12-7-06… Our Heroes Are Remembered!
698 Days until election day.
Today we remember and reflect and another surprise attack that brought the United States into World War II. We, as Americans, are very cautious about going to war. However, when the enemy attacks our soil, our land, our people…we will respond.
There is a group of people, hiding behind their religion, terrorists without a specific nation, that are out to destroy the United States, western civilization and the freedom we all too often take for granted.
As we commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor, let us not forget that freedom isn’t free, that many before us paid the ultimate price for our generation to live in the greatest country the world has ever know. Today we openly debate, elect, re-elect and toss out others who don’t represent us in this great republican form of government.
With all the freedoms and prosperity we enjoy there is a great deal of responsibility. We shouldn’t take it lightly or act arrogantly. We have found ourselves in a position of leadership, among some who are determined to do us harm, and therefore we must be vigilant and strong in defense of our freedoms. God bless our men and women in uniform all around the world, standing guard as we celebrate this holiday season.
On a slippery night last night I attended the end of the House session…then headed over to the Ingham County GOP convention, ending my evening speaking to the MSU College Republican club. If you want to get a feel of how strong and bright the future of our Michigan Republican party is, just spend some time with our College Republicans. Statewide, this is one of the brightest, most committed and hard working groups I’ve seen in years. We have some of the best and most active clubs in the country, they volunteer for everything and are motivated to make a difference. I would encourage all of you to work and support them whenever you can.
Yesterday, I also received a call from two College Republicans who are running for the Youth Vice Chairman position. One is Trevor Pittsley, who worked this last cycle at the State Party as our Youth coordinator and the other is Matt Hall who is the Chair of the WMU College Republicans. Both of these guys are motivated, excited and dedicated to helping get more and more of our young people involved in our party. As they call around, talk to these guys about their plans, encourage their activities and I’m confident we will continue to build on the successes of the past.
Saul Anuzis
STATE STORIES
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070309/1008
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Local Commentary
We need new spirit of Pearl Harbor
State must adapt now as it did in World War II to gain final victory
Christopher B. Bedford
I n the dark days of early 1942, Frank Loesser wrote a song to capture the nation's mood after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Entitled "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition," it expressed the desire by millions of Americans to get involved in the fight in spite of what seemed to be overwhelming odds.
On the 65th anniversary of the attack, many of us in Michigan are asking the same question, "What must we do to win our current fight?" -- the fight to save our economic future from a Pearl Harbor-scale disaster.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612070332
Lenders boost Ford's bailout
But Mazda stake may be collateral
December 7, 2006
Let's hope Ford Motor Co. never has to use it all.
Ford said Wednesday that it can now borrow up to $25.45 billion, because investors are embracing its historic self-serve bailout deal. The package will use the automaker's plants and other assets, including trademarks like the Blue Oval, as collateral for the first time.
To get its hands on all of that cash, though, Ford may have to put up its 33.9% stake in profitable Mazda Motor Corp. as collateral, too.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1157558702221600.xml&coll=3
UAW's Jobs Bank: Paid to do what!?
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
The Detroit-based U.S. auto industry is in terrible times. It is losing substantial market share to foreign companies and struggling to downsize the workforce and contain the huge legacy costs of retirees. President Bush met last month with the Big Three automakers' top execs to discuss what the federal government can do to help. A bail-out is not on the table. But the word bankruptcy is often mentioned. In light of that, we are astounded to hear that United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said he will try to preserve the union's Jobs Bank.
Do what!? Yes, Gettelfinger says he will fight to maintain this costly union program, which provides virtually full pay and benefits to laid-off workers. When there is no work for them, the workers report to a room where they do nothing. Introduced in UAW contracts back in 1984 in more prosperous times, here is how one worker described the program last year to a Detroit newspaper: "We just go in and play crossword puzzles, watch videos that someone brings in or read the newspaper."
http://www.mlive.com/news/statewide/index.ssf?/base/news-8/116525940314880.xml&coll=1
State fuels job growth where it's least needed, study finds
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
By Sharon Emery
Lansing Bureau
LANSING -- The state's efforts to grow jobs hurts its cities, often sending a lopsided share of economic development incentives to outlying areas with less need for jobs and inadequate infrastructure to support them, a study released today by a Washington-based policy group found.
"Michigan's economic development incentives are shortchanging central cities and actively subsidizing new development in thinly populated, newly developing or already prosperous areas," concluded the study, financed by the Flint-based Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
The research for "The Geography of Incentives: Economic Development and Land Use in Michigan," was conducted by Good Jobs First. The Washington-based national policy resource center promotes corporate and government accountability in economic development and smart-growth policies.
http://www.mlive.com/news/sanews/index.ssf?/base/news-21/1165414806317080.xml&coll=9
State's job push mixed for Valley
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
SHARON EMERY
SAGINAW NEWS LANSING BUREAU
LANSING -- The state's efforts to grow jobs hurts its cities, often sending a lopsided share of economic development incentives to outlying areas with less need for jobs and inadequate infrastructure to support them, a study released today says.
"Michigan's economic development incentives are shortchanging central cities and actively subsidizing new development in thinly populated, newly developing or already prosperous areas," the study concluded.
The Saginaw Metro Area -- including Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties -- presented researchers a mixed picture.
Plant closing foreseen
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
By Chris Gautz
cgautz@citpat.com -- 768-4926
It was a surprise that it came down Monday, but it wasn't a surprise that it came down.
When Edscha AG announced Monday the Jackson facility would be closing in May or June, many of its 170 workers were taken aback by the news. However, rumors of closure had persisted for several years. That softened the shock value for some, coupled with news of other companies in the area hurt by international competition and a lagging automotive market.
"For folks that have been around awhile, they weren't surprised that it did happen," Jackson City Manager Bill Ross said of the announcement about the plant at 2300 E. Ganson St.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION03/612070363/1348
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Laura Berman:
Novi's showplace is taking a bite out of Cobo business
W ayne County Executive Robert Ficano has a plan to resurrect Cobo -- and, most importantly, to salvage international prestige and a bit of glitter.
