WJBK - Tim Skubick

A nickel a week savings on Michigan's no-fault insurance system

Tim Skubick — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:05:00 EDT

It was one of the more unique attempts to derail the GOP attempt to change the state's no fault car insurance system.

Skubick: Snyder's unfinished business starting to pile up

Tim Skubick — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:13:00 EDT

The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.

Possible $800 million hit to Michigan school budget has education corner worried

Tim Skubick — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:03:00 EDT

The school lobby in Michigan has come unglued with the notion of losing the $800 million from the gas sales tax with no plan to replace it.

Virg Bernero says he will not run for governor in 2014

Tim Skubick — Tue, 7 May 2013 08:21:00 EDT

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.

Bing's support of EM 'may go south,' Snyder administration fears

Tim Skubick — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:02:00 EDT

The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.

Whitmer: Talks on raising money to fix Michigan's roads stalled

Tim Skubick — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:00:00 EDT

After 18 months of trying, Governor Rick Snyder has failed to piece together new revenue to fix our roads. The road to bi-partisanship on this issue appears to be filled with its own set of potholes.

Secret meetings in Lansing are no secret

Tim Skubick — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:31:00 EDT

Slap the word "secret" on anything associated with state government and you have every correspondent's rapped attention in town.

Skubick: Legislators headed for 911 call center showdown

Tim Skubick — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:45:00 EDT

It looks like the legislature may be headed for another confrontation over downsizing the state's Emergency 911 system which has about 150 call centers around the state. By comparison New York City has one.

Tim Skubick: Bart Stupak's out... for now

Tim Skubick — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:49:00 EDT

If Upper Peninsula Democrat Bart Stupak had to decide today, he would not seek his party's nomination for governor.

Tim Skubick: A lesson on media bias

Tim Skubick — Tue, 2 Apr 2013 06:48:00 EDT

The perception of bias is so deeply embedded in the political dialogue, not only here, but elsewhere, that it seems foolish to even try to provide some perspective on where the bias really resides.

In Michigan is there a case of accidental voter fraud?

Tim Skubick — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:05:00 EDT

Republicans have been belly-aching for years about Democrats trying to steal elections over the years. And in some cases with good cause. Who hasn't heard the horror stories out of Chi-town where the mantra

Skubick: Group of GOP senators wants to disband pension tax on seniors

Tim Skubick — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 07:37:00 EDT

The governor must have a pretty good headache by now as members of his own party continue to stiff him on a variety of issues, and now comes a full blown migraine as five Republicans want to scrap the his pension tax on seniors.

Maybe Snyder needs to place an EM over the state legislature

Tim Skubick — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:48:00 EDT

Tax hikes for infrastructure? GOP senators are worried about their next election next year. And there sits the governor with basically nothing to show for his patience and it's getting worse.

Lansing is not as friendly to businesses as you think

Tim Skubick — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:35:00 EDT

Business carries a big stick in this town. Given the fact that their party, the GOP, controls just about everything that moves, business should be getting everything it wants. Wrong.

Skubick: Guns in Michigan schools won't happen anytime soon

Mike Reed — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:56:00 EDT

Without fanfare and with no public announcement Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville) has been told to back off his intentions to allow weapons in Michigan school by the senate's GOP leadership.

$68M combined cut proposed for U-M, Wayne State

Tim Skubick — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:06:00 EDT

Students at the University of Michigan and Wayne State are facing possible tuition increases because a GOP-controlled committee in Lansing wants to slice $68 million from state support to those schools.

Snyder: Detroit manager qualified despite tax liens

Amy Lange — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:19:00 EDT

Gov. Rick Snyder believes Detroit's incoming emergency financial manager is qualified to help turn the city around despite records showing he had tax liens.

Snyder's EM assignment in Detroit is historic, filled with fish hooks

Tim Skubick — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:51:00 EDT

He's only been in this game for three years, but Gov. Richard Dale Snyder is embarking on the toughest assignment of his young political career by sending emergency manager Kevyn Orr into the city to financially save it from itself.

Skubick: More state dollars for Detroit a question mark

Tim Skubick — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:36:00 EDT

Now that an emergency financial manager has been appointed for Detroit, what can be expected from Lansing? Top Republican leaders say not a blank check.

Skubick: No Blue Angels, the latest in sequester scare tactics

Tim Skubick — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 06:38:00 EST

The Obama administration, hell bent on scaring the living daylights out of everyone over the sequester budget cuts, has gotten so desperate that it's playing a card that no one anticipated.

Sales tax to fix roads in Michigan may be dead

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 23:02:00 EST

Efforts to place a sales tax on the May ballot to raise money for Michigan roads appears to be dead.

