The “Friday Short” puts a spotlight on Michigan Republican Congressman John Moolenaar’s hypocrisy when it comes to the proposed Gotion electric battery plant in Big Rapids. Moolenaar hopped-aboard the right wing xenophobia bandwagon since Gotion’s parent company is from China. Yet, Moolenaar never once uttered a word of skepticism over other Chinese companies which set-up…
Tag: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Episode 50: Mi Right To Read w/ Debbie Mikula of Michigan Libraries Association
Episode 50 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Pat Johnston talks with Debbie Mikula from the Michigan Libraries Association about the MI To Read campaign.
Episode 49: Fighting To Close Line 5 w/ Sean McBrearty of Oil & Water Don’t Mix
It’s the 49th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I celebrate Ohio’s decision to hand the state Republican party a humiliating defeat at the polls this week, when voters rejected the GOP’s efforts to raise the threshold to pass a state referendum from 50-to-60%. Ohio Republicans were hoping to hurt the chances of enshrining abortion…
Episode 48: Progress Michigan’s Jade Gray on Connecting With Gen Z Voters
Here’s Episode 48 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Happy Indictment Week III! I had so many words and thoughts to share as Donald Trump faces his third indictment this week. He’s finally been charged for the role he played for the January 6th insurrection in an effort to steal the 2020 election. Despite getting indicted…
Left of Lansing Short: MI Democrats Ban Degrading Conversion Therapy
Michigan Democrats, with the help of pro LGBTQ+ groups, passed a bill which Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law, banning the degrading and hateful practice of conversion therapy. In just a few short months after gaining power, Democrats have passed bills expanding LGBTQ+ rights, and also adding more protections. It’s another example of how progressive…
Episode 47: Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on Gotion Controversy
Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast with Pat Johnston. Pat talks with Anna Gustafson from Michigan Advance on the Gotion electric vehicle battery plant controversy in Big Rapids, MI.
Episode 46: Sam Inglot of Progress Michigan on GOP’s moral and ethical rot
Here’s the 46th episode of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! I start-out this week talking about taking the battle to the right wing forces in our state. I illustrated why state Senator Mallory McMorrow’s “We will not let hate win,” speech went viral. It resonated with millions across the country because McMorrow did what so many…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 45: A New-New Deal Democrat with State Rep. Betsy Coffia
Here’s the 45th installment of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia from the 103rd District joins me this week. Rep. Coffia’s district contains Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Benzie Counties. She’s been a journalist, a social worker, and a Grand Traverse County commissioner. And now, she’s in Lansing trying to make a difference…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 44: Charlotte Jameson of The Michigan Environmental Council On A Cleaner & Affordable State
Here’s episode 44 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast! Strong progressive policies continue to not only get introduced, but continue to pass in the state legislature as we witnessed with the expansion of the Hate Crimes Law. The Democratic majority passed a historic budget last week, and I highlight how they not only spent time and…
Left of Lansing Podcast–Episode 43: Derrell Slaughter with the NRDC on Historic Clean Energy & Climate Change Bills
Progressive changes continue in our state thanks to the Democratic majority in the state legislature as both the general and education budgets passed this week. These budgets provide significant funding boosts for K-12 spending, including more per-pupil funding and universal free breakfast and lunch. And the general budget provides more funding for roads, infrastructure, health…