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On 2/9/2011 10:42 AM, Redmond, Rudy (DELEG) wrote: > > /Gongwer News Service/ <http://www.gongwer.com> > > www.gongwer.com <http://www.gongwer.com> > > *Volume #50, Report #27 -- Tuesday, February 8, 2011* > > *Snyder Set To Break Up D.E.L.E.G.* > > Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > will soon announce the break-up of the Department of Energy, Labor and > Economic Growth and movement of economic development functions to the > Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Gongwer News Service has > learned. > > Multiple sources told Gongwer of the impending changes to one of the > state's largest and most critical departments. Snyder communications > director Geralyn Lasher confirmed late Tuesday night that Mr. Snyder > would issue the executive order within a week. Asked about the > transfer of economic development functions to MEDC, Ms. Lasher said, > "I think that'd be fair to say." > > Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > is expected to break up the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic > Growth. > > According to the sources, what remains of DELEG, which will be > renamed, will focus on licensing and regulation. Mr. Snyder also will > announce a new director for that department in tandem with the > executive order. > > Sources said that during the transition period, officials urged Mr. > Snyder to split up DELEG and centralize the state's economic > development focus. > > "If you look at the org chart of DELEG, it is a very large agency, and > that's why we wanted to take some time to look at the details," Ms. > Lasher said of the process to reorganize the functions within the > department. > > If the MEDC does take over all economic development functions, it > would mean the new MEDC President and CEO, Michael Finney, will have > the same degree of oversight on economic development that Doug > Rothwell had under the administration of former Governor John Engler. > Mr. Rothwell, executive director of Business Leaders of Michigan, is > also chair of the MEDC's executive committee. > > DELEG is currently being administered by Acting Director Andy Levin, > an appointee of former Governor Jennifer Granholm. It is one only two > departments where the governor appoints the director that Mr. Snyder > has not made major changes to or named a permanent director since his > election in November. > > The Department of Corrections is the only other department without a > new permanent director and is now under the direction of Acting > Director Dick McKeon. > > Under Ms. Granholm, DELEG was initially given a major focus to deal > both with concerns labor had with Mr. Engler's regulation of their > issues as well as promote economic development. She had combined the > department from the old departments of Career Development and Consumer > and Industry Services while also placing a number of autonomous > agencies under its watch. > > She also eventually gave the department the primary emphasis to > promote alternative energy development. > > *Accreditation* Plan Moves Over School Objections > > The Board of Education adopted a new accreditation system Tuesday, but > it was unclear whether the system would actually be implemented or > would be blocked by courts. > > Middle Cities Education Association, which represents some of the > state's larger school districts, filed a preemptive action to block > the Michigan School Accreditation and Accountability System late Monday. > > Superintendent Mike Flanagan accused opponents of delay tactics. > > Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan said during > Tuesday's board meeting that he was not clear why Middle Cities was > seeking to block MI-SAAS, which was altered Tuesday to more closely > comply with recent education reform legislation. > > "There are interests at play here that say let's find another delay," > Mr. Flanagan said. "If the injunction prevails, it would be another > delay, we wouldn't be able to implement it." > > He said the current system is in the interest of particularly some of > the lower-performing schools and districts because it essentially > grants all school accreditation. > > Officials said in recent years the current accreditation system, > Education YES! has left some three schools unaccredited, and never for > more than a year at a time. Schools that remain unaccredited for more > than three years under current law can face takeover by the state. > > Mr. Flanagan said the department, now that it had approval of the > board, was planning to take the measure to the House and Senate > Education committees as the current law requires. He did acknowledge > there is some question whether constitutionally the approval of the > two committees is needed to implement the new system. > > Kacie Kefgen, spokesperson for Middle Cities, said after the meeting > that either the committees have to approve the change, as current law > requires, or it must be adopted as administrative rules through the > Administrative Procedures Act. > > Ms. Kefgen said the group filed the legal challenge because, while Mr. > Flanagan said the department would not be implementing the program > until it was approved by the legislative committees, officials had > already instructed districts to begin collecting the data needed under > the proposal. > > A memo to schools indicated they could begin providing some data as > early as December 13, 2010, and school improvement plans beginning > February 14, 2011. School process rubrics are due March 11 and all > other data is due September 1. > > As adopted, the system would preliminarily label the lowest-performing > 5 percent of schools as unaccredited, those in the lowest 20 percent > as interim accredited, and the remainder as accredited based on the > annual ranking the department creates. > > Those initial labels would then be adjusted based on the percentage of > students taking statewide assessments (less than 95 percent would move > a school down) and on the school's compliance with other requirements > such as having a school improvement plan and using the state core > content standards to develop curriculum. > > The plan proposes to remove federal adequate yearly progress measures > in determining where a school falls in the statewide ranking, and > instead look at the achievement gap between the lowest-performing and > highest-performing subgroups within the school. The greater that gap, > the more the school could move down that ranking. > > The plan as adopted also would use graduation rate, and change in > graduation rate, to move a school up or down the list. > > Board member Marianne McGuire (D-Detroit) was the only vote against > the plan. She argued there were still groups that should have input on > the proposal before it is enacted. > > *CUT SCORES:* One of the reasons for axing Adequate Yearly Progress > from the MI-SAAS was a proposal to change the cut scores on the > Michigan Educational Assessment Program and the Michigan Merit Exam to > fall more in line with college readiness. > > The board did not approve the specific cut scores Tuesday, but did > approve, with only Ms. McGuire in opposition, a call for the > department to determine what those scores should be. > > The goal is to have proficiency ratings on the test fall more in line > with the college readiness rating on the ACT, which is part of the > Merit Exam. > > Officials have said the change would substantially reduce the number > of students scoring proficient on the tests, which would leave many > schools not meeting AYP until they can bring those scores back up. > > Removing AYP from the accreditation system would avoid having an > excessive number of schools become unaccredited due solely to the cut > score change. > > *WRITING SCORES:* The board got a bit of a taste of what the change > would mean in setting cut scores for writing for the 