On the first day of his new job, Budget Director Chris Harkins talks about his transition into the new role and the spending of roughly $11 billion in unallocated money (42:23). Steve Linder of the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturers Association tries to keep the focus on the issue of regulating medical caregivers and not on death threats he said he's received (24:07). Ed Sarpolus of Target Insyght says the Black community has a legitimate legal case against the Citizens Redistricting Commission for arguably not creating proper majority minority districts (7:21). And is Benton Harbor Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Flint?  Andrea Bitely of Truscott Rosssman, who has experience on lead water issues, answers that (00:42).

MIRSnews.com Monday

MIRS Monday, Oct. 18, 2021

Former Sen. Buzz Thomas of Thomas Group Consulting talks about a serious issue he sees with the state House and Senate redistricting maps (17:39). Sen. Jeff Irwin talks medical marijuana, voting, dyslexia and more (35:17). And the heir apparent owners at Martin Waymire -- Andie Poole, Josh Hovey and Angela Minicuci talk about medical marijuana caregivers' messaging mishap and the challenge of reaching those last 30% of non-COVID vaccinated residents.

MIRS Monday, Oct. 11, 2021

Rep. Ryan Berman makes the case as to why he's the Republican best suited to defeat Attorney General Dana Nessel next year. Emily Mellits from the Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools talks about her organization's efforts. The Governor vetoes election-related legislation and MIRS discusses the slowly budding field of GOP Secretary of State candidates in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Oct. 4, 2021

The MIRS team breaks down the Michigan Republican Party's biennial leadership convention with Editor Kyle Melinn and Rodericka Applewhaite, spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party. Also, interviews with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (21:50), gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon (38:41), attorney general candidate Tom Leonard (49:53), House Speaker Jason Wentworth (1:00:34) and Chesterfield Twp. Clerk Cindy Berry (1:13:36).

MIRS Monday, Sept. 27, 2021

Was he concerned about Chief James Craig's safety at last week's campaign rollout? John Yob, senior consultant for the Republican gubernatorial candidate, answers. Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest and John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs talk about the secretive budget process and whether GOP Attorney General candidate Matt DePerno and Secretary of State candidate Kristina Karamo wrapped up their respective nominations with the Trump endorsement. And what's the next step for Planned Parenthood in Michigan if Roe v. Wade is overturned? Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications and marketing for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, responds.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 20, 2021

Genevieve Marnon of Right to Life (37:52) talks about the next steps for the anti-abortion movement, Brad Williams from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce (20:54) talks Mackinac Conference and vaccine mandates, and Lonnie Scott of Progress Michigan talks redistricting and polling in this week's episode. 

MIRS Monday, Sept. 13, 2021

Now may be the "Golden Age" for the construction industry in Michigan with the Enbridge Tunnel, Hudson Tower, Gordie Howe Bridge and Soo Locks projects in the pipeline. Are there enough workers to do the job? Patrick Devlin, Secretary/Treasurer of the Michigan Building Trades Council answers this among other questons. What are the top issues the MIRS team is looking forward to covering in the fall legislative session and how much would you pay to get to the top of the Mackinac Bridge? Travel writer Ryan Kazmirzack makes the case on how touring the top of the Mighty Mac could be a revenue opportunity for the state.

MIRS Monday, Sept. 6, 2021

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer walks the tight rope on mandatory masks in schools. Republican gubernatorial candidate James Craig kicks off his media access by talking inside a glass room with folks who are not media. Where does public safety and crime fit into the public discussion? Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing) (39:59), Rep. Graham Filler (R-DeWitt) (23:35) and southeast Michigan commentator Karen Dumas toss around these and other subjects with the MIRS team in this week's edition.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 30, 2021

What does Republican Ottawa County Clerk Justin Roebuck think about running for Secretary of State? Forensic audits? Dominion software? (17:19). Could wearing masks indoors be part of a long-term culture change we all need to get used to? Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) talks about that and the devastation he saw cleaning out flooded basements in Dearborn. And Rep. Beau LaFave talks about Afghanistan, Sen. Ed McBroom's political future, eating a pasty with gravy or ketchup, and more (38:01).

MIRS Monday, Aug. 23, 2021

Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Department of Health and Human Services Department, is "not taking any tools off the table" when responding to COVID-19 in the future. The Director also addresses "natural immunity" and the state's role in combating the virus. Also, state Board of Education Member Tom McMillin explains why he equates ordering a child to wear a mask in school to child abuse.  And Truscott Rossman team of Andrea Bitely and Josh Pugh talk the new Republican endorsement convention, James Craig and more.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 16, 2021

Instead of talking of COVID in weeks and months, Dr. Joel Fishbain, the medical director for infection prevention at Beaumont Hospital, suggested -- long-term -- we could be talking years and decades with the various COVID variants emerging (33:34).  Lansing Mayor Andy Schor (19:11) overcame protests outside his door last summer to win a six-way primary for re-election last week with 49% of the vote.  And to what extent do the Republican gubernatorial candidates have potential crises from their pasts that could impact their future? Sara Wurfel of Truscott Rossman addresses situations James Craig, Garrett Soldano and Kevin Rinke may be facing.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Delta Twp.) remembers the late former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. Proposal P is the talk of Detroit. Whose political fortunes would take a hit if it wins? Whose political fortunes falters if it fails? Former Sen. Virgil Smith of VKS Consulting discusses this and other races on Detroit's ballot while the MIRS team breaks down what's on the ballot across the state Tuesday.

MIRS Monday, Aug. 2, 2020

Attorney Mark Brewer urges critics to cut the independent redistricting commission some slack. Former Speaker Jase Bolger talks about Betsy DeVos and how prolonged leadership races can be good for a caucus (23:10). Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) talks about his leadership bid, fundraising and finding "fecal matter" in more flooded Southeast Michigan basements (42:58).

MIRS Monday, July 26, 2021

What's Majority Leader Mike Shirkey's definition of "RINO" now that he's being called a Republican in Name Only for sticking up for the Sen. Ed McBroom report that found no evidence of widespread fraud? Rep. Alex Garza (D-Taylor) talks about why voter interest is high in his city this summer. And Tori Sachs from the Freedom Fund talks with the MIRS team about the Redistricting Commission failing to get a quorum, Unlock Michigan 2 and the future of the Fair and Equal Michigan ballot question.

MIRS Monday, July 19, 2021

Rep. Andrew Fink talks on limiting executive branch powers and being approached to run for House GOP leader next term. Rep. Joe Tate talks about the 1,000-year flood in his Detroit/Pointes district and former MIGOP Chair Susy Avery from the Michigan Political Leadership Program talks with the MIRS team on former President Donald Trump's recent swipe at the Senate Republicans as being "RINOs."

MIRS Monday, July 12, 2021

Weekly news and analysis of Michigan politics by the professional journalists of MIRSnews.com

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MIRSnews.com Monday

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