Having represented his hometown of Flint in Congress since 2013, U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee remains focused on fixing the ongoing water crisis in the beleaguered city. Like many, Kildee believes the situation is indicative of what can happen when basic infrastructure gets ignored. As Kildee calls for those long-term investments, his name continues to pop up as a potential Democratic gubernatorial candidate in two years when current Gov. Rick Snyder’s term is up. Kildee spoke with MiBiz at this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference about his political aspirations and the need for government to invest in infrastructure and public education.

A looming cloud hung over this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, and it wasn’t left over from Wednesday’s rain. The majority of the approximately 1,500 attendees at the annual retreat hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber were laser-focused on two issues the state would rather not be known for: the legislative budget fight for the nearly-bankrupt Detroit Public Schools (DPS) and the ongoing Flint water crisis.

Despite being embroiled in an ongoing public health crisis in Flint, Gov. Rick Snyder insists that his administration remains committed to accomplishing other goals in his second and final term.

Medicaid and funding issues dominate the health care agenda in 2016 for advocacy groups in Lansing.

State lawmakers remain focused on passing energy policy this year that preserves Michigan’s limited electric choice market and abandons renewable energy standards in favor of comprehensive planning requirements.

As the state grapples with the Flint water crisis and a long-term funding solution for Detroit Public Schools, business advocates hope lawmakers will still be able to tackle policies that keep health care costs down, add transparency and help companies attract talent.