2010 MEAP test. > > The board, at the recommendation of the department, rejected a review > panel's recommendation on the proficient cut score for the test to > bring the results for the fourth and seventh grades more in line with > the Merit Exam (11^th grade) scores. > > Officials said the Merit Exam scores are in line with the ACT college > readiness scores, and provided 40 percent of students with proficient > ranking and 4 percent with advanced. > > The cut scores initially recommended by the MEAP panel would have > provided 9 percent of fourth-graders and 7 percent of seventh-graders > with advanced rankings, not out of line with the high school scores. > But they would have set 63 percent in each grade as proficient, which > is out of line. > > The scores adopted by the board would result in 34 percent of fourth > graders and 36 percent of seventh graders being proficient, scores > that officials said were more appropriate considering the high school > outcomes. > > *ARTS REQUIREMENTS:* The board also gave initial approval to grade > level expectations for arts education. The standards now go out for > public comment with final approval by the board expected in April. > > Among the requirements, kindergarteners would be required to identify > various body parts by touching and walk with a partner for dance; high > schoolers would be expected to choreograph a duet. > > The standards would expect similar ranges of growth in music, theater > and visual arts. > > The arts standards are the final of the content expectations to be set > by the department and the board. > > *House Emergency Manager Bill Removes Local's Power* > > Local officials who oversaw their government's plunge into financial > ruin would have no authority unless the emergency financial manager > appointed to oversee reconstruction approves such duties under > legislation to be introduced in the House. > > Rep. Al Pscholka > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=281601&locid=1> > (R-Stevensville) is sponsoring the legislation backed by Governor Rick > Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1>, > who called for reforms to the state's emergency financial manager law > last month. Mr. Pscholka's district includes Benton Harbor, which is > currently under emergency financial management. > > Benton Harbor city officials have repeatedly clashed with the > emergency manager there, Joe Harris. > > Under the bill, managers be would able to renegotiate contracts, sell > government assets, set staffing levels and enter into service > consolidation agreements without interference from local officials. > > "We are appointing people to be protectors of the public interest and > they need to have the tools to fulfill that role. At present, we are > sending them into these situations just to end up obstructed by local > individuals or structural barriers. We need to be clear about the > extent of their oversight," Mr. Pscholka said. > > The bill also will set up a process for the state to help financially > distressed local governments before bankruptcy. > > *Additional 'Pure Michigan' Funding Clears First Hurdle* > > The state is on its way to spending $25 million a year on the popular > "Pure Michigan" advertising campaign after a bill using 21^st Century > Jobs Fund money passed a House committee unanimously on Tuesday. > > Clean Water Action reacted to the vote by saying lawmakers should be > just as dedicated financially to cleaning up the state's waterways as > they are to highlighting them in the ads. > > "If lawmakers can set aside the money to market our Great Lakes way of > life, they should also set aside the money to protect our water and > other natural treasures from pollution so our citizens and tourists > can enjoy our lakes and rivers for years to come," said Cyndi Roper, > Clean Water Action's Michigan director. > > The group noted funding for the state's pollution monitoring and > enforcement has dropped to $25 million from $100 million 10 years ago. > > The legislation (HB 4160 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204160&billid=2011HB416001&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4160>), > reported from House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, > adds tourism promotion as a permanent eligible activity for jobs fund > money, and Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > will make good on his call for Pure Michigan ads to receive $25 > million annually in his February 17 budget presentation, Jim McBryde > with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation told the panel. > > Mr. Snyder is expected to present is 2011-12 fiscal year budget, as > well as recommendation for spending in the 2012-13 fiscal year. > > The committee amended the bill to require the MEDC provide a report to > legislators on where the $25 million goes each year. The MEDC produces > several reports each year, some of which already go to Appropriations > Committee members, but this would extend the distribution of information. > > "I think it's important to be able to go back to our constituents and > show we've been prudent with their money," said Rep. Matt Huuki > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=292401&locid=1> > (R-Atlantic Mine), the amendment's sponsor. > > The Legislature and governor first created the jobs fund in 2006 by > securitizing some of the state's future tobacco settlement revenue. > > *NATIONAL FOREST:* The committee also reported two measures (HCR 2 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HCR%202&billid=2011HCR201&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HCR&BillNum=2> > and HR 17 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HR%2017&billid=2011HR1701&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HR&BillNum=17>) > expressing lawmakers' opposition to a lawsuit aimed at stopping > firearm hunting and snowmobiling in part of the Huron-Manistee > National Forest. > > The U.S. Forest Service, while reviewing its Land and Resource > Management plan of the forest after a U.S. 6^th Circuit Court of > Appeals ruling, has been sued to halt hunting and snowmobiling in all > primitive areas and semi-primitive non-motorized management areas, > which is about 70,000 acres. > > But supporters of the resolutions said stopping those recreational > activities would have a negative effect on the economy of northern > Michigan. > > "They eat in our restaurants, and they enjoy the great north as they > should," said Rep. Peter Pettalia > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=228001&locid=1> > (R-Presque Isle). > > The resolutions were reported on nearly unanimous votes with Rep. Tim > Bledsoe > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=159701&locid=1> > (D-Grosse Pointe) abstaining. Mr. Bledsoe pointed out the lawsuit > relates to 7 percent of the forest's total acreage. > > The Michigan Snowmobiling Association, Michigan Lodging and Tourism > Association and Michigan United Conservation Clubs support the > resolutions. There was no testimony in opposition. > > *Scott Expecting Child With Former Legislative Aide* > > Rep. Paul Scott > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=225901&locid=1> > (R-Grand Blanc) confirmed Tuesday he is having a baby with his former > legislative aide and campaign manager. > > Mr. Scott, a 28-year-old single lawmaker serving in his second term, > said he met Amanda Grove when he first took office in 2009 and was > interviewing staff for his legislative office. > > The two developed a romantic relationship over time and she left his > staff in May of last year to manage his campaign for secretary of > state. He eventually lost the Republican nomination for that office. > > Mr. Scott has been one of the most socially conservative lawmakers, > opposing abortion and same-sex marriage and saying during his > secretary of state race that he would prohibit transgendered