Whitmer open to linking road repairs, free college tuition

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 21:56:00 EST

What do fixing the roads have to do with granting free college tuition? Nothing, of course, but the two may be linked. Welcome to Lansing, where linking unrelated issues is simply a way of life.

Can a new consent agreement hold off an EM for Detroit?

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 19:37:00 EST

There is a glimmer of hope tonight that the Detroit City Council and Governor Snyder may be able to avoid an emergency manager for the city by hammering out a new consent agreement.

Skubick: Despite bi-partisan efforts, sales tax re-do seems unlikely

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 06:56:00 EST

They are actually going to try by this Thursday to place a constitutional amendment on the May ballot that would re-do the state sales tax.

Snyder going where no Michigan governor has gone before with EM decision

Tim Skubick — Mon, 4 Mar 2013 12:05:00 EST

"Everyone who believes the governor will NOT impose an Emergency Manager on the City of Detroit, applaud." Dead silence. Not even one hand clapping.

Skubick: Seeds for Mark Brewer's removal were planted years ago

Tim Skubick — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:33:00 EST

From 30,000 feet it looks like Mark Brewer, the now dethroned former chair of the State Democratic Party, was a mere victim of circumstances.

Skubick: Roger Kahn mulling run against Sen. Carl Levin

Tim Skubick — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:48:00 EST

Among the many things in Republican Sen. Roger Kahn's wheelhouse is a potential Now run against Carl Levin for the U.S. Senate.

Skubick: What values do we treasure as Michiganders?

Tim Skubick — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:42:00 EST

Who are we? So here comes a statewide survey that delves into our differences thanks to the folks at the Michigan Economic Center and the EPIC-MRA survey guys.

Skubick: Michiganders favor higher taxes on everyone but themselves

Tim Skubick — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:10:00 EST

The findings by the Michigan Economic Center are Pure Michigan: We want Cadillac services but want somebody else to foot the bill.

Tim Skubick: Prevailing wage law next on Republican agenda?

Tim Skubick — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 06:49:00 EST

Gov. Rick Snyder sidestepped questions over Michigan's prevailing wage law. Does that mean it's next up on the Republican agenda?

Duggan for mayor or governor?

Tim Skubick — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:07:00 EST

Mike Duggan for governor. The hearts of some Democrats go pitter-patter at the prospects that he might get in.

Skubick: Choice is a right unless it doesn't fit your agenda

Tim Skubick — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:25:00 EST

The labor unions at Wayne State University that are doing this would contend, they have that right to choose to re-open the contract. It's not an artificial right, it's real.

Skubick: Mark Bernstein has the name and the money to run for Governor

Tim Skubick — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 11:31:00 EST

To run for a statewide office there are two necessities: Money and name ID. Mark Bernstein has both.

Weighty issue, what are trucks doing to Michigan roads?

Tim Skubick — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:42:00 EST

At least one lawmaker concedes the weight limits are indeed the highest, not in the midwest, not in the south or west but highest in the whole nation.

Undoing Right to Work Law requires more than pointing out the shameful way it was passed

Tim Skubick — Wed, 6 Feb 2013 09:08:00 EST

If a locked state capitol is the best the ACLU, organized labor and one journalist can come up with, somebody needs to re-enroll in the Perry Mason law school.

Tim Skubick: Is social media destroying your teen's social skills?

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Feb 2013 08:58:00 EST

Researchers say the number of teen drivers in Michigan is down 15 percent. Why? Their ability to connect through social media makes it less important for them to drive for a good 'ole face-to-face conversation.

No deal on Belle Isle lease 'disappoints' state GOP leaders

Tim Skubick — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:26:00 EST

The top two Republican leaders in Lansing are not happy that the Detroit City Council scrubbed the Belle Isle lease deal with the state.

Sen. Gretchen Whitmer not running for Michigan governor

Tim Skubick — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:25:00 EST

The Democratic frontrunner has dropped out of the race for Michigan governor before she ever really entered it. Wednesday, East Lansing Senator Gretchen Whitmer announced on Facebook that she will not seek the Democratic nomination.

Does Michigan need charter schools or just more parental involvement?

Tim Skubick — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:50:00 EST

Skubick: A new report suggests, "we find considerably less enthusiasm for expanding school choice…an approach under intense consideration in Lansing."

Skubick: Snyder's roads plan will be a hard sell

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:17:00 EST

Governor Rick Snyder wants to raise over a billion dollars a year to repair the state's roads and bridges, but already he is running into some roadblocks.

Michigan lawmakers poised to push for guns in schools legislation

Tim Skubick — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:47:00 EST

FOX 2 News has learned that pro-gun forces in the Michigan legislature will reintroduce the so-called guns in schools legislation that the governor vetoed last year.