At stake is Detroit's reach and status as the original, and existing, hub of the auto world.
But can Ficano, and the civic leaders clustered around him, get consensus on a plan and design before it's too late?
http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=34080
Posted: 12-6-2006
Van Woerkom: Lame duck session busy this year
By JOE BOOMGAARD
Daily News Staff Writer
One might think a lame duck session of Congress would have a state lawmakers sitting on their hands. But that’s not the case, according to 34th District Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores.
“I wonder what surprises they are pulling out today,” Van Woerkom said of the packed session in the last couple of days. “There are a lot of little things coming out.”
http://www.mlive.com/columns/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1165419834183830.xml&coll=2
Hard times open door to school reform
Applying business savvy could improve education
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
As the governor and lame-duck Legislature wrestle with issues of taxes and revenue in Lansing, we find ourselves asking a profound question: Could Michigan's budget crisis be an opportunity in disguise? We think so. And there is no greater area of potential opportunity than school-funding reform.
The opportunity came into focus last week in a small-group meeting we had with local business and education leaders, one of whom was William Deary, CEO of Jackson's Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice. In discussing the school districts' funding problems, Deary voiced a thought that only a businessman might have: Despite the school districts' individual budget problems, there is more than enough money to give every child in Jackson County the equivalent of a top-notch private-school education - if it were spent efficiently.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070327/1069
Looser Prelim Rules Would Be Injustice
December 7, 2006
State senators are considering a draconian measure that would eliminate an important safeguard in the criminal justice system by giving police officers undue influence in preliminary examinations. A lame duck session, without public hearings, is no way to handle such a drastic proposal. The Senate should let it die.
The bill is opposed not only by defense attorneys but also by most district judges. For most assaultive crimes, it would allow police officers, after victims' testimony, to provide hearsay evidence of what happened, instead of getting information from actual witnesses. For crimes not involving physical attacks, police officers could establish probable cause without any witness testimony.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070320/1069
Change Cable Rules to Encourage Competition
December 7, 2006
The Legislature should complete work in this lame-duck session on cable TV bills that may not be perfect -- no package is going to satisfy everyone -- but should ultimately benefit Michigan consumers by drawing more companies to compete for their business.
If the legislation fails, Michigan probably will be set back a year in the quest to open up cable competition. New lawmakers, especially in the House, will need to gain the expertise to deal with the issue. Meanwhile, AT&T has said it is ready to start competing in 2007 for cable business in its service territory. If the bills pass, that could mean an investment of $620 million and creation of 2,000 jobs to handle installation and programming over the next three years.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/SCHOOLS/612070348
Thursday, December 07, 2006
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Proposal 2 won't alter U-M hiring
Ban on race, gender preferences expected to be limited to admissions.
Marisa Schultz / The Detroit News
Proposal 2 may change admissions policies at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus, but it won't affect the school's aggressive affirmative action hiring program.
University leaders say they will continue to set hiring goals for minorities and women and monitor whether those goals are met, despite the ballot measure's ban on race and gender preferences in public education.
To back away from those programs, U-M officials maintain, would violate a presidential order that large institutions must have affirmative action policies if they receive federal money.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612070406
WSU acts to preserve diversity
New rules for law school admissions
December 7, 2006
Wayne State University's law school faculty voted for a new admissions policy it hopes will maintain the school's diversity without flouting the ban approved by voters last month.
It is the first school to announce a new admissions policy since voters approved Proposal 2 in November.
The new policy states that all students whose grades and test scores meet a certain level will automatically be accepted. But more than two dozen broad exceptions were allowed that can weigh in the favor of students who don't reach that automatic level.
Dec 6, 9:53 PM EST
Kilpatrick tapped to lead Black Caucus
By BEN EVANS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday tapped Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick as its chairwoman for the next two years, when black lawmakers will wield more power in Congress than ever.
Kilpatrick, D-Mich., a former school teacher and the mother of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was chosen unanimously. She succeeds Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C.
"Watch for us," Kilpatrick told reporters. "We will take this caucus to another level."
Because Democrats will be in control
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/POLITICS/612070342/1022
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Rep. Kilpatrick to lead black caucus
She, Conyers, other African-Americans will take up positions with clout in Congress.
Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Detroit's U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick was elected Wednesday to chair the Congressional Black Caucus, taking leadership of the nation's most visible group of black politicians at a time of both new opportunity and challenge for the organization.
Kilpatrick will lead the 43-member group beginning in January, when Democrats take control of Congress and several African-American lawmakers -- including Rep. John Conyers of Detroit -- take positions of significant clout.
"With myself and (Conyers), we'll be at the table and be able to accomplish things not just for Detroit, but the whole state of Michigan," Kilpatrick said.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS02/612070408/1004/NEWS
Dingell reclaims powerful post
December 7, 2006
U.S. Rep. John Dingell reclaimed his seat Wednesday as chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he plans to highlight the needs of Detroit's automakers.
The House Democratic Caucus unanimously elected Dingell, 80, to head the powerful committee next year. The committee oversees health care, energy, telecommunications, the environment and consumer protection.
"It's been a long 12 years, and the work has been piling up," said Dingell, D-Mich., who chaired the committee from 1980 to 1994 before serving as the ranking minority member.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070307/1008
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Michael Guido left a thriving, inclusive city
Dearborn mayor worked to welcome Arab-Americans
D earborn Mayor Michael Guido was a model for Metro Detroit's race relations. Guido, who died on Tuesday, leaves a city that has progressed from being hostile to ethnic minorities to an emblem of success and inclusion.
The mayor, who served almost 21 years, did not start off his career as a bridge-builder. During the city's 1985 primary, he released a brochure titled, "Let's talk about . . . the Arab problem."
