How Michigan became the progressive powerhouse of the Midwest

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Susan J. Demas: How Michigan became the progressive powerhouse of the Midwest
LGBTQ+ equality, abortion rights, climate change policy, voting rights, education investment, gun reforms, unions on the march — the Mitten State has it all

SUSAN J. DEMAS
DECEMBER 4, 2023 3:06 AM


(Michigan Advance) For years, Michigan was a national laughingstock, as bad news stalked the state like the villain in a bad ‘80s horror film.

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And then there was the Flint water crisis, the crown jewel of GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder’s dismal, eight-year tenure, as the state’s effort to save a few bucks in a city the administration didn’t care about resulted in Flint residents, particularly children, paying the ultimate price with their health.

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But today, Michigan is known as the anti-Florida (thanks to some savvy marketing from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer), a veritable liberaltopia in the Midwest, which is expected to play a vital role, yet again, in picking the president next year.

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“But … turns out they were waiting for us. They were waiting for a Legislature with the courage to stand up to hate and stand up for equality. They were waiting for members of our own community to tell our story in the chambers of the State Capitol. And they were waiting for a governor like Gretchen Whitmer to sign [this bill].” .................(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/2023/12/04/susan-j-demas-how-michigan-became-the-progressive-powerhouse-of-the-midwest/