Skubick: MCAA wants to continue raising auto insurance fees in private

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:31:00 EST

One of the most secretive entities in state government has decided to appeal a court ruling that would have forced it to let a little sunshine into its house. It much rather prefers to keep the shades drawn.

Skubick: Snyder addressed 1 of 2 elephants during speech

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:32:00 EST

There were two elephants in the room the other night during the governor's State of the State: He nailed one of them but didn't even take a shot at the other one putting on his blinders instead.

Skubick: Expect Republicans to stand in way of Snyder's road fee hike

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:19:00 EST

For the first time in some 27 years a sitting governor stood before the house and senate and endorsed raising more revenue. But get real, Gov. Snyder's proposed road fee hike is in deep doo-doo.

Maybe Governor Snyder could use a course at Dale Carnegie

Tim Skubick — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST

Governor Rick Snyder's interpersonal relationship skills with legislative Democrats is in need of some polish pronto.

Bottom line: Dems and Pubs need each other

Tim Skubick — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:52:00 EST

Gentlemen take a bow.
That means GOP Speaker Jase Bolger and the new House Democratic leader Tim Greimel.
And while we are at it, Michigan House take a bow, too.

Skubick: Zero drama on legislative session's opening day

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:29:00 EST

Zero drama. That collective sigh of relief you heard from the state Capitol yesterday was from House Speaker Jase Bolger and newly elected House Democrat Rep. Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods).

Lawmakers get back to work in Lansing on a bipartisan note

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 20:45:00 EST

The two political parties have pledged to work together in the New Year at the state capitol despite their severe differences over a variety of issues last year, including right-to-work. Meanwhile, lawmakers were greeted by some union protestors on their first day back on the job.

Skubick: 3 names floating around as potential Detroit EM

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 07:21:00 EST

State Treasurer Andy Dillon is floating the names of Rev. Charles Williams, Charles Beckham and Freman Hendrix as potential emergency managers in the city of Detroit, FOX 2's Tim Skubick reports.

Skubick: Snyder's 3rd State of the State will be his most challenging

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:17:00 EST

Having digested 42 State of the State speeches over the years, most are memorable for not being memorable.

Lansing math equals a battle ahead for 2013

Tim Skubick — Fri, 4 Jan 2013 16:48:00 EST

Michigan Democrats are still in the minority in the state house, but they are in a better position to influence legislation this year compared to last.It comes down to numbers. Last year the GOP had a comfy

Tim Skubick: Despite rejection, debate commission could be a good thing

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 07:24:00 EST

Good thing there was no blogosphere back when Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas staged their epic debates. There would have been none.

Did Sue Snyder want her husband to be Romney's running mate?

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:28:00 EST

Michigan's First Lady Sue Snyder rarely seeks out the political spot light, but in an exclusive interview with Tim Skubick she shares her inner most thoughts about the story earlier this year that her husband might end up on the GOP ticket as the running mate of Mitt Romney.

Snyder says he does not want right-to-work on the ballot

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:13:00 EST

Governor Rick Snyder says he wants employees to have choice in the work place concerning union membership, but he does not want voters to have a choice on whether they want this new right-to-work law. The governor talked with Tim Skubick about the behind-the-scene struggle and the pressure that was on him over this historic debate.

Skubick: Gov. Snyder recalls talk with Obama over Right to Work

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 06:45:00 EST

During an exclusive one-hour sit down on WKAR-Public TV, the governor confirms that he and Obama shared a few minutes in private regarding right to work legislation.

Bah humbug! No gifts exchanged in Lansing this year

Tim Skubick — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:48:00 EST

In most families around the state "Tis the season to be jolly" except within the political family at the state capitol. Here the "family" is hopelessly dysfunction as the name calling, finger pointing

Snyder: Relationship with labor 'strained' after right-to-work

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:23:00 EST

The fallout from the right-to-work debate has fractured the governor's relationship with labor and vice versa. "This obviously has strained relationships, strained it dramatically," said Gov. Rick Snyder.

Snyder's veto of a concealed weapons bill seems to have come from within

Tim Skubick — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:04:00 EST

Asked how he would feel if concealed weapons were in his daughter's school, he began, "I don't see the value of having weapons really present in the schools, hospitals and places like that."

People of the D should thank the Michigan GOP

Tim Skubick — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:25:00 EST

This will sound weird. In fact nobody has ever written this before, but the citizens of Detroit owe Republicans in the legislature a huge thank you. That's not a misprint.

Governor Snyder is past gateway of pleasing everyone

Tim Skubick — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:07:00 EST

You have to wonder sometimes if Gov. Rick Snyder ever wishes he was back grinding out computers at Gateway where 12,000 customers never showed up on the company lawn to complain about the product or where

Nothing lame about this legislative session, frenzy continues

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:07:00 EST

The lame duck session is winding down, but lawmakers have a long agenda of unfinished business. That includes a business tax cut, a new home for the Detroit Red Wings and guns in schools and churches.

