These are busy days in Lansing. Among other things, the legislature is working out the final details of the state budget before its summer recess. Last week, state Attorney General Bill Schuette charged a number of current and former officials with crimes related to the Flint water crisis.
Normally on Wednesday mornings "Morning Edition" host Doug Tribou talks with Michigan Radio’s senior news analyst Jack Lessenberry. Jack is on vacation this week, so Doug was joined by the Lansing Bureau Chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network, Rick Pluta. Rick is also the co-host of It’s Just Politics on Michigan Radio.
Doug and Rick discussed one line item in the budget that has received a lot of attention: an overhaul of the teacher retirement system. They also talked about Gov. Rick Snyder's decision to keep two officials on the job even though they're facing prosecution for the Flint water crisis. Rick also explained the mysterious funding behind Lt. Gov. Brian Calley's campaign for a part-time legislature.
