It’s the 59th episode of Michigan’s Premier Progressive Podcast!
My returning guest this week is Michigan Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela from the 26th House District. We talk about his plans to thwart the state’s two main utility companies–DTE & Consumers Energy–from using dark money to influence Lansing, especially at a time when Michiganders want our lawmakers to hold them accountable. We also discuss corporate welfare, the continuing UAW strike, and his push for what he calls “compassion economics.”
My opening segment deals with how the U.S. House is still without a Speaker thanks to Republican incompetence, and how the GOP’s battle to have Congressman Jim Jordan as the next Speaker is completely on-brand for today’s Republican Party. And I remind you that when it comes to the GOP, it’s always projection with them. In the meantime, Michigan Democrats continue to pass legislation designed to help people, and to help this state!
My “Last Call” details what steps I believe Democrats in the U.S. House could play hardball to get Republicans to make concessions in exchange for helping them elect a House Speaker.
Let me know what you think!
Email me: leftoflansing@gmail.com
—Pat
SHOW NOTES:
“I won’t take contributions from DTE, Consumers. Michigan politicians shouldn’t, either. | Opinion.” By Democratic State Rep. Dylan Wegela from The Detroit Free Press
“Michigan Legislature Must Hold Big Utilities Accountable.” By Clean Water Action Michigan
“Maine Tries to Take Back Its Utilities.” By Lee Harris in The American Prospect
“Ford pausing construction of Michigan battery plant amid contract talks with auto workers union.” By Tom Krisher of The Associated Press (via WoodTV.com)
482 Forward–“coalition creating a Detroit where student graduates ready to become a fully engaged participant in the world…”
“Dems target energy costs and reliability with battery storage and solar energy rebates.” By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance
“Majority of Michiganders Support Clean Energy Proposals in What’s Next Address.” By Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Office
“Michigan Senate passes domestic violence gun legislation.” By Colin Jackson of Michigan Public Radio Network
“Column: Decarbonizing Michigan’s economy will also improve water quality.” By Stanley “Skip” Pruss of For Love of Water in Michigan Advance
“Domestic violence may be getting more deadly in Michigan.” By Anna Gustafson of Michigan Advance
“Michigan Senate Floor Passes Legislation To Help Keep Guns Out Of The Hands Of Domestic Abusers During Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” By Moms Demand Action
“Ex-speaker Dennis Hastert released from federal prison.” By Aamer Medhani of USA Today
“Report: Chatfield under investigation for connection to ‘criminal enterprise.‘” By Andrew Birkle & Kiyerra Lake of WLNS.com
“FBI: Former Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson took $100k+ in bribes.” By Andrew Birkle of The Associated Press (via WLNS.com)
“GOP’s Jim Jordan fails again on vote for House speaker as frustrated Republicans search for options.” By Lisa Mascaro, Farnoush Amari, and Stephen Groves of The Associated Press
“Advocates call on Congress to pass child tax credit expansion before the end of year.” By Allison R. Donahue of Michigan Advance
“Federal aid led to poverty rates dropping in Michigan during pandemic, MLPP reports.” By Anna Liz Nichols of Michigan Advance
Photo courtesy of Rep. Wegela’s office