RTW Debate: The rest of the story on why MSP troops "stormed" the MI Senate floor

Tim Skubick — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:12:00 EST

In this business nobody ever pleases everyone. Just ask the Michigan State Police. It showed up in force to keep the peace as 12,000 demonstrators showed up to protest Right to Work legislation. The

New EM legislation offers 4 'cyanide capsules,' Democrat says

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:41:00 EST

Michigan voters said no to the state's emergency manager law in November, but that is not stopping the governor and Republican lawmakers from pushing through a redo that they say will restore local control of the process.

Skubick: Don't plan on Democrats turning the page on right-to-work anytime soon

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:25:00 EST

The right-to-work legislative discussion is just about over, but the Democrats intend to keep this alive for the next two years with hopes of making Gov. Rick Snyder a one-term chief executive.

Right-to-work bills passed in deeply divided Michigan House

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:46:00 EST

The Republican majority in the state House approved legislation Tuesday that would make Michigan a right-to-work state.

Thousands expected to protest right-to-work at Michigan Capitol

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:29:00 EST

Fox 2 political correspondent Tim Skubick says 150 troopers will be on the beat around and inside the Capitol building as they anticipate upwards of 10,000 protesters.

Mitt didn't find a way to fit with common people

Tim Skubick — Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:07:00 EST

It's been almost a month since the election and most sensible folks are still trying to recover from not being bombarded with the images of Barack and the Mittser on the tube. And now comes another post

Snyder asks Michigan lawmakers to pass right-to-work legislation

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 18:26:00 EST

After three years of saying a right-to-work law was not on his agenda, Michigan's governor has apparently changed his mind sparking a firestorm of controversy and a big union protest.

Tim Skubick: Gov. Snyder could discuss right to work on Thursday

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 16:24:00 EST

It's the story that refuses to die and now comes the governor breathing more life into it.

Skubick: MIchigan leaders consider move on right-to-work

Tim Skubick — Tue, 4 Dec 2012 14:22:00 EST

Labor representatives were in Lansing on Tuesday to oppose 'right to work' but the other side produced a bus load of citizens at the state capitol to support it with the governor and the legislature caught in the middle.

Skubick: Snyder keeps the peace between GOP, labor for now

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 07:05:00 EST

He will obviously never be a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, but Governor Rick Snyder does deserve something for keeping the lid on this contentious labor vs. business scrum over pending Right to Work legislation.

In Michigan the political grass is getting greener for marijuana

Tim Skubick — Mon, 3 Dec 2012 08:55:00 EST

You don't have to be a genius to figure this out: It's only a matter of time before Michigan voters get a shot at legalizing marijuana. Yep, another ballot proposal.

Tim Skubick: Anti-Detroit rhetoric heats up in Lansing

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 07:26:00 EST

Well that didn't take long. Lawmakers have been out of town for quite awhile but the anti-Detroit rhetoric is heating up now that they are back.

Skubick: As labor licks its wounds, Republicans may have revenge in mind

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:58:00 EST

Having suffered a resounding defeat at the polls earlier this month, labor is still licking its wounds while at the same time it is putting its wagons in a circle hoping to fend off any GOP attempts at "tearing down workers."

Some GOP lawmakers: Give Detroit bankruptcy, dissolution options

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:54:00 EST

Legislative Republicans are upset with what they call the lack of progress on the state's consent agreement with the City of Detroit and now some are talking about giving the city the option of going into bankruptcy or being dissolved and becoming a part of Wayne County government.

New EM law in the works includes bankruptcy option

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:22:00 EST

The Snyder administration is preparing new legislation to help financially strapped cities and schools now that voters have rejected the emergency manager law that was on the November ballot. The new plan includes a bankruptcy option.

Tim Skubick breaks down class of incoming Mich. legislators

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 07:46:00 EST

There is not a butcher, a baker or candlestick maker among the 28 new members of the Michigan House of Representatives, but there appears to be just about everything else.

Tim Skubick: Hathaway's silence is not golden in high court's eyes

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:03:00 EST

The Michigan Supreme Court, which guards its ethical reputation with great fervor, has a problem: Justice Diane M. Hathaway is described in a complaint from the U.S. Attorney as a money launderer and maybe more.

Tim Skubick: Petition drive system may be ugly, but it's working

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 07:51:00 EST

Yes, the petition drive system, once intended to be a grass roots vehicle to petition the government, has been bought and paid for by special interests. But it is working.

