Road repair

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.

The Michigan Senate passed a resolution Monday aimed at budget transparency as part of a dash for the Legislature to wrap up a budget deal before the new fiscal year begins Wednesday. Colin Jackson and Rick Pluta have more in this joint report.

Cannabis industry supporters are heading to Lansing on Tuesday opposing a proposed doubling of the state marijuana tax. Ann Arbor State Senator Jeff Irwin says its passage could devastate the cannabis industry. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor State Representative Jason Morgan says he’s happy to see a budget deal has been agreed to but still needs to see the details before giving his final approval. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.