Tracy Samilton
Energy and Transportation Reporter / ProducerTracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Radio as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
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Michigan's bottle deposit law would include many types of non-carbonated drink containers and require stores that take returns to accept all brands, if the bills pass and voters approve.
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HB 6056 would allow a new law that increases the state minimum wage to go into effect — just not for waiters and bartenders who receive much of their income from tips.
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The Michigan Public Service Commission has a new process for renewable energy permit applications, to fit a new law that takes effect in November.
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State law limits maintenance of county drains to no more than $5,000 per mile — not nearly enough, according to Michigan drain commissioners.
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State submits bid for federal "hot spot" wildlife crossing funding to reduce wildlife/car collisions
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Federal law requires most private insurance plans (and Medicaid) to cover many types of contraception, including drugs that require a prescription. But over-the-counter birth control drugs aren't included. Bills introduced in the state Senate this week would change that.
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The Michigan Public Service Commission has held multiple workgroups with stakeholders as it prepares to begin implementing a new wind and solar permit law in November.
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A report by the University of Michigan and Michigan State Housing Development Authority says housing costs are outstripping many Michigan residents' incomes.
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An investigation into customer complaints found Consumers Energy sent estimated bills, often excessively high, to customers whose electric meters weren't working.
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A Senate bill proposes to reserve the income of Michigan children in foster care in a trust fund for their future use, rather than seizing it to compensate the state for the cost of their care.