Tim Skubick: Bi-partisan cooperation not likely in Lansing

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:19:00 EST

At the national level in this post election euphoria you've heard all the usual clamor for bi-partisan cooperation. In the state capitol, there are no olive branches in sight. In fact the brick bats are over there in the corner.

Tim Skubick: Remembering former Mich. first lady Helen Milliken

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:09:00 EST

The passing of Helen Milliken saddens the hearts of those who knew her, cared for her, and loved her from afar for who she was and what she passionately stood for.

Snyder breathes a little easier with the failure of Prop 5

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:12:00 EST

Gov. Rick Snyder can thank his lucky stars that Proposal 5 did not stand alone on election day. It would have passed.

Single women choose Barack Obama

Tim Skubick — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:37:00 EST

Unmarried females compose 25% of all voters in this country and 67% of them voted for Mr. Obama but not for the reason you think.

Tim Skubick: Romney's disconnect was apparent years ago

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:35:00 EST

They lecture you in journalism school not to get too close to the folks you cover.

Skubick: Gov. Snyder should be pleased with election results

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 06:59:00 EST

Gov. Rick Snyder's name was not on the Tuesday ballot, but he had a lot riding on the outcome, and on balance he did pretty well.

Obama hoping for bipartisan cooperation, but will he get it?

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 17:24:00 EST

The victorious president said all the right things. He pushed all the right buttons as he launched into the next four years hoping for more bipartisan cooperation then he got in the last.

Analysis: A moderate Mitt Romney might have won

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 07:36:00 EST

Was Mitt Romney pulled too far right, preventing him from winning the White House? FOX 2 political analyst Tim Skubick is in the FOX 2 studio to give his analysis on the 2012 election.

A Hoekstra win is tough sledding to say the least

Tim Skubick — Mon, 5 Nov 2012 11:25:00 EST

Could Pete Hoekstra win this thing? Of course. Could you-know-what freeze over? Same answer. In politics anything is possible, but if the polls are correct it's more than an uphill climb for the affable

Skubick: The reasons behind a White House victory

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 07:01:00 EST

It's dangerous to write history before it unfolds, but there is enough evidence to allow one to wade into the murky waters of why Barack Obama or Mitt Romney won the presidency.

If Proposal 5 passes, Michigan road funding faces big hurdle

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:16:00 EDT

The sometimes maverick GOP senator from Saginaw was featured in this spot weeks ago as he stuck his political neck out and offended every anti-tax minion in the state by pouring hogwash on Proposal 5, the two thirds super majority tax hike.

Today's politics is all about winning elections instead of serving the people

Tim Skubick — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:41:00 EDT

Former Gov. Bill Milliken was fond of saying that doing good public policy should come first and getting re-elected second and in fact if you did the former, the later would take care of itself.

Michigan Supreme Court candidates should be appointed, not elected

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 07:57:00 EDT

Your Honor, if it please the court, here is Exhibit A as to why supreme court judges should be appointed not elected.

World Series tickets? How legislators, lobbyists play the game

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:12:00 EDT

With the Tigers in the World Series, the most popular folks in this town are not the relatives of Justin Verlander. They are the lobbyists who have all sorts of connections.

Tim Skubick: Don't be surprised when moderators weigh in on debates

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 07:38:00 EDT

Well if Candy Crowley was not a household word before, she sure the heck is now!

A heads up on legislators 'phantom' Capitol sessions

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 07:02:00 EDT

Just in case any voter back home asks, "when are you going to be in Lansing?", lawmakers could honestly say that house sessions were set for two dates last month and one this month and that is not a lie.

Michigan SOS loses check-box battle, but fight may not be over

Tim Skubick — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:31:00 EDT

Give her credit for understanding the meaning of "No" which is what a U.S. Federal judge laid on the Michigan Secretary of State last week.

Skubick: Democrats re-energized following VP debate

Tim Skubick — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:11:00 EDT

Vice President Joe Biden in one sentence tried to dismantle the Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan theme of bad-mouthing the Obama administration for not turning things around in four years.

Skubick: What's wrong with the President of the United States?

Tim Skubick — Mon, 8 Oct 2012 12:58:00 EDT

What's wrong with the President of the United States? First he gives a so-so and not very inspiring speech at his own convention and then on a night where he could have ended the contest, he way under-performed

Debate puts Romney back in center of the ring

Tim Skubick — Fri, 5 Oct 2012 07:07:00 EDT

Based on the first presidential debate, this race is not over yet. GOP challenger Mitt Romney had a very good night. President Barack Obama had a sort of good night. And the moderator left his game in the locker room.

