MIRS MONDAY, March 2, 2026

About this episode

Samantha Shriber recaps Governor Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address and discusses reactions from key political figures, along with a debate on the potential repeal of Michigan's Bottle Deposit Law.

Host Samantha Shriber recaps Governor Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address on Feb. 25. Reducing housing construction barriers, alleviating medical debt, and tackling post-pandemic reading and learning stagnation were listed as her 2026 priorities. The episode features reactions from House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin, the Brighton Republican, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, the Grand Rapids Democrat (4:15). Also, what if Michigan tossed its Bottle Deposit Law, no longer giving residents 10-cents per-recycled can or bottle in grocery stores? MIRS talks to Bill Wild of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association about why he's calling for such a repeal. (13:45).

People in this episode

Guests: Ann Bollin, Mary Sheffield, Winnie Brinks, Bill Wild

Topics covered

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer
• State of the State address
• housing construction
• medical debt
• post-pandemic education
• Bottle Deposit Law

Keywords

• politics
• Michigan
• Governor
• reactions
• legislation

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: State of the State

Places: Brighton, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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