Jeff Irwin

During last night's debate for US Senate, a question was asked about what candidates would do about social security. How would we maintain full benefits given the impending 2032 fiscal cliff? If congress doesnt do something, benefits will be cut. Abdul El-Sayed gave the obvious and correct answer.

All we have to do is "scrap the cap." Or, in other words, eliminate the cap that caps what very high earners contribute. Mike Rogers on the other hand, avoided the question and gave a political non-answer about forming a committee and stopping fraud.

Michigan has a dam problem. We have loads of dams that are in disrepair, clogging our river habitats and draining local governments of money that could be spent on anything else. That's why MI is allocating $ for dam safety and passing dam safety legislation: 1/2 bridgemi.com/michigan-env...

How did Michigan give $50 million of our dollars to a new, Canadian mining company to extract copper from the Porcupine Mountains*, near the shore of Lake Superior, without approval from the legislature? 1/

There is no good reason to subsidize this business. *: the proposal is to mine from a parcel immediately adjacent to the Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area and to mine under the state park as well as on the adjacent land. Protect The Porkies has more details. 7/7

How did Michigan give $50 million of our dollars to a new, Canadian mining company to extract copper from the Porcupine Mountains*, near the shore of Lake Superior, without approval from the legislature? 1/

A chips manufacturing plant would also be likely to bring other advanced manufacturing jobs and maybe research and development opportunities for people and businesses in Michigan. 5/

How did Michigan give $50 million of our dollars to a new, Canadian mining company to extract copper from the Porcupine Mountains*, near the shore of Lake Superior, without approval from the legislature? 1/

It is also simply a bad project for public funds. That's why the project couldn't get support through the normal process. Legislators like me, who are reluctant to give taxpayer money to private businesses, want to see a real and obvious benefit to the public for projects like this. 3/

How did Michigan give $50 million of our dollars to a new, Canadian mining company to extract copper from the Porcupine Mountains*, near the shore of Lake Superior, without approval from the legislature? 1/

Michigan has the worst protections in the nation for people facing collection for unsecured debt. More of your income is taken, nothing in your bank account is protected, and debt collectors can even take your earned income tax credit (money the state sends to the lowest-income workers). 1/

Two years ago, we passed legislation to align our protections with those in neighboring states. Unfortunately, Michigan House Republicans illegally withheld the bill and would not send it to the Governor (as required by article 4, section 33).

I am excited that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer just signed Senate Bills 585-586 into law, legislation to strengthen and protect the rights of individuals placed in guardianships. meji.org/news/meji-ce... www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?O...

Now that my friend and colleague, Sen McMorrow, has ended her campaign for US Senate, I am endorsing Abdul El Sayed. Here's why: Abdul El Sayed speaks clearly and directly to the needs of people. 1/

This will save Americans money and save American lives. Universal health coverage, or “Medicare for All” will drive down costs, increase access, and improve health outcomes. In the USA, we have an extremely expensive, broken system. 3/

Now that my friend and colleague, Sen McMorrow, has ended her campaign for US Senate, I am endorsing Abdul El Sayed. Here's why: Abdul El Sayed speaks clearly and directly to the needs of people. 1/

Bad news for Michigan. Governor Whitmer and Michigan House Republicans teamed up to deliver a massive blow to teachers, public safety officers, corrections officers, and all public employees. 1/ www.freep.com/story/news/p...

Finally. The courts finally ruled on a time-sensitive case to determine if the Michigan House Republicans had to follow the Constitution Art 4, Sec 33. MI House Republicans violated the state Constitution to withhold bills that passed both chambers in what amounted to a veto from the House Clerk.

3) Teachers, public safety, or other public employees will be able to bargain for lower health insurance costs (or not if there is a veto). 4) the Charles Wright museum will be allowed to seek support from the voters (or not if there is a veto).

Finally. The courts finally ruled on a time-sensitive case to determine if the Michigan House Republicans had to follow the Constitution Art 4, Sec 33. MI House Republicans violated the state Constitution to withhold bills that passed both chambers in what amounted to a veto from the House Clerk.

1) Michigan has, currently, the worst protections for people with credit card or other consumer debt. Bills passed to bring Michigan into alignment with national averages and to protect public benefits like the EITC from garnishment by debt buyers and debt collectors (or not if vetoed).

Finally. The courts finally ruled on a time-sensitive case to determine if the Michigan House Republicans had to follow the Constitution Art 4, Sec 33. MI House Republicans violated the state Constitution to withhold bills that passed both chambers in what amounted to a veto from the House Clerk.

Michigan budget update, continued: Universities and Community Colleges The 2027 budget brings a small increase in funding to anchor institutions in Washtenaw like Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and the University of Michigan. For WCC, the budget provides a 1.4% increase.

This budget: ✅️ Continues the Community College Guarantee, covering all tuition for qualifying students ✅️ Funds Michigan Achievement Scholarship, providing up to $5,500 per year for students attending a university

Michigan budget update, continued: Universities and Community Colleges The 2027 budget brings a small increase in funding to anchor institutions in Washtenaw like Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and the University of Michigan. For WCC, the budget provides a 1.4% increase.

The bottom line for EMU and U of M is a 1% increase to base operations (the budget reflects a "one-time 4% increase," but, after last year's 3% one-time increase is backed out, the net result is a 1% increase).

While the housing crisis looks different in different corners of Michigan, people across the state are struggling to find affordable housing. That's why we just passed a new program to build and rehab affordable housing in Michigan. 1/2 www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2...

The Supreme Court ruled to allow more money in politics and more partisan politics in government. Here's how: First, the court reversed recent precedent to allow political parties and big donors to avoid anti-corruption and transparency laws governing campaigns. 1/x

Interestingly, the Court protected the Federal Reserve from partisan interference while they subjected other federal agencies to greater political control. (Here is a longer description of the corruption and damage caused by having federal agencies act as political tools: hbr.org/2026/06/the-...) 4/

The Supreme Court ruled to allow more money in politics and more partisan politics in government. Here's how: First, the court reversed recent precedent to allow political parties and big donors to avoid anti-corruption and transparency laws governing campaigns. 1/x

This change increases the power of political parties and big donors. Big donors can now use political parties to get around contribution limits by, for instance, paying for campaign staff or materials through the parties (thereby providing another route for contributions that are not disclosed). 2/

The Michigan Senate just passed legislation to prevent price gouging during states of emergency. These bills, SBs 1041-1043 prohibit large and unjustified price increases during a declared state of emergency. The bills affect hotels and lodging, emergency services, & energy products like gas. 1/2