It matters: Know before you vote on MIchigan's six proposals

Tim Skubick — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 10:31:00 EDT

Citizens are getting lazy about doing their homework on the ballot proposals. Want proof? Raise your hand if you have read the wording on each of the six questions. No hands. Raise your hand

Jase Bolger could face competition for House Speaker

Tim Skubick — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:11:00 EDT

Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) should not be shocked that fellow Republican Ken Yonker (R-Kentwood) is considering a run for Speaker of the Michigan House

Is voter fraud in Michigan really a problem?

Tim Skubick — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:52:00 EDT

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson must have been a gymnastics major given the contortions she went through the other day in a desperate attempt to prove she was right on the voter fraud issue.

Does Michigan's A.G. work for the Governor? Not Exactly

Tim Skubick — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EDT

It's an extremely delicate line that state attorneys general navigate. On one hand they are the lawyer for the governor, but on the other, they are a constitutional officer free to come and go as they please.

Is Romney a chip off the old block?

Tim Skubick — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 11:36:00 EDT

Leave it to former Gov. Jim Blanchard to utter what others in town have been too afraid to say in public: Mitt Romney is not a chip off the old block. Given the recent flap over the Romney private fund

Duggan to soon announce exploratory committee for Detroit mayor?

Tim Skubick — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:06:00 EDT

There has been speculation that Mike Duggan will run for Detroit mayor. One supporter now says the Detroit Medical Center CEO could soon be making a big announcement.

Tim Skubick: Granholm's 'Dating Game' video is happenstance

Tim Skubick — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 08:58:00 EDT

Some say the timing of Jennifer Granholm's 'Dating Game' video going viral is not accidental. Sorry folks, but it appears its all happenstance, but very entertaining nonetheless.

Winning an election without revealing the plans

Tim Skubick — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:24:00 EDT

On the tax cut question, Mr. Romney noted that the middle class tax burden would not be increased and upper income folks would get hit with some tax loopholes but he declined to name which ones.

Will Michigan's medical marijuana law be challenged in another ballot vote?

Tim Skubick — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:09:00 EDT

Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) is thinking the answer is a resounding yes and if he is right, you can say adios to Michigan's Medical Marijuana law, approved by over 60% of the voters when it was on the ballot.

This November, will people care about a phony election scandal?

Tim Skubick — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:12:00 EDT

Rep. Peter Lund is the Republican chairing the GOP effort to hang onto control of the Michigan House so it was only logical to ask him what impact a grand jury investigation might or might not have on the outcome.

Michigan House approves Pledge of Allegiance bill

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 06:52:00 EDT

The Michigan House has passed legislation requiring every state public school classroom to have a U.S. flag and provide an opportunity for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

How the business of government makes changes beyond the ballot

Tim Skubick — Thu, 6 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EDT

If you are a schlub about repairing your car, you logically would go to your favorite mechanic for help. Finding an expert is the only sensible thing to do. So when it comes to governmental issues, why

Skubick: Mich. lawmakers face tough days ahead with election fraud case looming

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:14:00 EDT

Let's just say that Rep. Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and Rep. Roy Schmidt (R-Grand Rapids) are facing some tough days ahead with their political careers potentially hanging in the balance, not to mention the possibility of facing criminal charges.

Governor Snyder's nemesis: Matty Moroun

Tim Skubick — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:42:00 EDT

The governor's real nemesis is not a politician but, of all things, a fellow business leader, an entrepreneur and a fellow millionaire named Matty Moroun.

Tim Skubick: Ryan's plan for the poor could be a problem for GOP

Tim Skubick — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:19:00 EDT

With the selection last week of Congressman Paul Ryan as the side-kick to GOP Presidential contender Mitt Romney, the two have opened up a can of worms over taking care off the less fortunate in our midst.

Tim Skubick: Direct your attention to legislators' schedule

Tim Skubick — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:22:00 EDT

Rep. Fred Durhal, Jr. thinks this story is a cheap shot. After you read it, see if you think the Detroit Democrat is spot on.

Lawmakers will spend 22 days in Lansing the rest of 2012

Tim Skubick — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:43:00 EDT

There are over a hundreds days left in 2012, yet state lawmakers will be in session for only a fraction of that. We're told that's typical during an election cycle. So what do legislators think?

Casino, collective bargaining ballot issues hit roadblock

Tim Skubick — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EDT

The Board of State Canvassers voted Wednesday against putting a casino measure on the November ballot and deadlocked on whether voters should decide on a collective bargaining rights amendment.

Skubick: Expect few debates between Hoekstra, Stabenow

Tim Skubick — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 08:02:00 EDT

The race between Pete Hoekstra and Debbie Stabenow should be based on the issues. But will the incumbent agree to meet for a serious debate?

