Topping the political news this week: the Governor delivers a populist State of the State message, with Democrats in the Legislature cheering repeatedly and Republican members sitting on their hands – even to the point of not cheering a proposal to help young children, or throwing shade at Ohio and Indiana. Mark and Jeff analyze the Governor’s address, and talk legislative priorities with the first woman to serve as Senate Majority Leader, Grand Rapids Senator Winnie Brinks.

Also this week: in what’s becoming our weekly Republicans in Trouble segment, Macomb Prosecutor Pete Lucido has done it again – this time quoting the GOAT of insurrectionists, Gen. Robert E. Lee, and being targeted in another lawsuit alleging official misconduct. And there’s a lot happening in both the state and national Republican Party leadership that pits the ultra-MAGAs against less extreme MAGAs.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks has the historic distinction of being the first woman to ever hold this position in the Michigan Senate, as well as being the first woman to represent Grand Rapids in the Michigan Senate in more than 100 years. Her legislative focus has been on clean drinking water in Michigan and has worked tirelessly on efforts to reduce the prevalence of toxic PFAS chemicals in it. Her other policy passions have included improving equity in maternal health care, reproductive rights, reducing prescription drug costs, and helping uplift local communities and organizations.

Before being elected to the state House (where she served two terms) Brinks was a caseworker at The Source, helping businesses and nonprofits improve workplaces and retain employees. She also worked as the director of a community-based corrections agency and as a school paraprofessional. She is a graduate of Calvin College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a concentration in sociology.

State of the State

Whitmer in State of the State calls for tax cuts, gun safety

5 takeaways from Michigan Gov. Whitmer's State of the State speech

Gretchen Whitmer State of the State: Tax cuts, gun reform, expand pre-K

State of the State: Whitmer urges 'immediate' tax relief, gun reforms

Michigan Democrats move to strike abortion ban references from state law

Michigan revenue surplus balloons to $9.2B as 'mild recession' looms

Also this week

Calley and El-Sayed rule out Senate campaigns, McMorrow stays mum

Slotkin preps Senate run after winning tough reelection bid | AP News

In Michigan, Democratic women are rising. Now some are weighing a Senate run. - The Washington Post

Trump endorses DePerno in race for Michigan Republican Party chair

Michigan Senate OKs earlier presidential primary, to dismay of GOP

Bitter RNC chair race roiled by questions of Trump loyalty - The Washington Post

Ex-assistant prosecutor accuses Lucido of retaliation, sues under whistleblower law

Macomb Prosecutor Lucido apologizes for post quoting Robert E. Lee

Pete Lucido lands in hot seat again over allegations of racism, sexism

Dems vote to give states more time on new primary calendar | AP News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer open to charging tolls on Michigan roads

Highway tolls could raise $1B to fix Michigan roads, study finds. Is it time?

Report: Electric vehicle sales could cost Michigan roads $500M by 2030

Right-to-Work repeal just a start: Michigan Democrats eye pro-worker agenda

Historic fight brewing over repeal of Michigan's 'right-to-work' law

Susan J. Demas: Michigan Democrats can’t buckle on repealing Right to Work

Michigan GOP to Democrats: Don’t mess with income tax rollback

Michigan Democrats aim to tighten environment regs, reduce industry control