta, she says there’s still too much uncertainty about how the spread of COVID-19 might affect those plans.

Congress has had a particularly eventful week.  A new federal stimulus package continues to drag in the Senate.  There has been a victory for the environment with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act.  Plus, America is feeling the loss of long-time representative and civil rights icon John Lewis.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell calls in from Washington, D.C. to discuss these developments with WEMU's David Fair.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners says state and federal aid will be essential to continue offering COVID-19 response services.  

Congress is set vote on the $3 trillion HEROES Act which, if approved, will be the largest relief package in American history.  12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell is in Washington, D.C. for today's vote.  She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the proposal, its chances of passing, and what must come next. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended her stay-at-home order through the end of May, while introducing a multi-step plan to get Michigan's economy going again.  12th District Representative Debbie Dingell expressed her optimism to WEMU for a safe start to the process while calling for more bi-partisan efforts to support those in need. 

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority is getting a boost in funding from the federal government to help cover operational costs during the coronavirus pandemic.

We get the details from WEMU’s Taylor Pinson.

Michigan State University has agreed to three years of federal oversight.  As Cheyna Roth reports, the US Department of Health and Human Services on Monday announced a resolution to a civil rights investigation.

A new bill in the state Legislature would ban the manufacturing and sale of personal care products with microbeads.  But, as Cheyna Roth reports, the small plastic beads are already banned in some products at the federal level.

This week on "In The Public Interest," our bi-weekly conversation with the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area, 89,1 WEMU's Lisa Barry talks to league member Mary Seelhorst about a bill now being considered by Congress that provides a number of protections for voters.

President Donald Trump delivered the second State of the Union address of his tenure on Tuesday night.  Michigan Democrat, Senator Gary Peters attended then joined WEMU's David Fair Wednesday morning to discuss  trade, immigration, water protections and infrastructure in the post-address Congress. 

The federal government released its National Climate Assessment in November of 2018, and it has revealed some very troubling facts about the state of climate change.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," Kris Olsson from the Ann Arbor chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby shares her thoughts on the report and some possible solutions with WEMU's Patrick Campion.

Lawmakers in Lansing are contemplating ways to help furloughed federal employees get by until the government reopens.  There are thousands of federal employees in Michigan that haven’t been paid since December.

Legislation awaiting President Trump’s signature would provide more support for people struggling with opioid addiction. 

About 50 farmers markets across Michigan are at risk of losing their ability to offer SNAP benefits, formerly food stamps, to customers. 

Governor Rick Snyder has signed a budget bill that accelerates spending on road repairs in time to help with the spring and summer construction season. 

The federal government plans to end the Clean Power Plan, and that may have negative consequences on the environment.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks to Kindra Weid, Coalition Coordinator for MI Air MI Health, about how Southeast Michigan's air quality could be impacted by this executive action.

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow says getting high speed internet to rural communities in Michigan is a priority for her.

State officials and health care providers called on Washington lawmakers to keep the state’s Medicaid expansion Monday.

The Michigan State Police is getting money for a few initiatives – including help with rape kit testing. 

This Sunday marks the 15-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States.  The events of that fateful day still inform our lives today, and in a myriad of ways.  It has certainly spawned improvements to our security here in our community.