Democrats could breathe new life into the effort when they take control of the Legislature in January, but the path forward may be complicated by other legislative priorities. The bills include universal screening for K-3 students, specialized instruction and teacher training.
There are many, from all political walks of life, that believe our democracy is in existential crisis. Count former State Senator Lana Pollack of Ann Arbor among them. The midterm elections may hold the long-term future of the environment in the balance. Pollack stopped by the WEMU studios to discuss democracy and environmental policy with our own David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.
The Huron River has, once again, been put at risk because of a chemical spill. First it was PFAS contamination, and now it's Hexavalent Chromium. In both instances, the same Wixom-based company is responsible. Yet, the laws in Michigan do not allow for holding the company liable. That wasn't always the case. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, got together with the author of Michigan's original and now-dismantled polluter pay legislation. Former Ann Arbor State Senator Lana Pollack weighed in on the need to re-institute liability laws to better protect the environment.
The new school year has begun. 13-year-old Izzy Sutton is starting her freshman year at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School with a push for greater awareness of sustainable practices. She's been an environmental advocate throughout her middle school years and is now making the push to improve sustainability through increasing options for fashion-forward, environmentally responsible clothing. And she's winning support in a variety of ways. Izzy joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation that offers great hope for a new generation of environmental stewards.