Former opponents unite behind Hoekstra after primary win

Tim Skubick — Wed, 8 Aug 2012 17:52:00 EDT

Earlier this week, the three men running for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination were opponents. Now they're united in their Republican effort to defeat Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Skubick: House Democrats hope to overcome 'Dillon Curse'

Tim Skubick — Mon, 6 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EDT

House Democrats desperately want to swipe control from Republicans this fall and need a ten seat pick-up to get there.

Senate GOP candidates are 3 peas in a pod

Tim Skubick — Fri, 3 Aug 2012 09:54:00 EDT

Things became tense during the first and only televised debate for the three Michigan republicans during for U.S. Senate. But Pete Hoekstra, Clark Durant and Randall Hekman have more in common than they realize.

Hoekstra, Durant, Hekman to debate Thursday

Tim Skubick — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EDT

So they will debate after all. Up until a few days ago, it looked like the almost invisible GOP U.S. Senate primary would go down in the history books sans a televised debate.

Tim Skubick: Gov. Snyder shedding his 'outsider' image

Tim Skubick — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:04:00 EDT

Gov. Rick Snyder has not completed his re-invention of Michigan but he has successfully erased one of the biggest fears about letting an outsider grab the reigns of government.

GOP Rep. stands alone on marketplace health care exchange

Tim Skubick — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 07:22:00 EDT

In the go-along-to-get-along world of the House GOP caucus, Rep. Mike Callton stands out like a sore, yet intelligent thumb.

Tim Skubick: Describing Obama, Romney in just one word

Tim Skubick — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:42:00 EDT

The assignment was simple: Come up with one word to describe Barack Obama and one word to describe Mitt Romney.

Lt. Governor Brian Calley is a man on the move

Tim Skubick — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:25:00 EDT

Lt.Gov Brian Calley is doing something that previous l.g.'s have not often done: He is earning his pay check. This is not to cast aspersions on those who preceded him, but it does underscore

Fight to overhaul medical malpractice law

Tim Skubick — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:05:00 EDT

Lawyers and doctors battle over medical malpracticeAn issue between doctors and attorneys that was revamping the state's 1994 medical malpractice law found its way back into the state capitol this morning.Bitter

Lawmakers hopes to repeal MI fireworks law

Tim Skubick — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:31:00 EDT

Michigan's new fireworks law is itself under fire. A state lawmaker wants to give local governments the right to kill the law. Rep. Harold Haugh is sponsoring a bill that would not wipe the bill off the

Tim Skubick: GOP Candidate Nancy Cassis is hoping to make history

Tim Skubick — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:25:00 EDT

Nancy Cassis is no ordinary candidate. She is a write-in candidate and that's where the U.S. historical political cards are severely stacked against her.

Gov. Snyder, Speaker Bolger are on a collision course

Tim Skubick — Mon, 9 Jul 2012 08:48:00 EDT

In this space last week a noted labor leader revealed he is praying that GOP Gov. Rick Snyder will eventually stand-up to the conservatives in the House GOP caucus.

Labor union leader urges Snyder to ‘make the right choices’

Tim Skubick — Mon, 2 Jul 2012 16:50:00 EDT

They are dating. They are working on getting along but marriage is not in the cards.

Local governments try to rid new firework law

Tim Skubick — Mon, 2 Jul 2012 16:34:00 EDT

It's a beautiful star-lite night, your bedroom window permits the serene flow of a soft summer breeze and outside as the moon comes over the mountain you hear BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.

Tim Skubick: Dems could get cash infusion following GOP censorship

Tim Skubick — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 08:44:00 EDT

Could the GOP's censuring of two female reps helps the left win back the House in November? Maybe not, but it won't be due to a lack of cash.

Tim Skubick: Romney could ride Snyder's coattails to Mich. victory

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:47:00 EDT

It's possible that Mitt Romney could ride Governor Rick Snyder's coattails and turn Michigan into a red state in November.

Tim Skubick: Criticizing the media

Tim Skubick — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 06:24:00 EDT

During a recent seminar with a bunch of county officials, the group will remain nameless to protect the innocent as Jack Webb from the old TV show Dragnet use to say, they were asked to write one sentence on their attitude toward the news media.

Snyder vs. Matty Moroun and the Ambassador Bridge

Tim Skubick — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:06:00 EDT

Remember the old Spy vs. Spy in Mad magazine? Well this one will be one tough nerd vs. one tough cookie. One business guy vs.another over the construction of that second span between Detroit and Windsor. In this

Truscott grades House Republicans a "three" on "v" word mess

Tim Skubick — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:03:00 EDT

John Truscott has done more than his fair share of political damage control over the years. After all, he learned at the knee of former bull-like Governor John Engler who busted up more China than all the other modern day governors combined.

