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: Michigan Republicans
What Happened To Compassionate Conservatism?
You’ll recall that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the state would no longer fund adoption agencies that discriminate against same sex couples and LGBTQ individuals based on religious principles. The gerrymandered Republican majority passed a law in 2015 that allowed adoption agencies to discriminate. Nessel, though, found a way to neutralize that law. A…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode 21: Democratic State Rep. Jon Hoadley
The latest Left of Lansing podcast is posted! I’m thrilled to have Michigan Democratic state Representative Jon Hoadley from Kalamazoo. Rep. Hoadley is running for Congress and hopes to defeat longtime Republican incumbent Fred Upton. Rep. Hoadley has been a strong progressive voice in the Michigan state House, and now wants to add his voice…
Left of Lansing Podcast Episode 20: Emily Durbin from Moms Demand Action–Michigan
After a three week hiatus, I’m back with the 20th episode of the Left of Lansing Podcast! This week, we talk gun violence after the horrific mass shooting events last weekend in El Paso and Dayton. Pat begins by explaining why the right wing always wants to blame “mental illness” whenever a white male–or, more…
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–Episode 18: Sharon Dolente from ACLU of Michigan
The 18th episode of the Left of Lansing podcast is posted! I really enjoyed my talk with Sharon Dolente, who is the Voting Rights Strategist with the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. She played a key role in helping get the Promote The Vote initiative on the 2018 ballot, which won by an overwhelming…
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…
Michigan Conservatives’ Hope Stall Tactic On Roads Will Stifle Progressive Policies–And Voter Enthusiasm
The Huffington Posts’ Jonathan Cohn wrote an expose on Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s dilemma of trying to fix the state’s “damn roads” in today’s political climate. It’s a climate conservatives have owned for decades, thanks in-part to corporate media playing willing accomplices in pushing the conservative “no tax” mantra. Conservatives have also enjoyed owning…