residents > from changing the sex listed on their driver's license. > > Asked about how conservatives may react to the news, Mr. Scott said > there are many members of the Republican Party who are anti-abortion > and his child is a "blessing." > > "The Lord works in mysterious ways," he said. > > Ms. Grove, who did not return to work in the Legislature, is due in a > few weeks. Mr. Scott said the two have a close relationship and are > focusing on the healthy birth of their son. > > *Road Groups Urge Senators To Fund Transportation* > > The state lacks sufficient money to run even a moderately serviceable > road construction, repair and maintenance program, and officials must > find a way to pump more money into the system as conditions continue > to worsen, leaders of road organizations said Tuesday. > > Sen. Tom Casperson > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=74701&locid=1> > said a road funding solution is needed. > > Officials representing the County Road Association of Michigan, the > Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association and the > Michigan Municipal League made their pitch for more road funding to > the Senate Transportation Committee. None advocated a specific > solution, but noted previous proposals such as exempting fuel from the > sales tax - which at today's gasoline prices amounts to an 18 cents > per gallon levy - and then raising the gasoline tax by an equivalent > amount. > > Michael Nystrom, executive vice president of MITA, sought to address > the sentiment prevalent in the Legislature not to raise taxes. He > said, in general, he agreed with keeping taxes low. But when it comes > to roads, "The equivalent of having the lowest gas tax in the nation > is the equivalent of having the worst roads in the nation." > > And Ed Noyola, deputy director for the County Road Association of > Michigan, voiced frustration that a wide spectrum of groups made the > case for more money in previous legislative terms only to see no action. > > "Here we are again, back in front of a legislative body to plead our > case," he said. > > Mr. Nystrom ran through a series of disturbing statistics, such as the > state having 28,700 miles of state and local roads in poor condition, > 38 counties having pulverized paved roads back to dirt or gravel > because they could no longer maintain them and having 3,052 > structurally deficient and functionally obsolete state and local > bridges. Available funding for the state's roads has fallen by > hundreds of millions in recent years. > > Mr. Nystrom mentioned the idea of exempting gasoline from the sales > tax and raising the gasoline tax as a possibility, but also > characterized it as "off the wall" idea. He noted though that the 6 > percent sales tax raised $718 million from gasoline sales in 2009. > > "We have a collision course, a train wreck, that's waiting to happen," > Mr. Nystrom said of the situation with road funding. > > Sen. Tom Casperson > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=74701&locid=1> > (R-Escanaba), the committee chair, said afterward that he wants to > talk with Senate leadership and the administration of Governor Rick > Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > about what to do. > > "Clearly, there's a problem," he said. "I can sense frustration, and I > can completely understand it." > > Still, there's no appetite to raise taxes, Mr. Casperson said, and > that creates a jam. > > "I don't have the answer," he said. "I just know there's a problem." > > *Senate Skirmish On E.I.T.C. As Bill Introduced* > > Seldom has the introduction of a bill generated as much of a furor as > Sen. Roger Kahn > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=84601&locid=1>'s > submission of legislation Tuesday to repeal the Earned Income Tax > Credit, but it only further confirmed the EITC as an early flashpoint > in what is expected to be a difficult budget this year. > > Mr. Kahn - with six Republican co-sponsors - introduced SB 103 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SB%20103&billid=2011SB10301&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SB&BillNum=103>, > which would end the ability of the working poor to claim a state > income tax credit equal to 20 percent of the credit they receive on > their federal taxes. The bill was referred, as expected, to the Senate > Finance Committee. > > *Bill Tracking Tool* > > Interested in tracking legislative action and Gongwer coverage on a > specific bill? Just click on the green block - > <http://www.gongwer.com/images/greensquare.gif>- next to the bill > number and to request an email alerting you to any activity or > articles on the legislation. Subscribers will need a username and > password for the Gongwer website for this feature. > > "The EITC will cost $340 million this year and is estimated to cost > $370 million in FY 2012," Mr. Kahn said in remarks on the Senate > floor. "$370 million. Let me put that in perspective. All in, the > budgets of agriculture, the attorney general, civil rights, education, > DELEG, the executive office, judiciary, auditor general, military > affairs and the secretary of state would only total $357 million. ... > We don't need it and it is certainly not worth the equivalent of the > entire budgets of 10 state departments." > > Co-sponsoring the bill were Sen. Mike Nofs > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=57701&locid=1> > of Battle Creek, Sen. Phil Pavlov > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=93801&locid=1> > of St. Clair, Sen. Arlan Meekhof of West Olive, Sen. Rick Jones > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=82701&locid=1> > of Grand Ledge, Sen. Jack Brandenburg > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=42701&locid=1> > of Harrison Twp. and Sen. Darwin Booher > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=95101&locid=1> > of Evart. > > But Democrats and a variety of organizations denounced the bill. > > "My colleague has said that there are over $300 million in savings, > but let's be straight with the voters. It represents a tax increase on > those who can least afford it if you get rid of the earned income tax > policy," said Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=60101&locid=1> > (D-East Lansing). "Now there are many people in state government who, > frankly, I don't think understand what this earned income tax credit > is. I have heard comments from people in the Executive Office to > people who hold gavels in this body saying that it is a handout for > people who are not working. Let's really talk about the facts. This is > about helping people who are working and doing the best they can." > > The Michigan Catholic Conference called the bill alarming and unfortunate. > > "The legislative majority has stated since it took control this > legislative session there would not be a tax increase to resolve the > budget deficit - yet the first piece of legislation designed to > address that shortfall represents nothing but a tax increase on the > working poor," said Paul Long, president and CEO of the Catholic > Conference. "Michigan's low-income workers should not bear the burden > of setting straight the state's fiscal house." > > *Senate OKs 'I'm Sorry' Bill For Med-Mal Cases* > > Health care professionals who express sympathy to the family of > someone who died or experienced pain and suffering while receiving > care could not have those statements used against them in a medical > malpractice lawsuit under a bill that unanimously passed the Senate on > Tuesday. > > Known as the "I'm sorry" law, SB 53 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SB%2053&billid=2011SB5301&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SB&BillNum=53> > is designed to allow health care workers to offer condolences or > sympathy to an individual's family without putting them at risk of > having such statements used as evidence of admitting