I’m calling it right now. Republicans will get a budget passed without a road funding measure. The Michigan Republican leadership is working on passing a bunch of budget bills without road funding, hoping Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer will cave. I have hope she won’t cave. Whitmer professed to being a fighter in the campaign,…
Tag: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Left of Lansing Podcast: Episode 22–Pat Explains How Koch-Devos Have Failed Everyone
This week’s Left of Lansing Podcast has been posted! I go solo this week, and I use David Koch’s death to describe how Koch-Devos policies have failed everyone! The Koch Brothers and the Devos family have pressed for massive tax breaks for them and their ilk while hurting the rest of the country, and the…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 19: Former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer
The 19th episode of the Left of Lansing podcast is posted! This week’s guest is former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer. During his tenure from 1995-2013, Mr. Brewer helped lead Democrats to major electoral victories, including the governorship in 2002, and the Democrats taking over the state House in 2006. Please recall, this was…
Left of Lansing Podcast #16: Julia Pulver on Auto Insurance “Reform,” & Running A Progressive Campaign In A Red District
The Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 16–is posted! This week’s guest is someone I’ve mentioned on this podcast a few times during the last couple of weeks. So, I decided, instead of always quoting her work, let’s actually have her on the podcast! Julia Pulver is an RN, a nursing consultant, political activist, a former Democratic…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode #15: Interview with Democratic State Sen. Mallory McMorrow; And Pat Has Meltdown Over The New Auto Insurance “Reform” Bill
Finally! The latest episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast is posted!!! As I just explained, a recent illness from a booster shot caused this week’s delay. This week, I talk with first-term Democratic State Senator Mallory McMorrow from Royal Oak. Senator McMorrow is the youngest member in the Michigan legislature, and she’s already illustrating…
Michigan Risks Giving Up More Than It Gains With Auto Insurance “Reform.”
To say I’m less than enthused over this new auto insurance “reform” bill is a bit of an understatement. I’m disappointed some of our Democratic legislators felt pressured to get something done for something’s sake without truly approving a bill that actually helps Michiganders. Yes, Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance is among the most expensive in…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode #14: Pat Talks About Justin Amash & Impeachment; PFAS; Vaccinations; Harriet Tubman; And How Progressives Must Fight Against Trumpism
This is the first SOLO Left of Lansing Podcast with Pat Johnston, and it’s posted! Once in awhile, I’ll reserve the microphone strictly for me because I’ve got lots on my mind when it comes to pushing the progressive fight in Michigan, and the nation. On this week’s podcast, I begin by giving an exhortation…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode 13: Eclectablog’s Chris Savage; And Michigan GOP’s War On Women
This week’s Left of Lansing podcast is posted! It’s the 13th episode!!! While I’m excited to reach the 13th episode, this has been a consequential week when it comes to the reproductive rights of Michigan women. The extreme right-wing Republican-led state legislature passed a handful of bills that bans a procedure known as Dilation &…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode 12: Susan Demas–Editor-In-Chief of Michigan Advance
The 12th episode of the Left Of Lansing Podcast is posted! Since I’ve reached a milestone–a dozen episodes–I’ve got a Michigan treasure as my guest this week. Progressive writer, and Editor-In-Chief of Michigan Advance, Susan Demas joins me to discuss Michigan politics. We cover how the establishment Lansing press rewards old conservatives viewpoints while ignoring…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode 11: Dr. April Zeoli–MSU Researcher on Gun Violence & Domestic Abuse
The 11th installment of the Left of Lansing Podcast is posted! This week, I had a few comments to say about U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr. How couldn’t I, right? I also highlight how the Michigan GOP worked behind the scenes to gerrymander its way into power for the last decade. But thanks to voting…
