The Mitten Memo

The best way forward for Michigan’s roads.

May 10, 2015
The best way forward for Michigan’s roads.

The Mitten Memo. A blog by Nick Krieger. In the wake of the voters’ overwhelming repudiation of Proposal 1 last Tuesday, nearly everyone in Lansing is talking about a “Plan B” to fix the roads.  Some observers favor raising the gasoline tax only.  Others have discussed borrowing against or raiding restricted funds such as the Catastrophic Claims Fund or the…

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The debate over Michigan’s no-fault insurance law.

May 3, 2015

The Mitten Memo. A blog by Nick Krieger. In Michigan, all drivers must maintain no-fault automobile insurance to cover both property damage and personal injury.  Unlike other states, Michigan provides lifetime medical benefits for those who are catastrophically injured in automobile accidents.  Individual insurance companies are only required to pay personal injury benefits up to $530,000; the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association…

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Nick says he’s voting ‘no’ on Prop 1.

April 26, 2015
Nick says he’s voting ‘no’ on Prop 1.

The Mitten Memo. By Nick Krieger. The Michigan Constitution is not akin to other state laws that may be changed by the Legislature at will.  It is the fundamental charter of our state government.  It is the sacred, organic document that gives Michigan life.  It can only be amended by a statewide vote of the people. I am skeptical whenever…

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The kingly power of Michigan’s governor.

March 29, 2015

The Mitten Memo. A blog by Nick Krieger. By the reign of King Henry VII, English law recognized the monarch’s exclusive and absolute power to pardon an individual accused or convicted of a crime.  Even as other royal powers eroded and shifted to Parliament over the years, this absolute kingly prerogative to dispense mercy survived undiminished and remained exclusively with…

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Is it time for a part-time legislature?

March 22, 2015
Is it time for a part-time legislature?

Exactly 142 years ago today, on March 22, 1873, the Michigan Legislature passed Act 220 of 1873, chartering the City of Ludington.  What, if anything, is remarkable about this?  March 22, 1873, was a Saturday. Last October, I visited my uncle at his farm in northwest Ionia County.  It was harvest time, and he spent the entire day—and much of…

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