MichMash: Whitmer Strikes Historic Deal on Auto Insurance. What Will It Cost Her?

A number of Democrats were quick to blast Whitmer and her deal shortly after it was announced.

WDET Digital

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican leaders at the state Capitol have struck a deal on auto no-fault.

They promise it will reduce Michigan’s auto insurance rates, which are the highest in the nation.

As part of the weekly series MichMash, Cheyna Roth and Jake Neher explain that the deal isn’t going over well with some members of Whitmer’s own party.

Click on the audio player above to hear that conversation.

Here’s more information about the agreement.

Before the legislation came up for votes in the Legislature, a number of Democrats took to Twitter to express their feelings about the deal. 

State Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor) expressed frustration that the deal didn’t deliver on more of Democrats’ priorities for an auto no-fault overhaul.

State Rep. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit) had harsh words for Whitmer on Friday afternoon after news of the deal broke.

State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit) suggested she might even break away from the Democratic party over the deal.

But at least some Democrats expressed support for the package, including state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores).

This apparent rift forming among Democrats at the state Capitol begs questions about their ability to stay unified on other major issues moving forward. They still face Republican majorities in the state House and Senate. And any deals on road funding or the upcoming state budget will likely require Democratic votes in the Legislature.

Whitmer has decided to spend some serious political capital on this issue. How much will it cost her? That’s a question that we might be answering well into her tenure as governor.

Authors

  • Cheyna has interned with Michigan Radio and freelanced for WKAR public radio in Lansing. She's also done some online freelancing and worked on documentary films.
  • Jake Neher is senior producer for Detroit Today and host of MichMash for 101.9 WDET. He previously reported on the Michigan Legislature for the Michigan Public Radio Network.