liability should > they be sued. > > Sen. James Marleau > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=80201&locid=1> > (R-Lake Orion), the bill sponsor, recalled in his family he was taught > the magic words of "please," "thank you" and "I'm sorry." Allowing > health care professionals to offer expressions of sympathy without > fear of putting themselves at risk of liability is common sense, he said. > > "It's the right thing to do," he said. > > *Snyder Pops In On House* > > Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > made an impromptu appearance on the House floor Tuesday as members > were gathered for session. > > Mr. Snyder was already in the Capitol for several meetings, according > to spokesperson Sara Wurfel, and the timing worked out where he could > pop in and briefly chat with legislators. > > Ms. Wurfel said the conversations were casual and not specifically > related to any one issue. She said the opportunity allowed the > governor to continue building his relationships with legislators. > > Mr. Snyder made it up and down both the Republican and Democratic > sides of the chamber. He also abided by the dress code of the House by > wearing a bright green tie. > > *U-M Study: Local Officials React To Workers Pay, Benefits* > > Most local officials do not think their workers are overpaid in terms > of salary and wages, a study by the Center of Local, State and Urban > Policy at the University of Michigan said. But many do think their > workers get benefits that are more generous than the general public. > > The survey is the latest salvo fired in the current fight over public > employee pay and benefits. The study was done of local government > officials, and came out about a week after Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > issued his plain language balance sheet that triggered controversy in > saying that public workers are compensated nearly twice as much as the > average worker in the private sector. > > The survey was completed by officials in more than 1,000 localities in > the state. However, the data is almost a year old, since the survey > was completed in the spring of 2010. > > The officials were asked about pay to their workers and 65 percent of > those responding said they thought the pay rates were about right. > Some 25 percent said they thought the pay rates were too low. Just 6 > percent thought the pay was too high. > > Nearly one-third of the localities do not offer fringe benefits to > their workers, according to the survey. > > Of those that do offer fringe benefits, such as health insurance, 62 > percent said they thought the benefits are at the right levels. > > But the response was different from officials in the state's largest > communities, where 53 percent of the respondents said they thought the > benefits paid their workers were too generous. In the smaller > communities, just 18 percent of the respondents thought the benefits > were too generous. > > *Report: Obama Will Not Call For Interest On U.I. Debt* > > President Barack Obama may be preparing to give Michigan businesses a > break by not calling on them to pay on interest owed for unemployment > payments. > > A report in a New York Times blog says that Mr. Obama's budget > proposal for the 2011-12 fiscal year will defer collecting taxes for > the debt Michigan and many states have on unemployment insurance > repayments to the federal government. > > That could affect an estimated 54,000 companies in Michigan that have > to pay $67.50 per worker this year to help the state pay the interest > on the more than $3 billion it has borrowed to make benefit payments > to unemployed workers. > > Michigan is the first state to have to begin paying on the interest > owed on the funds, but eventually 31 states will be required to make > payments on that interest. In total the states have borrowed more than > $42 billion from the federal government to help make unemployment > benefits payments. > > Michigan officials have been working with U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=150701&locid=1> > (D-Lansing) to win a reprieve on the payment of the interest, which > they said will take as much as $50 million out of the state's economic > development efforts at a time when more money is needed to help boost > the economy. > > Officials had hoped an agreement to delay the payments could be > reached in December when Congress and Mr. Obama reached an agreement > on the personal income tax and on unemployment benefits. It was not to > be, however. > > The only companies required to pay the interest are those with > negative balances, those that have actually laid off workers. That > still amounts to some 54,000 businesses. While the interest payment of > $67.50 per worker only has to be made once a year, how many have made > the payments has not been released. > > Mr. Obama's proposal would have to be approved by Congress. While the > now Republican-controlled U.S. House may put up some resistance to the > idea, a number of Republican governors, including Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1>, > have called for the federal government to give the states a break on > the unemployment tax interest payments. > > Along with Michigan, companies in Indiana and South Carolina also have > to pay interest on their unemployment debt. > > According to the report, the administration is looking at having > payments begin again in 2014, but would also increase the base pay > rate from $7,000 a year to $15,000, which theoretically would help the > state's pay the debt as well as rebuild their trust funds. > > *Republicans Press M.E.D.C. For Improvements* > > More responsiveness to the needs of struggling Michigan businesses and > greater transparency were calls Republican lawmakers made to Michigan > Economic Development Corporation officials on Tuesday. > > With the state struggling economically over the past 10 years, Rep. > Jeff Farrington > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=268601&locid=1> > (R-Utica) put it straight to the new CEO Michael Finney by asking what > the MEDC is going to do differently than it has in the past four to > eight years (when Democrat Governor Jennifer Granholm was in charge). > > Testifying before the House Commerce Committee, Mr. Finney said the > MEDC does intend to operate at a higher level of transparency and > allow stakeholders to engage in what's going on at the MEDC more. > > Engaging local economic development partners, as Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1> > discussed last month, will also be new. Mr. Finney, the former head of > Ann Arbor SPARK, said in his prior role he often felt the MEDC didn't > get input from local partners in developing its strategies. > > "I really didn't feel connected. Not that they were bad strategies, it > (just) would have been nice to understand them upfront)," Mr. Finney > said. > > Rep. Sharon Tyler > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=210001&locid=1> > (R-Niles) said improving the retention call system is desperately > needed. Often a local company participates in the MEDC's retention > call as a favor to local economic development groups, but the state > doesn't really use that time as an opportunity to learn what a company > needs or ask how it could help bring some of its subcontractors to > Michigan, she said. > > Mr. Finney said he often found multiple state agencies, as well as the > locals, are making retention calls to businesses and that's a > duplication of efforts. He said the MEDC wants to use the retention > calls as an economic gardening tool to understand what assistance > companies may need to grow, so those efforts are being refined. > > Rep. Mike Shirkey > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=277701&locid=1> > (R-Clark Lake) and Mr. Farrington both called on the MEDC to be more > transparent with its economic development figures and use a more > effective system of measuring results since it often seems like the > focus is simply on retained or new jobs and how much investment the > company is making in Michigan. > > Mr. Farrington said he encountered a situation where a business > seeking assistance from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority was > told it could only have state aid if company officials told their > employees they were going out of business. That way, the state could > swoop in and help and count that as "retained jobs," Mr. Farrington said. > > Those kinds of interactions with businesses have discredited the > MEDC's reputation, he said. > > *Board Recommends Teacher Prep, School Funding Changes* > > The Board of Education on Tuesday recommended that the governor and > Legislature adopt policies that would gear the state's education > system toward life-long learning, including career-long improvements > for teachers, and would change how schools receive aid as well as how > much. > > Among its recommendations approved unanimously, the board echoed > Governor Rick Snyder > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=245801&locid=1>'s call > for an education system that ranges from preschool through college, > including providing universal preschool for all children and mandating > kindergarten. > > The board also called for incentives to ensure that schools are > helping students progress through the system. Part of that effort is > improving teachers through a tiered licensure system to encourage > teachers to move up as well as changes to allow easier removal of > ineffective teachers. > > To ensure the reforms move forward, the board called for equitable > funding for all schools. The board recommended ways the state could > reduce the cost of education, including combining the more than 80 > early childhood initiatives around the state, was well as potentially > increasing state funding for districts. > > One of the end goals of the proposal would be having 90 percent of > students graduate high school ready to enter college or work training > without having to take remedial courses. > > In addition to it being the start of a new term on the board, members > said now was the time to propose the reforms because of the push for > change by Mr. Snyder. > > "This is a kind of opportunity on a wave of political momentum to make > education reform happen," Board President John Austin (D-Ann Arbor) > said. "It's a chance for us to accelerate pieces of reform and policy > that we've been working on and bring those forward in real time." > > While the board did talk about the need for additional, and better use > of, funding for schools, it avoided calling for any particular types > of new revenue as it did in prior recommendations. Instead, it called > for "re-allocating budget priorities within state government" to > provide additional funds for schools. > > Republican members of the board particularly warned against > recommendations that fall outside the board's area of influence. > > "I would encourage the board to recommend something that we have > purview over," said board Secretary Nancy Danhof (R-East Lansing). "We > don't have the authority to determine what kind of revenue we have." > > But she and others said the board did have a constitutional > responsibility to indicate how much revenue schools need to operate. > > "When we start talking about raising taxes, we don't have that right," > said board member Eileen Weiser (R-Ann Arbor). "We can talk about > funding needed." > > The board also called for tying some of that funding to student > achievement. In addition to the base foundation grant, the > recommendations would have a portion of the grant based on student > performance and progress. > > And the board called for schools to have even more flexibility in how > they spend that foundation grant, as long as that spending is > improving student achievement. > > For schools that are struggling financially, the board called for > review of the financial manager law to clarify the roles of the > emergency financial manager and the elected board. > > The recommendations focus on improving achievement with particular > emphasis on programs for the lowest-performing schools, including > highlighting programs that are proven to work. It also calls for > ensuring choices for students in those struggling schools. > > But it also calls for ensuring access to accelerated programs for > those students who qualify, including eliminating financial > disincentives to allowing students to participate in dual enrollment > programs. > > Part of the school improvement effort was also calling for universal > preschool programs. > > "All of the evidence is that investments in children at that age pay > huge dividends down the road," said board member Dan Varner (D-Detroit). > > But the board ensured that the recommendation was to have the programs > available, not that children be required to attend them. > > "There are some families where preschool would be a benefit, and for > some families it will not," said board member Richard Zeile > (R-Detroit). "We don't want to be institutional enablers of parental > neglect." He said some homeschooled children will receive more adult > attention than they would in preschool programs. > > For teachers, the board recommended a three-tiered licensing system, > with concurrent compensation changes, for new teachers, proficient > teachers and master teachers. > > Board member Marianne McGuire (D-Detroit) raised concerns that the > proposal would remove the current incentive most districts provide for > teachers earning master's degrees. > > The recommendation also would call for a review system that includes > student achievement as a measure of teacher quality and that allows > easier removal of ineffective teachers. > > Districts would also have use of a variety of partners, including > private organizations, to implement programs to help teachers improve > under the proposals. > > "Why not work with our local districts, with our ISDs, with local > groups and private investment to do the job we know needs to be done?" > Ms. Danhof said in requesting to add the provision. > > *Vote On Item Pricing Bill Postponed* > > A vote to repeal the state requirement that nearly every item in a > store come with an individual price sticker will wait at least another > week as the House Commerce Committee postponed action on HB 4158 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204158&billid=2011HB415801&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4158> > during its meeting Tuesday. > > Chair Rep. Wayne Schmidt > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=206201&locid=1> > (R-Traverse City) said the Department of Attorney General was still > working on some consumer protection amendments for the bill and > "hopefully" the committee can vote on the legislation next week. > > Gongwer News Service previously reported how the legislation removes > any authority the Department of Agriculture has with the remaining > item-pricing law and gives sole responsibility to the attorney general. > > Meanwhile, Marketing Resource Group released a poll showing Michigan > residents are split on their opinion of the legislation: 45 percent > support repeal of the individual sticker mandate and another 45 > percent oppose the repeal. > > Of the group who supports repeal, 28 percent strongly support it and > 17 percent somewhat support it. Of the group who opposes repeal, 31 > percent strongly oppose it and 14 percent somewhat oppose it. Another > 10 percent of respondents were undecided. > > The legislation still keeps penalties in place for retailers who > overcharge customers. > > The MRG poll of 600 likely voters was taken January 24-27 and has a > margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The arguments > for and against the bill were rotated between calls. MRG noted a poll > it