In it, Guido criticized the prospect of bilingual, bicultural education for the city's growing Arab-American population. Yet Guido evolved -- and with him, Dearborn. He guided the city's evolution to a diverse community where a third of its residents are Arab American.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS02/612070337/1004/NEWS
Visitation, funeral set for Dearborn mayor
December 7, 2006
As the city of Dearborn mourns the death of Mayor Michael A. Guido, preparations are under way for a two-day public viewing and a funeral service Saturday.
The Dearborn native died Tuesday at his home after battling cancer. He was 52.
Guido will lie in state today and Friday at Sacred Heart Parish Hall with the service Saturday at Sacred Heart Church, both in Dearborn.
Meanwhile, in keeping with the city charter, Dearborn City Council President John (Jack) O'Reilly will serve as mayor pro tem until a special election can be held. O'Reilly is in his fifth term on the council.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/METRO/612070355
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Two Marines from St. Clair, Grosse Pte. Park killed in Iraq
Associated Press
Two Marines with Michigan ties died in separate incidents in Iraq's Anbar province, the Department of Defense said Wednesday.
Maj. Joseph T. McCloud, 39, of Grosse Pointe Park died Sunday when the CH-46 helicopter he was in crashed. McCloud was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols, 20, of Shepherdsville, Ky., died Monday in combat, the Department of Defense said Wednesday.
http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060304
St. Clair native dies in Fallujah
Iraq conflict claims fifth man with ties to Blue Water Area
By NICOLE GERRING
A St. Clair native has died while serving as a soldier in Iraq, family members said.
Lance Cpl. Thomas Echols, 21, was attached to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment stationed in Fallujah, Iraq.
His family was notified of his death about midnight Monday. The military has not released details.
Echols' grandfather, Don Wight, and grandmother, Mary Wight, live in Algonac. Don Wight said Echols was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. His wife, Allyson, lives in Kentucky and is expecting the couple's first child in April.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS05/612070352/1007/NEWS
FIVE THINGS: About Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2006
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said Dec. 7, 1941, was "a day which will live in infamy." And it has. (See Page 1B for more on the anniversary).
THE ATTACK
Word that an attack on Hawaii was imminent failed to reach the islands in time to alert U.S. forces. At 6 a.m. Dec. 7, the first wave of 183 Japanese planes took off from aircraft carriers 230 miles north of Hawaii, headed for Pearl Harbor. The aim was to take out the Pacific Fleet of U.S. warships. The attack began at 7:55 a.m., and the toll was tremendous.
In about two hours of relentless bombing and torpedo fire, 2,390 Americans were killed, including 32 from Michigan. Twenty-one ships were sunk or damaged, 175 aircraft were destroyed, and a wounded, angry nation charged to war.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS03/612070379/1005/NEWS
PEARL HARBOR | 65 YEARS LATER: Veteran tells his tale
Waterford man among surviving crew members of USS Phoenix
December 7, 2006
The Day of Infamy added years to Andrew Hunt's life.
Just 22 and on the cusp of his birthday, Hunt watched as destroyers crumpled like broken toys burned and sank in the waters of Pearl Harbor. He was on the USS Phoenix and recalled gaping at the carnage as his ship left the harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, nearly three hours after the Japanese bombarded the U.S. fleet 65 years ago today.
Hunt also recalled that on that day, Dec. 7, 1941, he kissed his discharge date good-bye.
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-40/1165418511135900.xml&coll=5
History firsthand
Sailor's journal records life on battleship from Pearl Harbor until 1945
DAVISON TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
By Jerry Ernst
jernst@davisonflagstaff.com • 810.766.6197
DAVISON TWP. - Mary North doesn't know what moved her late husband, Jim, to begin chronicling his military experiences in October 1941.
Jim North, a native of Cheboygan who died in 1988, didn't keep a journal before that, and he didn't record his experiences after 1945. But for four perilous years, Wallace James North recorded glimpses of a world war for posterity to see.
History books tell us the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor caught the United States by surprise. But North's journal includes this arresting entry on Nov. 11, 1941: "We may be at war soon."
NATIONAL STORIES
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/b28ddf54-8489-11db-87e0-0000779e2340.html
How the US distorts its self-image
By Robert Kagan
Published: December 5 2006 18:20 | Last updated: December 5 2006 18:20
It is astonishing how little Americans understand their own nation. Recently, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a man long on intellect and government experience, opined that the Iraq war has generated so much controversy because it is such an aberration: “The emphasis on promotion of democracy, the emphasis on regime change, the war of choice in Iraq – all of these are departures from the traditional approach.”
Many Europeans would certainly like to believe that Iraq was the product of aberrant “neo-conservative” ideas about foreign policy and that a traditional America lies just around the corner. Many Americans would like to believe this, too. We prefer to see ourselves as a peace-loving, introspective lot, a nation born in innocence and historically never choosing war but compelled to war by others.
http://thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/Comment/Pollsters/DavidHill/120606.html
December 6, 2006
Get welcome wagons out of GOP attic
I recently conducted a confidential post-election poll in a swing state and asked voters to compare the two parties — Republicans and Democrats — on issues and images. Most of the results were of the ho-hum, what-we’d-expect variety.
Republicans are still seen as best at keeping taxes down and fighting terrorism, while Democrats are still preeminent when it comes to healthcare and schools. In spite of the seeming mega-shift in the two major parties’ electoral fortunes, their primary images mostly remain intact.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2006/12/06/publiceye/entry2234911.shtml
December 6, 2006
The Media Consumer's Guide To Pre-2008 Election Coverage
The Swamp is one of many blogs for political junkies. If you're on "Obama Watch," don't worry: so are they. There was a bit of irony on the site recently, when a post noted that in a recent Gallup poll, people were asked who they wanted to see elected president in 2008. Thirty-eight percent – the largest percentage of respondents -- said "I don't know." That's more than Hillary (15%), more than McCain (11%), more than Obama (6%). In fact, it's more than all three combined.
