Cross-posted to MichiganLiberal.com
This Week's Stories
- This Week's Lucky Numbers
- Budget Battle, Round Two
- Motown Politics
- What's Happening in Washington
- Legislature Update
- Around the State
- Don't Forget: Kossack Gathering Next Saturday
This Week's Lucky Numbers
- State universities in Michigan: 15.
- State prisons in Michigan: 42.
- Approximate size of the state's inmate population: 50,000.
- Current exchange rate: $1 U.S. = $1.23 Canadian.
- Size of Detroit's police department: 2,665 officers.
- Average monthly welfare check: $416.
- Official beginning of summer: June 21 at 2:46 am.
Budget Battle, Round Two
Not surprisingly, there was fallout from the House-passed austerity budget. The Lansing State Journal profiled one of the 15,000 state residents who face a cutoff of welfare benefits on January 1 because they have been on the rolls four years or longer. The GOP proposal also cut benefits to the remaining 60,000 families on welfare by an average of $50.
The Detroit Free Press's Chris Christoff noted that the House budget focused attention on the philosophical differences between the two parties, with Republicans making cuts that even Governor John Engler backed away from. Christoff also had some advice for the governor: get out there and fight.
Jeff Gerritt, also of the Free Press, criticized the House for cutting education and training for prison inmates, warning that the state's prisons could become "warehouses that spit out convicts unprepared for anything but more crime."
On the other hand, the conservative/libertarian Mackinac Center for Public Policy thinks that the budget is a step in the direction. The Center has compiled highlights of the budget's major spending categories.
Motown Politics
Mayor: Fireworks Are Still On. After saying that City Council's budget cuts would leave the police department too understaffed to patrol the International Freedom Festival fireworks, Mayor Kilpatrick has changed his mind, saying the annual event will go on. He also said that police layoffs won't take place until after the All-Star Game on July 12. That was the good news. The bad news is that the mayor's decision to delay the layoffs could lead to even more job cuts in the future, as well as a legal showdown between the mayor and council.
In Brief. A dozen current and former officeholders, including several members of the legislature, have endorsed Freman Hendrix for mayor....Councilwoman Sharon McPhail told voters that if she's elected, she will appoint a "population czar" whose job will be reversing the flight of residents from the city....The Detroit News called for an investigation of Mayor Kilpatrick's expenses by the Attorney General, and urged council to cut up his credit card.
What's Happening in Washington
John Conyers and the Downing Street Memo. Gurt Guyette of the Metro Times profiles John Conyers's role in demanding accountability from the Bush administration over Iraq. On Thursday, the Detroit Democrat held a hearing on the "Downing Street Memo," which revealed that the administration had committed to going to war with Iraq by the spring of 2002 and that "intelligence and the facts were being fixed around the policy."
Both Detroit dailies supported Conyers's efforts. The Free Press praised the congressman for his effort to find out the truth about the administration's reasons for going to war, and the Detroit News said he deserved credit for his efforts to "get to the bottom" of the memo.
More Judicial Vacancies. The recent compromise in the Senate cleared the way for filling vacancies on the Sixth Circuit, and gave conservatives a long-sought-after majority on that panel. Now attention is turning to the state's federal district courts, where there are also vacancies to be filled as well: three on the Eastern District, and one definite and two pending in the Western District. Experts say that the number of vacancies is unusual.
Lawmakers Eye Great Lakes Drilling Ban. A bipartisan group of representatives from Michigan and other Great Lakes lawmakers introduced legislation that would permanently ban Great Lakes drilling. Currently, drilling is subject to a temporary ban that expires at the end of 2007. Meanwhile, Senator Debbie Stabenow is working with colleagues from Great Lakes states to include a drilling ban in the energy bill now before the Senate.
In Brief. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) introduced legislation to improve prenatal care for women....Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township) introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would count only U.S. citizens in congressional apportionment. If the amendment is ratified, Michigan might avoid losing more seats in the House after the 2010 census.... Amtrak routes serving Michigan won't be affected by subsidy cuts approved by a House subcommittee, but Republicans in the State Senate voted to end subsidies for two routes....In a chamber filled with millionaires, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow disclosed relatively modest wealth.
Legislature Update
GOP Moves to Bar Sex Offenders From Schools. Republican leaders have introduced a 14-bill package aimed at keeping convicted sex offenders away from schools and day-care centers. Among other things, the legislation would bar anyone convicted of a sex crime from working in a school or daycare center; ban sex offenders from living, working or loitering within 1,000 feet of a school; and revoke a convicted sex offender's teaching certificate for life.