conducted on the topic in 1992 showed 50 percent opposing item > pricing repeal and 43 percent supporting repeal. > > *Steudle: M.D.O.T. Reorganizing Itself* > > With a total vacancy of nearly 20 percent of its workforce, the > Department of Transportation is in the process of developing a > reorganization plan, the department director told the House > Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee on Tuesday. > > Kirk Steudle also warned the subcommittee that rule changes enacted by > the U.S. House could mean the state would lose as much as $190 million > in federal transportation funding. > > The presentation before the subcommittee was designed to help the > legislators get familiar with an administrative overview of the > department. The chair, Rep. David Agema > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=175101&locid=1> > (R-Grandville), said there would be no questions on the controversial > Detroit River International Crossing proposal. > > While going through the various elements of funding, organizational > structure and required planning processes (as well as the department's > increasing use of social media to help inform motorists of > construction updates), Mr. Steudle said that with the recent state > worker retirements, the department was about 20 percent down from its > authorized level of personnel. > > While the department is authorized to have 3,000 workers, it has not > had that many in years, Mr. Steudle said. The department was holding > 244 vacancies before the latest early retirement plan went into effect. > > Another 328 workers, representing more than 12,000 years of > experience, left the state by January 1, Mr. Steudle said. > > That means the department has roughly 20 percent fewer workers than it > is authorized, he said. > > The department is now in the process of developing a reorganization > plan that Mr. Steudle said should be completed before the start of the > 2011-12 fiscal year. > > But he said any changes the department implements will not affect the > department's customer service mission. > > Because the largest share of the department's budget comes from > federal funds, Mr. Steudle said the new rules adopted by the U.S. > House could cut the state's funds significantly. The rules are aimed > largely at granting less authority on funding to trust funds. Other > transportation related organizations warned the rules could hurt state > funding by making it less likely all the states could get funds for > planning and future work. > > Mr. Steudle said he was also concerned about talk in Congress on doing > away with the federal highway trust fund altogether which means > Michigan and all the states would have to fight for federal funding > out of the U.S. general fund. > > *Binding Arbitration Repeal Introduced In House* > > Local governments have long sought for a repeal, or at least changes, > to the state's binding arbitration law commonly referred to as PA 312 > and on Tuesday a House Republican introduced such a measure. > > Rep. Joseph Haveman > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=205901&locid=1> > (R-Holland) is sponsoring HB 4205 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204205&billid=2011HB420501&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4205> > and HB 4206 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204206&billid=2011HB420601&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4206>, > which repeal binding arbitration. > > "At a time of fiscal crisis in our state with many communities close > to receivership, we must find ways to free the hands of local elected > officials from outdated and costly statutes and regulation such as > this," Mr. Haveman said. "Binding arbitration results in incremental > increases to benefits and pay that are leading many of our > municipalities toward bankruptcy. It is just not appropriate to > continue using a system that damages a city's finances and compounds > the tax burden on residents." > > The bills were referred to the Government Operations Committee, which > is chaired by House Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=210301&locid=1> > (R-Midland). > > *Homebuilders Expect Business Bump* > > Homebuilders in the state began to see business come back at the end > of last year, and are expecting double-digit growth for 2011, the > Michigan Association of Home Builders said in a report Tuesday. > > The group is predicting 16.5 percent growth in building permits for > 2011, and saw a 17.8 percent increase in the Michigan Housing Index, > the association's measure of housing activity in the state. > > The remodeling index, however, was down in December to 34 from 38 in > November. > > The December housing index returned to about the May 2010 level, which > had been boosted by federal tax credits for new construction that > expired mid-year. > > The group also noted that, while 2011 is projected to see increases, > that is still from a 2010 year that was 72 percent below the 30-year > average for single-family home permits. And the first half of 2011 is > still expected to be below the first half of 2010. > > *P.S.C. Rejects Renewable Credit Double Counting Charge* > > Harvest Wind Farm sold only one renewable power credit for each unit > of power it generated, the Public Service Commission reported Tuesday. > > The Ecology Center had alleged the wind energy facility had sold the > same renewable power to Wolverine Power Cooperative and to Detroit Edison. > > But PSC officials said the Ecology Center had mixed renewable power > from others sources in reviewing Wolverine's available credits, > leading it to incorrectly calculate the credits available from Harvest. > > *P.S.C. Investigating Mackinac Island Ferry Service* > > The battles between the companies providing ferry service to Mackinac > Island and the city have now moved to the state level, with the Public > Service Commission opening an investigation into the situation. > > The city of Mackinac Island has been trying to develop a solution that > would cut ferry rates to the island and increase service during > off-season months, but so far that attempt has resulted in allegations > of the city attempting to create a monopoly and various legal and > public relations wrangling. > > The commission entered the discussions last week with a filing > February 4 by Shepler's Incorporated (case No. T-1862). The commission > has set a hearing for February 22 for the ferry companies to begin > scheduling hearings on the issue. In addition to the usual contested > case hearings, the commission will be scheduling hearings in the area, > potentially one each in St. Ignace, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, > to gather public input on the issue. > > *L.I.H.E.A.P. HEARING:* The commission has also scheduled a hearing > for March 10 at 10 a.m. at the commission offices, Suite 7, 6545 > Mercantile Way, Lansing, on the reduction in federal funds to the > Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. > > State law requires the hearing whenever the funds are reduced, and the > commission will compile the comments at the hearing for a report to > the governor and the Legislature. > > Comments can also be sent to [log in to unmask] > <mailto:[log in to unmask]> or on the commission's edockets > website <http://www.michigan.gov/mpscedockets> (case No. U-16541 > <http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/orders/electric/2011/u-16541_02-08-2011.pdf>) > > *DTE Companies Allowed Optimization Charges* > > DTE's two utilities were able to achieve the savings they projected > under their energy optimization plans, so customers of the two > utilities will see additional charges to recover the costs of those > savings, the Public Service Commission ordered Tuesday. > > Michigan Consolidated Gas Company was able to reduce energy use by > 0.14 percent in 2007 through its plan, so the commission approved > increasing its energy optimization surcharge to cover the $913,374 > cost of the program (case No. U-16289 > <http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/orders/gas/2011/u-16289_02-8-2011.pdf>). > The increase will cost the average residential customer about 8 cents > per month beginning in March. > > Detroit Edison customers will pay about 5 cents more per month because > the utility saw 0.42 percent savings under its plan (case No. U-16358 > <http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/orders/electric/2011/u-16358_02-8-2011.pdf>). > The power use reduction cost the utility about $3 million. > > *P.S.C. Delays Consumers Increase* > > The Public Service Commission for the first time used its power to > delay utility increases to head off a proposed $29.5 million increase > by Consumers Energy. > > The commission, on a 2-1 vote Tuesday, found it had good cause to > prevent Consumers from implementing the proposed natural gas rate > increase on Thursday. > > Commissioner Monica Martinez dissented from the commission vote (case > No. U-16418 > <http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/orders/gas/2011/u-16418_02-08-2011.pdf>). > > Consumers had initially requested a $55.3 million annual increase and > had filed testimony to support a $48 million increase. > > *Committee Roundup * > > *DETROIT PENSION BOARD:* The method of selecting a member to the > Detroit Police and Firefighters Retirement System Board would be > prohibited from the collective bargaining process under HB 4135 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204135&billid=2011HB413501&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4135> > reported Tuesday by the House Oversight, Ethics and Reform Committee. > > The issue is currently in arbitration and lawmakers were asked to hold > off on voting by those opposed to the legislation, but it was reported > on a 5-1 vote with Rep. Lisa Brown > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=171401&locid=1> > (D-West Bloomfield) the sole dissenting vote. Governor Jennifer > Granholm vetoed similar legislation late last year. > > *SYNTHETIC DRUGS BILL:* A bill to again criminalize synthetic > marijuana (SB 99 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SB%2099&billid=2011SB9901&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SB&BillNum=99>) > cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Those substances > were inadvertently legalized through the adoption of a new act late > last year. > > *Capital Notebook* > > *TOWNSHIPS ASSOCITION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:* The Michigan Townships > Association announced its executive committee for 2011. Serving on the > committee are Jack Randolph, supervisor of East China Charter Township > (St. Clair Co.) who will be president of the association's board of > directors; Bill Renn, Chandler Township (Huron Co.) supervisor; Denny > Olson, Breitung Charter Township (Dickinson Co.) supervisor; Eugene > Jorissen, Pere Marquette Charter Township (Mason Co.) supervisor; > Linda Preston, Pokagon Township (Cass Co.) supervisor; Doug Merchant, > Arcada Township (Gratiot Co.) supervisor; and Linda Towsley, Windsor > Charter Township (Eaton Co.) clerk. > > *POLL SUGGESTS VOTERS WANT MEDICAID PROTECTED:* A new survey shows > state voters favor keeping Medicaid funding at current levels as > opposed to cutting it. The survey, conducted by EPIC/MRA and > commissioned by the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, showed > 61 percent of voters want Medicaid funding kept intact while just 18 > percent agreed "that the level the state pays for Medicaid > reimbursement to health care providers should not be any different > from any other state program or service that is being cut." > > *Appointment By The Speaker* > > Bruce Rasher of Marshall is appointed to the Great Lakes Commission by > House Speaker Jase Bolger > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=226901&locid=1> > (R-Marshall). > > *Supplemental Notice Of Legislative Committees* > > *_Wednesday, February 9_* > > Senate Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=66901&locid=1>, > (Chr. Jansen > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=124401&locid=1>, > 373-5314), Rooms 402/403, Capitol Building, 8:30 a.m. > > * Presentation by Ken Braun, budget policy analyst for the > Mackinac Center, to give an overview of recommendations for > reforms and structural changes needed to grow Michigan's economy > > House Banking and Financial Services > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=69001&locid=1>, > (Chr. Knollenberg > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=80001&locid=1>, > 373-7256), Room 326, House Office Building, 9 a.m., Webcast > <http://www.house.mi.gov/htv.asp> > > * Presentations by Jeff Weisserman from Trott and Trott and John > Llewellyn from the Michigan Bankers Association > > HR 21 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HR%2021&billid=2011HR2101&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HR&BillNum=21> > > > > > *WALL STREET REFORM* (Knollenberg > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=80001&locid=1>) > Memorializes Congress to take steps to insure that the Wall Street > Reform and Consumer Protection Act does not result in increased fees > on consumers at exempted institutions. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-HR-0021> > > House Commerce > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=69101&locid=1>, > House Tax Policy > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=70401&locid=1>, > (Chr. Schmidt, W. > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=206201&locid=1>, > 373-7256, Chr. Gilbert > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=22401&locid=1>, > 373-2013), Room 352, House Appropriations Room, Capitol, 10:30 a.m., > Webcast <http://www.house.mi.gov/htv.asp> > > * Overview of MBT and MBT surcharge and MBT credits Presentation > by Treasury and Presentation by Anderson Economic Group on > effectiveness of credits > * Presentation by the Department of Treasury and Anderson Economic > Group on the Michigan Business Tax and MBT credits. > > House Transportation > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=70601&locid=1>, > (Chr. Opsommer > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=158101&locid=1>, > 373-1260), Room 307, House Office Building, 12 p.m., Webcast > <http://www.house.mi.gov/htv.asp> > > * Presentation by Kirk Steudle, Director of the Michigan > Department of Transportation > > HB 4004 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204004&billid=2011HB400401&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4004> > > > > > *RAILROADS* (Kurtz > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=218701&locid=1>) > Exempts certain segment of property formerly used for railway from > divestiture provision. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-HB-4004> > > HB 4129 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=HB%204129&billid=2011HB412901&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=HB&BillNum=4129> > > > > > *HIGHWAY RENAME* (Knollenberg > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=80001&locid=1>) > Designates a portion of M-24 as the William Davidson memorial highway. > (Testimony only) Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-HB-4129> > > Senate Finance > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=65901&locid=1>, > (Chr. Brandenburg > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=42701&locid=1>, > 373-5307), Room 210, Farnum Building, 12:30 p.m., Webcast > <http://www.senate.michigan.gov/tvschedule/tvlive.htm> > > SB 1 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SB%201&billid=2011SB101&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SB&BillNum=1> > > > > > *M.B.T. REPEAL* (Hildenbrand > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=107701&locid=1>) > Repeals Michigan Business Tax. