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217 episodi
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Michigan in Focus America's Talking Network
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- News
The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Michigan from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support
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SOAR Struggles to Take Flight Amid House Republicans’ Criticism
SOAR is taking a fall against House Republican scrutiny, with numerous amendments preventing the package from leaving the House Economic Development Committee. The Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund, first introduced in 2021 as a means of keeping business in Michigan, has faced recent backlash from both sides of the aisle for its high spending and lack of results. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is looking to right these wrongs with a rebranding of SOAR to the Make it in Michigan Fund, which would use $250 million toward “community investments.” Some Democrats want more extensive changes, as seen with pending House bills 5768-5770, which focus on public transport, housing, and an additional mobility trust fund.
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Michigan Offers Money for Dairy Farms Blighted by Bird Flu
Michigan farms affected by the rise in bird flu cases are now eligible for financial assistance but at a cost. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has determined 20 Michigan dairy farms are eligible for up to $28,000 each, so long as they assist in researching the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Since first detected in March, 24 cow herds have been infected, alongside three Michigan farmers, making it the state with the highest cattle and human cases in the country.
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Bipartisan Effort Fights Against Real Estate Deed Fraud
Two bills looking to fight against deed fraud have passed the Michigan House with bipartisan support. If successful in a Senate vote, HB 5598 and 5599 would enforce a new 10-year felony for anyone who tries to falsify information on a property deed, such as ownership or a forged signature. The bills would also allow registrar employees to submit fraudulent documents to a county prosecutor for analysis.
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GOP Celebrates Court Decision Regarding Voter Signature Verification
In what Republicans are calling a win for election integrity, the Michigan Court of Claims ruled election clerks cannot initially presume voter signatures are valid. The decision struck down Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s second attempt in 2023 to adjust signature verification requirements, even after the court ruled in 2021 that those changes were invalid. The December 2023 guidance manual issued by Benson to help polling clerks stated “voter signatures are entitled to an initial presumption of validity.”
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Whitmer Requests FEMA Assistance Following May Tornadoes
Southwestern Michigan impacted by recent storms might be given a federal disaster declaration. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants President Joe Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for four Michigan counties after the multiple tornadoes earlier this month. While Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties have all received state disaster support, and preliminary estimates suggest a need for federal financial assistance.
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Freedom Caucus Demands Action on Illegal Immigration
A small group of Michigan lawmakers want to crack down on illegal immigration. The Michigan House Freedom Caucus introduced a five-bill package and a resolution recently seeking to criminalize inaction on illegal immigration. State Reps. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix; Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers; Matt Maddock, R-Milford and James DeSana, R-Ash Township announced the package.