This isn't particularly shocking information, of course, given that the election is two years away. It's also something not lost on news producers. Right now, people like Steve Chaggaris, a CBS News producer who focuses on politics, assumes that stories like this one -- about Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack's (heard of him? He's from Iowa) official announcement of a run for the presidency -- are pretty much off the radar of anyone who isn't a political junky.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18344
A Primer on the 2008 GOP Candidates
by John Hawkins
Posted Dec 06, 2006
It's still very early, but the race for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008 is starting to shape up. Here's a quick-and-dirty breakdown of 20 names most-often mentioned, ranging from top-tier and second-tier candidates to has-beens and just-might-be's.
Top-Tier Candidates
1) Due to his high name recognition and the fawning press that he gets from the mainstream media for trashing other Republicans, Sen. John McCain is currently one of the two frontrunners for the Republican nomination. On the upside, McCain is a Vietnam vet, a true blue fiscal conservative, and he has a lifetime American Conservative Union rating of 83%, which isn’t terrible.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/news/politics/16172394.htm
Posted on Wed, Dec. 06, 2006
‘Brownback who?’ makes his way to Iowa dinner
The Kansas senator begins his long — and long-shot — quest for presidential nomination.
By RICK MONTGOMERY
The Kansas City Star
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa | “OK. I’m Sam Brownback. That’s B-R-O-W-N-B…”
Standing before a TV camera Tuesday for his first local media interview since launching a presidential exploratory committee, Sen. Sam Brownback answered a reporter’s request that he spell his name.
Hurdle No. 1 for the Kansas Republican on his quest to capture the first-in-the-nation caucuses come January 2008: name recognition.
http://www.nysun.com/article/44699
Giuliani Hires Official From Bush 2004 Team
By Staff Reporter of the Sun
December 6, 2006
Taking another step toward a fullfledged presidential run, Mayor Giuliani has hired a top official from President Bush's successful 2004 re-election campaign to serve as the chief financial officer of his exploratory committee.
Sandra Pack will leave her Bush administration post as assistant Treasury secretary for management and join Mr. Giuliani's team on January 1, a top aide to the former mayor, Anthony Carbonetti, said yesterday. "Vastly talented, she's a seasoned pro bringing with her years of political experience," Mr. Carbonetti said, citing Ms. Pack's work on the Bush re-election campaign.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/uc/20061206/cm_uc_crsesx/susan_estrich20061206
JOHN MCCAIN'S WAR
Wed Dec 6, 5:47 AM ET
It would make "a big mistake even bigger," Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack said last week, in announcing his own candidacy for the presidency and criticizing John McCain's plan to put more troops on the ground in Iraq.
At a time when most Americans have turned against the war, when the blue ribbon Iraq Study Commission is expected to recommend some version of a phased or gradual withdrawal, what is the Republican frontrunner doing proposing MORE troops for Iraq?
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/158704
Professor flunks McCain as straight-talker on gay rights
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 12.04.2006
Arizona Sen. John McCain, almost certainly a contender for the White House in 2008, wants you and me to believe that he is a straight-talker. At least that's what his carefully-crafted reputation is all about.
For a straight-talker, though, McCain seemed caught off-guard when ABC political correspondent George Stephanopoulos recently asked him a simple question on national television: "Senator, do you support gay rights?"
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/OPINION04/61203021
Article published Sunday, December 3, 2006
Has John McCain lost his luster?
WASHINGTON — Is John McCain shopworn?
The iconoclastic Arizona senator and former prisoner of war in Vietnam, who has been the choice of Conventional Wisdom to snag the GOP presidential nomination in 2008, is losing clout in some national polls.
After his dynamic run for president in 2000, when he won the hearts of journalists for his sense of humor and tendency to say whatever came into his head on his freewheeling campaign bus tours, Mr. McCain seemingly has lost some of his luster.
http://www.nysun.com/article/44651
A $100,000 Bet Clinton, McCain Will Fail in 2008
By DAN DORFMAN
December 6, 2006
On Wall Street, seemingly crazy wagers are made every day. This is a story of a $100,000 bet — on politics, not the stock market — that seems to defy all the odds.
Most readers probably know the names of the top presidential contenders for 2008. Would that list include actor Clint Eastwood, first lady Laura Bush, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, and television host Bill O'Reilly?
If you're about to say that's insane, I'm with you. Nonetheless, all four are included on a list of 69 candidates on whom, via your credit card, you can place an offshore bet for the 2008 presidential race.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/12/06/romney_the_consumer/
STEVEN A. CAMAROTA
Romney, the consumer
THE RECENT news story about apparently illegal immigrants employed by the landscaping company that tends Mitt Romney's yard seemed to suggest that he was at least partly to blame for this. But, the consumer, in this case the governor, is in no way responsible for business practices that go on behind the scenes. In fact, if the governor had asked the workers in question if they were illegal, he could have actually been sued under federal law for discrimination.
Think about it in a practical way. If consumers really are responsible in some way for businesses that hire illegals, why single out the landscaping company? What about the fast-food restaurants or video stores frequented by Massachusetts politicians and their employment of illegals? Given how many illegals work in poultry processing, there's also a good chance that the turkey most of us ate for Thanksgiving was processed by an illegal.
http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2006/12/06/tourism_boosters_decry_romney_cuts/
Tourism boosters decry Romney cuts
As Governor Mitt Romney tours East Asia to bulk up his foreign policy credentials for a possible presidential bid, he's coming under fire from a top Massachusetts tourism group for slashing $5 million in state funds for promoting the Bay State to international tourists.
Last month, as part of a package of over $400 million in budget cuts, Romney zeroed out funding for Tourism Massachusetts , a Boston non profit organization charged with promoting Massachusetts abroad, including in the countries Romney is visiting this week, China, Japan, and South Korea.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattlepolitics/archives/109424.asp
Dick Morris doesn't like Hillary Clinton
Dick Morris, the political gun for hire who has never been shy about speaking ill of his former clients, has a few nice things and many unkind things to say about Hillary Clinton.