Senate Panel Mulls School Funding Bill. A joint meeting of the Senate Education Committee and a Senate appropriations subcommittee discussed a bill that would tie school funding to the rate of inflation. Panel members expressed concern that the measure, introduced by Senator Robert Emerson (D-Flint), would be too expensive. On Tuesday, education advocates from around the state will hold a rally in Lansing in support of the legislation.
Medicaid Budget Clears Senate. By a 20-17 vote, mostly along party lines, the Senate approved a Medicaid budget that would require some recipients to pay premiums averaging $60 a year. The budget also requires higher co-pays for brand-name prescription drugs and non-emergency visits to the emergency room. The Senate bill also would cut recipients ' premiums if they sign a "personal responsibility agreement" under which they would exercise regularly and not smoke. Senator Tom George (R-Kalamazoo), a medical doctor, says that it makes no sense to subsidize those who maintain unhealthy lifestyles. But critics say that the proposal singles out poor people who already can't afford healthier foods, let alone exercise equipment.
Senate Approves Education Funding. Senators overwhelmingly approved a K-12 funding proposal that would give schools a $175 per pupil increase in state funds. And, by a 23-14 vote, the Senate approved a new funding formula for state universities. Opponents argued that some universities, especially Wayne State, will be shortchanged by the formula. Paul Courant, the University of Michigan's provost, argued that the formula was a "one-size-fits-all" measure that could result in funds for higher education being wasted rather than used efficiently.
Wine Shipment Restrictions Proposed. In the wake of last month's Supreme Court decision striking down Michigan's ban on out-of-state wine sales, Senator Bob Emerson (D-Flint) and Representative Chris Ward (R-Brighton) introduced legislation that would outlaw in-state direct shipments as well. The bills face an uncertain future. Senate majority leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming) opposes an outright ban, and Senator Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelenau) warns that the proposal would harm the state's wine industry.
In Brief. Defense lawyers say that Senator James Barcia (D-Bay City), who is under federal indictment for violating campaign funding laws, may have spend up to a year in a pre-trial diversion program before the charges are dismissed....House Democrats have started an online petition to raise the minimum wage to $7.15 an hour.... Lawmakers are preparing to rewrite the state's Telecommunications Act, which expires at the end of this year.
Around the State
Panel Calls for Reforms in Long-Term Care. A task force formed by Governor Granholm criticized the state's system for providing long-term care. Among other things, it found that state agencies make it too difficult to care for family members at home. The Oakland Press pointed out that only 23 percent of Michigan residents are given long-term at home, compared to 83 percent in Oregon. Senator Deborah Cherry (D-Burton), a member of the task force, plans to introduce legislation that would encourage in-home care.
Does Elizabeth Weaver Matter?. Elizabeth Weaver decided she wasn't about to retire from the Supreme Court after all. But, as the Free Press' Brian Dickerson observed, the court is so predictably Republican that her vote rarely makes a difference. Relations between Weaver and her colleagues are also so strained they removed her as chief justice in 2001.
Static Over Wireless Internet Proposal. Representative Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) may introduce a bill that would impose a moratorium on government-offered wireless Internet service. Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson believes Nofs's bill is payback on the part of the state GOP, which is unhappy with his decision to back Governor Granholm's $2 billion "Jobs for Michigan" bond proposal. The Oakland Press argued that Nofs is going after the wrong target. The Detroit News also attacked Nofs's proposal, pointing out that it poses no risk to county taxpayers.
Teenager Convicted of Terrorism. A Macomb County jury convicted a 17-year-old of making terrorist threats and using a computer to make . Andrew Ostanowski said on an online chat room that he planned to carry out a Columbine-style attack at Chippewa Valley High School. The case is believed to be the first in which anti-terrorism laws were used against school violence.
Water Diversion, Round II. Nestle Waters North America, Inc., filed suit challenging the Granholm administration's moratorium on bottled-water operations. Nestle argues that states have no authority to impose such a moratorium. This suit is a reaction to another case, now before the Court of Appeals, in which Nestle argues it has the right to pump spring water from wells.
In Brief. Three Ann Arbor attorneys, including a professor at the University of Michigan Law School, have filed petitions seeking court hearings for detainees held at Guantanamo Bay....An anti-gambling group has gone to court to stop the development of a new casino in the Grand Rapids area....The Granholm administration is considering a proposal under which community groups could form insurance purchasing pools....After nine years on the job, Agriculture Director Dan Wyant announced that he will step down....Former governor John Engler and his family will be in Lansing on Monday for the unveiling of his official portrait.
Don't Forget: Kossack Gathering Next Saturday
There will be a gathering of Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario Kossacks at the Sidetrack Bar and Grill in Ypsilanti's Depot Town next Saturday evening at 7 pm. Ypsilanti is just east of Ann Arbor, about 10-15 minutes west of Metro Airport, and about 30 minutes west of downtown Detroit. Follow the hyperlink for directions.