With Democratic control, Michigan’s governor pushes for health care and climate change laws

By JOEY CAPPELLETI
Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is outlining her policy priorities for the second half of the year. In a speech Wednesday the Democrat called for paid family and medical leave, a 100% clean energy standard, and the codification of federal health care protections. The Michigan Legislature is expected to return on Sept. 5 after a two-month break. Democrats with majorities in both houses have passed several bills in the first half of the year, including a gun safety package and the repeal of a law that reduced the power of unions. Republicans criticized Whitmer’s speech for focusing on politics instead of the tornadoes that hit Michigan days ago.