Morris, who has advised Republicans and most famously President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, writes in the Hill that Mrs. Clinton will be a force to reckon with in the '08 presidential race.
Morris is loathed by many in the political establishment, but his straight up analysis of politics is often spot on (that's why people kept hiring him).
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18363
Barack Obama, Not Hillary, Is the Real Anti-War Candidate
by Amanda B. Carpenter
Posted Dec 07, 2006
While pundits are busy analyzing the Democrats’ potential 2008 contest between New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, they’ve failed to address Obama’s credentials as a “pure” progressive and the genuine anti-war candidate.
Obama, widely viewed as the party’s rising star, has spoken openly against the Iraq War since its inception, beginning with an October 2002 speech he gave alongside Jesse Jackson. At the time, Obama suggested the war was a ploy to distract voters from domestic issues impacting minorities.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2006/12/draft_obama_mov.html
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Draft Obama movement grows
Organizers of DraftObama.org say they plan to travel to New Hampshire this weekend to show their support of Senator Barack Obama, who will hold his first events in the state on Sunday.
Supporters from Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts plan to meet with a small group from New Hampshire; they say they will hold up professionally made signs and encourage others to sign a petition asking Obama to run for president in 2008.
The first state chapter of the organization formally launched this morning in New York.
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS09/612060381/1001/CONTACTS04
Cut farm subsidies, put money in conservation, Vilsack urges
While campaigning for president, Iowa's governor also discusses the war, his abilities, trade and energy.
BY PHILIP BRASHER AND JANE NORMAN
REGISTER WASHINGTON BUREAU
December 6, 2006
Washington, D.C. — Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack called on Congress on Tuesday to shift money away from subsidizing agricultural commodities and into payments that improve environmental practices.
Vilsack is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, and the prospect of a farm-state candidate seeking cuts in farm subsidies would raise eyebrows and pit him against leading farm organizations such as the Farm Bureau.
Vilsack made his comments during a meeting with reporters and editors of Gannett, the parent company of The Des Moines Register. He also discussed the war in Iraq, his leadership and qualities, trade and energy security.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2006/12/vilsack.html
Gov. Tom Vilsack, Dem 2008 White House hopeful on Obama: "I don't fear anybody."
Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a Democrat running for president lacks the pizzazz of his major rivals; at least thats how it seems to me and the reporter who politely asked him if he was bland.
"There are different types of charisma," Vilsack counseled, not all of the flashy Barack Obama variety. "There is a quiet charisma," he said, "that people look at and say, `this guy is genuine, he is authentic, he is real."
I could walk down Michigan Ave. with Vilsack and I doubt anyone would recognize him. There would be a stampede if I took the same stroll with the two big names mulling a presidential run--Dem senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CONGRESS_RDP?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Dec 7, 4:20 AM EST
Congress struggles to break final logjam
By JIM ABRAMS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The bipartisan drive to bring the 109th session of Congress to an end slowed as the lawmakers struggled with the finale, a catchall bill covering everything from tax breaks for college tuition to normal trade relations with Vietnam.
With a compromise on the trade and tax bill eluding negotiators, House Majority Leader John Boehner late Wednesday announced that the goal of adjourning on Thursday was not feasible and that members should put off plane reservations until Saturday morning.
Republicans, reeling from their defeat in last month's midterm elections, have shown little desire to prolong this lame duck session, while Democrats already are looking to January when they will take over both the House and Senate.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1566772,00.html
Can a Fetus Feel Pain?
That’s the question at the heart of a new bill that uses pro-choice rhetoric to put another roadblock in the way of women seeking abortions
By NANCY GIBBS
Posted Wednesday, Dec. 06, 2006
In the rhetorical trenches of the culture wars, sometimes the best way to ambush your enemies is to echo them. Read some of the arguments in support of the Federal Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, which the lame duck Congress debated on Wednesday, and you’ll be forgiven if you think they were drafted by a liberal crusader for women's rights. The law is presented as protecting a woman's right to know, and to make an informed consent. "Women should not be kept in the dark," argues Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, a sponsor of the bill whose stated purpose is "to ensure that women seeking an abortion are fully informed regarding the pain experienced by their unborn child."
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/POLITICS/612070343/1022
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Congress takes up abortion, taxes, trade in final hours
Jim Abrams / Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- In the final hours of Republican rule, the Senate on Wednesday put forward an all-purpose bill covering everything from normalized trade with Vietnam and tax breaks for millions of taxpayers to an expansion of offshore oil drilling.
The House, meanwhile, gave conservatives perhaps their last chance for a while to vote on an abortion bill. It was defeated.
As of late Wednesday, negotiators from the two chambers were still struggling to come up with a common approach to a tax and trade package that could bring the 109th session to a close. House Majority Leader John Boehner informed lawmakers that they wouldn't be able to adjourn today as earlier planned.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HASTERTS_STEP_DOWN?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Dec 7, 4:20 AM EST
Hastert adjusts to no longer being boss
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Leaving Speaker Dennis Hastert's office with its grand view of National Mall and the city's monuments to Washington and Lincoln, a visitor may pass a winding staircase with a sign that holds new meaning: "Careful Step Down."
Most House speakers don't stick around on Capitol Hill once they leave the most powerful job in Congress, one that puts its occupant second in the line of succession to the presidency.
Hastert, however, will return to becoming just another House member - one of some 200 Republicans with no leadership titles in front of their names - in January, two days after his 65th birthday.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FBI_LEAKS?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Dec 7, 3:59 AM EST
FBI probes media leaks in corruption cases
By LARA JAKES JORDAN
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The FBI has begun several internal investigations, including at least one that could result in criminal charges, over leaks to the media about public corruption probes shortly before last month's elections.