Voters to Decide if Michigan Gets 8 More Casinos

Tim Skubick — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:55:00 EDT

Looks like Michigan voters will get a chance to decide if they want eight more state run casinos dotting the landscape from Grand Rapids to Motown. The coalition known as Citizens for More Michigan

Tim Skubick: Anti-abortion bill quietly buried

Tim Skubick — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 07:45:00 EDT

The lobbyist for the Michigan ACLU woke up at 3 a.m. the other morning wondering what was wrong with this picture.

Tim Skubick: The challenge of online lottery sales

Tim Skubick — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:26:00 EDT

Michigan lottery sales are on the upswing with a record year in the works and while everyone has played one of the games here and there, you'd be hard pressed to name the guy who runs the show.

Could independents be President Obama's downfall?

Tim Skubick — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:16:00 EDT

Here's the president's problem in a nut shell. Four years ago he ran on a platform of hope. Now he must run on his record. Need you say anything more?

Mich. lawmaker silenced for 'vagina' comment

Tim Skubick — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:08:00 EDT

Suffice it to say women's rights groups will go ballistic over the GOP leadership in the Michigan House for muzzling two Democrat female lawmakers for their comments and actions on the abortion issue this week.

Tim Skubick: Michigan's Right-to-Work battle is all but sure

Tim Skubick — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 06:28:00 EDT

It's game on. The very political war the governor was hoping to avoid, is now almost a sure bet.

Tim Skubick: Why Snyder plans to leave legislature out of bridge decision

Tim Skubick — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:34:00 EDT

State lawmakers get paid a hefty salary to make tough decisions, but Gov. Rick Snyder has concluded he doesn't want them to make a decision on that proposed second span between Detroit and Windsor.

Snyder plans to build bridge without vote, lawmakers concerned

Tim Skubick — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:30:00 EDT

Governor Rick Snyder will announce Friday his plans to construct a second bridge between Detroit and Windsor. Tuesday, lawmakers said they're concerned that they are being left out of the process.

Detroit consent deal lawsuit draws fire in Lansing

Tim Skubick — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:15:00 EDT

A lawsuit filed by Detroit's corporation counsel to block the consent agreement is drawing fire at the state capitol. At least one Republican in Lansing says the city might be dragging its feet.

M-DOT director muzzled on bridge controversy

Tim Skubick — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:11:00 EDT

As the governor moves methodically along with his vision to build that second span between Detroit and Windsor, with an announcement perhaps as early as this Friday, he is doing so without the advice and council of his top transportation appointee.

Tim Skubick: Getting work done early doesn't make it right

Tim Skubick — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:51:00 EDT

You may have noticed that some lawmakers were patting themselves on the head for adopting the new state budget almost four months before the October first deadline for the second year in a row.

Tim Skubick: 5 Mich. Democrats stand ground on tax vote

Tim Skubick — Fri, 8 Jun 2012 07:01:00 EDT

Having your criticism of a tax cut and eating it, too.

Wisc. vote should serve as a wake-up call to Mich. labor

Tim Skubick — Thu, 7 Jun 2012 07:09:00 EDT

The Wisconsin vote should serve as a wake-up call for Michigan labor which will likely have to redouble its efforts to pass this thing.

Tim Skubick: State budget may be done, but not everyone's happy

Tim Skubick — Wed, 6 Jun 2012 07:45:00 EDT

For the second year in a row state lawmakers have adopted the new state budget three months before the October first deadline which means no mad dash to the finish line this fall to avoid a shutdown of state government. Ah shucks.

Authority would fix broken Detroit streetlights

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Jun 2012 21:56:00 EDT

A whopping 40-percent of the 88,000 streetlights in Detroit don't work and the city doesn't have the money to repair them. Enter the Michigan legislature. It could vote soon on legislation to create a new lighting authority.

Tim Skubick: Lawmakers agree on trooper increase

Tim Skubick — Tue, 5 Jun 2012 06:27:00 EDT

Given the deep-seeded animosity that some outstate Republicans have for urban areas in the state, it is shocking that the governor got his way to deploy new state troopers into Detroit, Pontiac, Saginaw and Flint.

Michigan Congressman Could Face Vote Fraud Charges

Scott Brewer — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:12:00 EDT

Michigan Congressman Thaddeus McCotter could face possible campaign fraud charges concerning the signing of petitions to get on the ballot FOX 2 reported. Political reporter Tim Skubick says the five-term

Is this a Tax Cut for the Sake of Using the Words 'Tax Cut' and Who Really Benefits?

Tim Skubick — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:30:00 EDT

You'll probably need to call a family meeting to decide how to divvy-up the windfall income tax rollback you are about to get from the state.

Choice Words in State Party Politics

Tim Skubick — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:11:00 EDT

Former Michigan National Committeeman and fundraiser extraordinaire Peter Secchia has had a rough go of it this past year.