(The Center Square) – Here are some of The Center Square’s Michigan stories with the most readership in 2023.
Six stories focus on how the state can provide affordable energy and keep the lights on in the future as it shutters coal plants at record pace and charges toward a 100% renewable energy goal by 2040.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration says renewables provided 12% of Michigan’s electricity net generation in 2022, and wind energy accounted for about two-thirds of that power.
Six stories focus on government spending and accountability. As Michigan has lost 60,000 residents since 2020, the state continually offers billion-dollar development plans to automakers that keep cutting jobs despite billions of taxpayer subsidies.
The fourth most-read story of 2023 was a TCS exclusive – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent $44,117 of the Michigan Economic Development Corp’s money on a trip to Davos to speak at the World Economic Forum.
Spending included $26,222 for hotels, $13,779 for travel, $4,000 in miscellaneous expenses, and $116.15 in meals, according to a MEDC document obtained through records requests.
The Center Square has covered the government’s growth under Whitmer since 2019, which includes five new government agencies: The Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, the Officer of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office, the Office of Rural Development, and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
The Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, housed within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, will help workers and communities displaced in the auto, construction, and energy sectors during the renewable energy transition.
A Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency report shows in fiscal year 2017-18, adjusted total appropriations equaled $55.8 billion. From fiscal year 2017-24, spending ballooned to $82 billion – a spending increase of $26 billion, or 47%.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2024 budget alone adds 899 government workers.
Michigan lawmakers OK renewable energy plan.State Investigating Horse Farm Owner After Protest.Township trustee well-positioned for big payout via Gotion deal.Whitmer spends $44,117 on Davos trip.Gotion pauses Big Rapids Battery plant after locals ask questionsWhitmer says her COVID restrictions in hindsight don’t make a lot of sense.Whitmer poised to break campaign promise if she signs right to work repeal.DTE requests a $622M rate hike, citing clean energy efforts.Michigan government grows under Whitmer,Eight Michigan lawmakers face recall attempts.House Democrats introduce plan to offer tax credits for union dues.Michigan lawmaker wants to create the 5th new agency since 2020.