At least one of the alleged leaks involves the federal inquiry of Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa. He lost his House seat weeks after the FBI raided the homes and offices of his daughter and her business partner.
"There are a series of investigations we've undertaken, some by our inspection side, and some, at least one we're looking at as a criminal investigation," FBI Director Robert Mueller told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070434/1008
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Special Letter
It's time to re-think the failed 'war on drugs'
Hats off to Nolan Finley for highlighting America's failed and colossally expensive "war" on illicit drug use ("Subject drug war to the Iraq war test," Nov. 19.) For nearly 100 years, starting with the passage of America's first federal anti-drug law in 1914, lawmakers have relied on the mantra: "Do drugs, do time." The human and fiscal consequences of this policy have been a disaster.
America now spends nearly $50 billion dollars per year targeting, prosecuting and incarcerating illicit drug users. As a result, today there are more illicit drug offenders behind bars -- more than 450,000 by last count than the entire U.S. prison population in 1980. For marijuana alone, law enforcement spends between $7 billion and $10 billion dollars annually targeting users -- primarily low-level offenders, and taxpayers spend more than $1 billion annually to incarcerate them. Yet, illicit drugs remain cheaper and more plentiful than ever. If American lawmakers want to take a serious look at our nation's war strategies, let them begin by reassessing their failed drug war here at home.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-33/1165420515205340.xml&coll=6
Pot trade suffers big blow with bust
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
By John Agar
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- After investigating for weeks, local drug cops scored big when they hit a semitrailer loaded with marijuana.
The buzz kill will be felt throughout West Michigan.
Police seized 3,500 pounds of pot -- with a street value of $3.5 million -- in a bust early Sunday in Grand Rapids. It is believed to be the biggest marijuana seizure in the Grand Rapids area, police said.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/BIZ/612070385/1022/POLITICS
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Industry czar quits his post
Critics say Bush appointee didn't do enough to help manufacturers with health care and global trade issues.
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's manufacturing "czar," who was sharply criticized by Michigan legislators for not doing enough to help manufacturers, resigned Wednesday -- one month before Democrats take control of Congress.
Al Frink -- whose official title was assistant secretary for manufacturing and service at the U.S. Commerce Department -- was the first person to hold the post after it was created by Bush during the 2004 campaign in response to criticism that too many U.S. manufacturing jobs had been lost.
Michigan members of Congress say Frink spent too much time touring plants, making speeches and writing reports when manufacturers needed action on skyrocketing health care costs and trade issues such as currency valuation and tariffs.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Thomas Sowell
Hollywood's crusaders are economic illiterates
I t is not really news that Hollywood is still producing anti-business movies, but there is a certain irony in it nevertheless.
Although these movies tap a certain envy and resentment of corporate wealth, that large corporate wealth comes from far more modest individual amounts of money from about half the population of the United States, which owns stocks and bonds -- either directly or because money paid into pension funds or other financial intermediaries are used to buy stocks and bonds.
The irony is that the average Hollywood star who is making anti-business movies is far wealthier than the average owners of those businesses, who are half the population of the country.
U.S. hurricane aid fraud likely tops $1 bln: report
Wed Dec 6, 2006 3:24pm ET
By Jeremy Pelofsky
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fraud involving payments supposed to help victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita likely exceeds earlier estimates of $1 billion and only a tiny fraction of the money has been recovered, according to a U.S. government report released on Wednesday.
A February estimate that improper payments could be $1 billion "is likely understated," the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, said in the report to the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has only been able to recover about $7 million in improper payments, which included money for temporary housing and aid to foreign students studying in the region, according to the report.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/POLITICS/612070378/1022
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Gates is new U.S. defense secretary
Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to confirm Robert Gates as defense secretary, with Democrats and Republicans portraying him as the man who will help overhaul President Bush's Iraq policies.
The 95-2 vote was a victory for Bush, who named Gates to replace Donald H. Rumsfeld at the Pentagon on Nov. 8, a day after voters gave Democrats control of Congress for next year.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/POLITICS/612070316/1022
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Quotes from the Senate confirmation hearings
Associated Press
Quotes from Senate confirmation hearings Tuesday on the nomination of Robert Gates, former CIA director, to be secretary of Defense.
------
"I am under no illusion why I am sitting before you today: the war in Iraq. Addressing the challenges we face in Iraq must and will be my highest priority, if confirmed." -- Robert Gates, nominee for secretary of Defense.
------
"It is my hope that the executive and legislative branches will formulate a bipartisan consensus on the way forward (in Iraq). To me, this fulfills a moral obligation that our government -- executive and legislative -- has to the brave men and women of the armed forces of the United States." -- Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner, R-Va.
http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/wdc/documents/iraq_intel060908.pdf
THE IRAQ STUDY GROUP REPORT
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRAQ?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Dec 7, 5:29 AM EST
Iraq study group to testify on report
By ROBERT BURNS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Praised by some and panned by others, the report of a high-level commission on ways to wind down the war in Iraq offered no startlingly new ideas but said a U.S. defeat still could be averted.
The co-chairmen of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, former secretary of state James A. Baker III and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Ind., were taking their 96-page report before a Senate committee Thursday to face questions on their assessment of conditions inside Iraq as well as their recipe for stabilizing the country and beginning the withdrawal of American forces.
Describing the situation as "grave and deteriorating," the panel said Wednesday the Bush administration's approach was not working. It called for new diplomatic efforts in Iraq and the region, and recommended that the U.S. military accelerate a change in its main mission so that most combat troops can be withdrawn by spring 2008.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
IRAQ CHANGE AHEAD
Report backs Levin's call for a new course
Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- In the space of 24 hours, the bitter debate over Iraq has shifted into Democratic territory and placed Michigan's Sen. Carl Levin at the center of the search for a new war policy.
