Episode 52 of Michigan’s premier progressive podcast is a little longer than normal, but well worth the listen!
I take DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to task for failing to keep the lights on after storms rolled through the state. Despite keeping hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark, both energy companies are asking government officials to give the green light on more rate hikes! Perhaps this is the time we finally pass a clean energy bill to revamp the failing energy grid while lowering energy costs. I also discuss more right wing violence happening across the country, how we should expect more of it. And I talk more Ottawa Impact shenanigans as the right wing majority is gutting the Ottawa County Department of Health to pre-pandemic levels! Insanity!
But we’ve got some strong progressives who are delivering results to each and every Michigander. One of them is Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans of the 47th District, which comprises of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. Rep. Rheingans is part of the Democratic majority which has been busy reversing years of Republican mismanagement. She discusses the need for climate change policies, the frustration at DTE and Consumers Energy, her plans to create a single-payer health care plan called MiCare, her support for the state to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, and allowing college athletes to unionize.
The “Last Call” applauds Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s calls to codify some important parts of Obamacare, but how I want to fight for Rep. Rheingans’ MiCare plan so we can provide health care protections for ALL Michiganders, while providing major cost savings for everyone.
Please, give the podcast a great review!
leftoflansing@gmail.com
SHOW NOTES:
Democratic State Representative Carrie Rheingans
Ballotpedia info on State Rep. Carrie Rheingans
“Rheingans to host town halls after reintroducing public health care legislation.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“Rheingans announces legislation aimed at reducing prescription costs for Michiganders.” By Lily Guiney of Michigan Advance
“2023 Scorecard on State Health System Scorecard.” from The Commonwealth Fund
Michigan For Single Payer Health Care
“College athletes unionized? This Michigan Democrat wants to make it happen.” By Yue Stella Yu of Bridge Magazine
Michigan Football Head Coach Jim Harbaugh statement calling for revenue sharing.
“Michigan could join states in the national popular vote compact. So what would that mean?” By Jon King of Michigan Advance
“Lawmakers revive bipartisan community solar efforts as Dems work toward clean energy goals.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“Michigan reps to DTE Energy CEO: Why do you deserve $10M in pay?” By Janelle D. James of Bridge Magazine
“Rep. Maddock’s comments about a civil war aren’t just irresponsible – they’re dangerous | Opinion.” By John Lindstrom of The Detroit Free Press
“10 drugs targeted for Medicare price negotiations as Biden pitches cost reductions.” By Tom Murphy, Amanda Seitz, and Chris Megerian of Associated Press
“Severe storms are Michigan’s ‘new normal’ and our infrastructure can’t take it.” By Keith Matheny of The Detroit Free Press
“7 tornadoes confirmed as Michigan storms down trees and power lines; 5 people killed.” By Mike Householder and Corey Williams of Associated Press
“Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call on Democrats to codify ‘Obamacare’ into state law.” By Joey Cappelletti of Associated Press
“Moss, Gibbs and Hambley square off over health department budget cuts.” By Sarah Leach of The Holland Sentinel
“Michigan House bill would allow college athletes to unionize, at an unknown cost.” By Will Young of the Mackinac Center For Public Policy’s Mich-Con.
“Amid Michigan’s water infrastructure woes, lawmakers renew push for a state septic code.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
Distill Social tweet of Marian Sheridan’s Mug Shot