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-SB-0001> > > SB 34 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SB%2034&billid=2011SB3401&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SB&BillNum=34> > > > > > *PERSONAL PROPERTY* (Nofs > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=57701&locid=1>) > Repeals personal property tax. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-SB-0034> > > House Appropriations (Human Services Subcommittee) > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=71701&locid=1>, > House Families and Children's Services > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=69401&locid=1>, > (Chr. Agema > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=175101&locid=1>, > 373-8080, Chr. Kurtz > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=218701&locid=1>, > 373-5795), Room 352, House Appropriations Room, Capitol, 3 p.m. or > after session, Webcast <http://www.house.mi.gov/htv.asp> > > * Presentation by Department of Human Services Children's Services > Administration > > Senate Education > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=65601&locid=1>, > Senate Local Government and Elections > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=66301&locid=1>, > (Chr. Pavlov > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=93801&locid=1>, > 373-5344, Chr. Robertson > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=54001&locid=1>, > 373-5323), Senate Hearing Room, Boji Tower, 3 p.m. > > * Discussion of 1990 Public Act 72 > > *_Thursday, February 10_* > > Senate Agriculture > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=65201&locid=1>, > (Chr. Hune > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=52901&locid=1>, > 373-5344), Room 110, Farnum Building, 8:30 a.m. > > * Pending introduction and referral, bills on the Michigan > Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program > > Senate Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=66601&locid=1>, > (Chr. Casperson > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=74701&locid=1>, > 373-5323), Room 210, Farnum Building, 8:30 a.m. > > * Department of Environmental Quality overview by Director Dan Wyant > * Testimony from Peter Glaser, an attorney specializing in energy > and environmental law in Washington > > SR 10 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SR%2010&billid=2011SR1001&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SR&BillNum=10> > > > > > *FEDERAL REGULATIONS* (Casperson > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=74701&locid=1>) > Urges the Congress to place a moratorium on any greenhouse gas > regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-SR-0010> > > SCR 6 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SCR%206&billid=2011SCR601&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SCR&BillNum=6> > > > > > *FEDERAL REGULATIONS* (Green > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=25101&locid=1>) > Urges the Congress to place a moratorium on any new greenhouse gas > regulations issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-SCR-0006> > > House Health Policy > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=69601&locid=1>, > (Chr. Haines > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=210901&locid=1>, > 373-7256), Room 519, House Office Building, 9 a.m., Webcast > <http://www.house.mi.gov/htv.asp> > > * Presentations by: David Finkbeiner, Michigan Health & Hospital > Association and Meghan Swain, Michigan Association of Local > Public Health > > House Judiciary > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=69901&locid=1>, > (Chr. Walsh > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=206701&locid=1>, > 373-5795), Room 521, House Office Building, 10:30 a.m., Webcast > <http://www.house.mi.gov/htv.asp> > > * Presentations by The State Court Administrative Office on the > Michigan Court System and Keith Barber, Legislative Corrections > Ombudsman > > Senate Appropriations (Human Services Subcommittee) > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=67601&locid=1>, > (Chr. Caswell > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=56201&locid=1>, > 373-2768), Senate Hearing Room, Ground Floor, Boji Tower, 12 p.m. > > * Presentation by the Department of Human Services and discussion > of the juvenile justice system > > Senate Outdoor Recreation and Tourism > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=66701&locid=1>, > (Chr. Hansen > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=101501&locid=1>, > 373-5323), Room 210, Farnum Building, 12:30 p.m. > > * Organizational meeting > * Presentation by the Department of Natural Resources on the Park > Pass Program. > > *The following was added to the agenda:* > > SB 110 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SB%20110&billid=2011SB11001&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SB&BillNum=110> > > > > > *PURE MICHIGAN FUNDING* (Hansen > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=101501&locid=1>) > Provides for distribution of 21st Century Jobs Fund money into funding > the "Pure Michigan" tourism campaign. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-SB-0110> > > *Remaining previous agenda:* > > SR 6 > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_billdetail.cfm&code=SR%206&billid=2011SR601&locid=1>* > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=legislation_querymanager.cfm&locid=1&SR=1&Session=2011&BillType=SR&BillNum=6> > > > > > *FIREARM HUNTING* (Hansen > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=101501&locid=1>) > Expresses opposition to the ban on firearm hunting and snowmobiling in > certain areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Full Text > <http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2011-SR-0006> > > Senate Banking and Financial Institutions > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=committee.cfm&committee=65401&locid=1>, > (Chr. Booher > <http://www.gongwer.com/index.cfm?link=bio.cfm&nameid=95101&locid=1>, > 373-5314), Room 100, Farnum Building, 1:30 p.m., Webcast > <http://www.senate.michigan.gov/tvschedule/tvlive.htm> > > * Presentations by Michigan Bankers Association and the Michigan > Credit Union League on the current conditions of banking in > Michigan, as well as the effects of federal regulations on > financial institutions around the state > > **Gongwer News Service, Inc. ** > 124 West Allegan Street, Suite 1200 > Lansing Michigan 48933 > **Phone:** 517.482.3500 | **Fax:** 517.482.4367 | **Email:** > [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > Alan Miller <mailto:a[log in to unmask]>, President | John Lindstrom > <mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Publisher | Zachary Gorchow > <mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Editor | Christopher Klaver > <mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Stephanie Cepak > <mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Breanna Camarillo > <mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Staff Writers > What implication does the Department break-up have for the KCP Initiative. > Click the *after a bill number to create a saved search and email > alert for that bill. > > © 2011, Gongwer News Service, Inc. Reproduction of this publication in > whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher is in > violation of the federal Copyright Law (17 USC 101 et seq.) as is > retransmission by facsimile or any other electronic means, including > electronic mail. > > Rosemarie Olszewski > > Receptionist - Executive Division > > Department of Natural Resources and Environment > > Ph: 517-373-7917 > > Fax: 517-241-7401 > > [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > > //"Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice"// > > //"If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."// >