"I don't feel the need for vindication," Levin said Wednesday after a briefing on the much-awaited recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. But he and other Democratic leaders made clear that after months of being labeled as "cut and run" surrender-seekers, the stark call for a new policy from a bipartisan group of old Washington hands was just that.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Panel: Iraq situation is 'grave'
Detroit News wire reports
The Iraq Study Group delivered a grim assessment of conditions in Iraq nearly four years after U.S. forces toppled Saddam Hussein. The group's 79 recommendations come at a pivotal time, with Bush under domestic pressure to change course in Iraq and with the new, Democratic-controlled Congress certain to cast a skeptical look at administration policy.
Highlights
· "U.S. policy is not working," the situation in Iraq is "grave and deteriorating" and America's ability to influence events there is diminishing.
· The U.S. should launch a diplomatic offensive by the end of the month and engage Syria, Iran and the leaders of insurgent forces in negotiations on Iraq's future.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
War in Iraq
Experts skeptical of report
Some say Iraq could implode if U.S. leaves early
Timothy M. Phelps / Newsday
WASHINGTON -- Just more than two years ago, on the eve of his re-election, President Bush stood next to then-Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi at the White House and proudly proclaimed that nearly 100,000 Iraqis were "fully trained and equipped" to protect their country.
Now, two prime ministers later, there are said to be 325,000 Iraqi military and police on duty, but the level of violence in Iraq is as high as when Allawi visited Washington. The army troops are said by reports from the field to be inadequately trained and to lack resources and motivation. Many police units are accused of taking part in the violence, and almost all army and police units are segregated by ethnicity.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS06/612070346/1008/NEWS
Iraq Study Group urges change, unity
Mich. congressional members split on recommendations
December 7, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Michigan's congressional Democrats said Wednesday that the Iraq Study Group's report was a clear signal to President George W. Bush to make wholesale changes in U.S. strategy.
"This administration has to try something new, and it must be done with speed," said Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, incoming chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "The listless drifting of this administration is destabilizing the region and killing thousands of Americans and Iraqis."
Since the start of hostilities, 108 soldiers from Michigan have died in Iraq.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070314
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Iraq Study Group offers hope for war consensus
But engaging Iran and Syria would be a big mistake
The report released Wednesday by the Iraq Study Group confirmed what we already knew: There are no easy answers in Iraq, and no easy way out of the war for the United States.
The bipartisan commission led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton does provide the framework for a consensus on Iraq that could move it out of the realm of politics.
As expected, the report rejects the type of rigid timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq demanded by Michigan's Sen. Carl Levin, the incoming chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Dec 7, 3:44 AM EST
Some Iraq report changes sound familiar
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The new Iraq policy report calls for a broad swath of changes in the role U.S forces play in Iraq, but for military leaders, many of the proposals sound strikingly familiar.
After eight months of study, the Iraq Study Group urged a more aggressive military campaign of training and equipping the Iraqis - an effort already under way. And it said most of the U.S. combat troops should be pulled out of Iraq by early 2008, depending on security developments "on the ground" - a goal that echoes Pentagon officials' oft-repeated assertion that U.S. forces would be withdrawn based on the conditions in Iraq.
While the report unveils few new military options, it casts a greater sense of urgency on the transfer of combat responsibilities to the Iraqis. "Given the ongoing deterioration in the security situation, it is urgent to move as quickly as possible to have that security role taken over by Iraqi security forces," the authors wrote.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/OPINION01/612070325/1069
IN OUR OPINION | THE IRAQ REPORT: Skip Blame; Find a Way Out
December 7, 2006
Even the harshest critics of President George W. Bush's policy in Iraq cannot be happy about the worse-than-bleak assessment of the war issued Wednesday by a high-level study group. There is nothing to gloat over here.
The report speaks to failure -- something America has never accepted well, and offers no hope for the victory that Bush has repeatedly said is attainable. After nearly four years of combat, the loss of almost 3,000 Americans and many thousands more Iraqis, the report says the war is a disaster, worse even than indicated by the relentless news of daily slaughters in Baghdad. That is terribly sad, for the United States and Iraq. It is probably infuriating for those who have lost loved ones or had their lives forever changed in other ways in this sorry misadventure. And it will surely be discouraging for those still in the middle of the bloodshed.
Further, the report by the bipartisan and highly credible Iraq Study Group offers none of the quick-fix solutions that America likes. The report concludes that the soonest most U.S. combat troops could be out of Iraq is early 2008, assuming the commander in chief signs on to a withdrawal strategy. A lot more dying can happen between now and then. What an incredibly costly lesson this has become in the limits of power.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Ten U.S. troops killed in Iraq
At least 30 Americans have died there this month, as panel wants military to shift away from combat.
Kim Gamel / Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Ten U.S. troops were killed in Iraq on Wednesday, a major blow on the same day a high-level panel in Washington recommended gradually shifting U.S. forces from a combat to a training role.
The U.S. military said in a statement that 10 Americans had died in four separate incidents but gave no further details, pending notification of relatives. In addition to the 10 casualties, the U.S. command said two U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday in Baghdad and a Navy sailor was killed in Anbar province on Monday.
The latest deaths raised to at least 30 the number of U.S. troops who have died this month. At least 69 troops were killed in November and 105 soldiers were killed in October -- the highest amount for a month since January 2005.
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Wednesday, December 6, 2006
John Reurink (517) 482-2125
MBT In Lame Duck Is Dead
The governor's proposed Michigan Business Tax (MBT) will not move through the Legislature during the lame duck session as Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM had hoped.
Senate Majority Leader Ken SIKKEMA (R-Wyoming) told MIRS this evening the state Senate will not be extending its session into the week before Christmas and he has no plans to take up the five-bill package that embodies Granholm's proposal Thursday.
Under the state's five-day rule, which bans one chamber from taking up a bill that a second chamber just passed until five days have passed, it would be logistically impossible for the MBT to move through the Legislature.
