Our POLITICS + POLICY category provides users with an extensive list of articles dealing with past, present, and future issues relating to politics and policy throughout the UP.
Recently Published
The Upper Peninsula’s Tension between Infrastructure Spending and Infrastructure Needs
In her latest article, UofM Research Assistant Mia Brodeur looks at the growing infrastructure needs and spending in the Upper Peninsula, highlighting challenges in meeting demands despite federal funding, including ARPA allocations, and successful local projects in UP counties like Marquette, Menominee, and Houghton.
Budget Proposals Backtrack on State’s Recent Commitment to “At-risk” Students
In an opinion piece for Bridge Michigan, Craig Thiel examines Michigan’s proposed changes to the K-12 education budget, which could allow school districts to divert “at-risk” student funding for general expenses, potentially undermining support for low-income students with unique educational needs.
Proceed With Caution
In her latest “CLOSUP on the UP” article, Katelyn Jasmin discusses the unchanged perceptions of climate change seriousness among Michigan local officials despite increasing climate disasters, emphasizing the need for urgent action and preparation.
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Expands Veteran Care with New Specialists and Improved Access
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is expanding access to healthcare for Veterans by hiring new specialists, including its first gynecologist and gastroenterologist, and implementing gap and surrogate providers to reduce wait times.
Big Pinwheels in the Sky
According to survey data, a significant majority of UP officials oppose large-scale wind projects within their own jurisdictions. Check out this second article in the “CLOSE UP on the UP” project, a collaboration between CLOSUP, U-M’s UP Scholars Program, and Rural Insights.