Sikkema acknowledged that the Senate simply ran out of time in lame duck to find a replacement for the soon-to-be deceased Single Business Tax (SBT), telling MIRS that it "would not be responsible" for the Legislature to pass out legislation that has not been properly vetted. And in the case of the MBT, those impacted by a new business tax haven't had enough time to assess the impact.
When it was mentioned he could always pass the MBT as a bargaining chip for the school employee health care reform package he wants to pass, Sikkema repeated that he simply can not, in good conscience, move out legislation that "is not ready."
"It's more important to get it right," he said.
Sikkema was Granholm's best chance of passing a new business tax in lame duck, something she has made clear she wanted to see. The term-limited Senate Majority Leader said last month he wanted to see a solution tax passed in the closing days of the 93rd Legislature (See "Sikkema Alone On Wanting Lame Duck SBT Solution?" 11/15/06).
But with resistance among some legislative Republicans and the business community mounting and the days until sine die disappearing, it became clear Sikkema was pushing a boulder up a hill that was growing steeper and steeper.
Today's news comes two days after several business organizations testified in front of a joint legislative committee Monday or told MIRS privately that they would prefer that a SBT replacement tax not come in lame duck out of fear that a rushed, imperfect product would create years of litigation (See "Biz Groups Tap Breaks On Lame Duck Tax Plan," 12/4/06).
Granholm Press Secretary Liz BOYD said most people in Michigan don't get a three-week December vacation and the Legislature should stay at work and finish the job.
"It's unfortunate the Legislature cannot find the time to create a business tax and fill the hole they created, but we suspect that they will find the time to go on a spending spree before they go on vacation," Boyd said, referring to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 capital outlay bill several lawmakers would like to add projects to (see related story).
The news comes after an intense lobbying effort by Granholm and Lt. Gov. John CHERRY. One by one, Republican legislators have been led into the Governor's inner sanctum this week as she attempted to lobby for yes votes on her MBT.
Once inside, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor have told the representatives and senators they want those seasoned lawmakers to pass this in the lame duck session to take advantage of their experience. And in muted language she has also suggested the incoming batch of lawmakers may not be up to the task from the get-go.
Plus, she is warning lame duckers and others the financial mess next year, with revenue projection falling short of the mark, will create a more complicated legislative climate if the MBT is not resolved now. One source claimed she said the deficit challenge would be worse than 1982.
Granholm has offered to form a bi-partisan study group to iron out any differences over her plan, but she shared a warning about the incoming group of House Democrats.
She suggested to current GOP legislators that those newcomers ran on platforms of increasing state revenue sharing and boosting state aid to higher education. She feels, as a result, they may not be in the mood to grant businesses a tax break and could be more inclined toward a tax increase. She, in effect is saying, take the tax breaks now or you may not get them next year.
(Senior Capital Correspondent Tim SKUBICK contributed to this report.)
Gov Wants $100M For Locals, $200M For Colleges
Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM wants $100 million for her "Regional Economic Development Initiative" and close to $200 million for 18 university and college infrastructure improvements as part of a budget bill that moved through the House Appropriations Committee today.
HB 5721, a Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 capital outlay bill, moved to the House floor with only the Governor's recommended projects, action the House Republicans' lead on the capital outlay bill, Rep. David FARHAT (R-Muskegon), called a "signal to the Governor" that the House is willing to start discussion on what could end up in the bill.
The capital outlay bill contains the high-ticket infrastructure projects the state is willing to put its bonding money into. Senate Majority Leader Ken SIKKEMA (R-Wyoming) has made no secret about the fact he'd like to see the state kick-in for a new Grand Valley State University (GVSU) library and Senate Appropriations Chair Shirley JOHNSON (R-Troy) is expected to want money for the Detroit Zoo. What the House would like to see in the bill was not revealed today.
The Legislature may also request to raise the state's $2.7 billion bond cap, as the Senate has discussed in the past (See "Bond Cap Raised $1.3B Under Panel Recommendation," 5/4/06).
But while the Legislature and the Governor's office have talked informally about the Capital Outlay budget, no formal discussions have taken place. And one item that most certainly will come up is Granholm's "Regional Economic Development Initiative," a conceptual plan to help local governments with "signature bonding projects" that budget official Nancy DUNCAN was grilled on earlier this year (See "Loopholes, New Bonding, Medicaid Ruffle Feathers," 2/9/06).
The 18 university and college infrastructure projects represent the schools that were left out of the allocation process in the FY 2006 capital outlay bill and are part of the Governor's Jobs Tomorrow initiative.
The Governor's proposal also calls for $13.2 million in transportation money going for a new Department of Transportation (MDOT) facility in Detroit which would house the Michigan Intelligent Transportation System (MITS), State Police dispatch operations, SMART and Greyhound.
The bill also sets aside $14.9 million for Department of Natural Resources harbor, marina and boating access projects; cuts $4 million grant to the Detroit Zoo; and sets aside $12.2 million in federal money for airport safety and improvement projects.
Panel Reports School Strike Bill
Republicans on the House Education Committee reported out legislation today that was prompted by the Detroit teachers strike in September, which angered many because teacher strikes are supposedly illegal in Michigan.
Under HB 6528 enforcing the prohibition begins only if a district officially files a complaint with the Michigan Employment Regulatory Commission (MERC). At the time, the Detroit Public Schools opted to keep negotiations with the teachers' unions going, while not filing a complaint, therefore no action was taken against the strikers.
HB 6528, which is sponsored by Rep. Phillip PAVLOV (R-St. Clair), would allow a parent of a student in a school district to file a complaint against a teachers' union for striking, which would speed up the process.
"Teacher strikes are illegal," Pavlov said. "This bill gives parents the ability to report strikers. The bill would also speed up the hearing process from 60 days to seven days."
HB 6528 moved out of a committee with a 10-7-1 vote. Exactly why is uncertain. With most of the state's education community opposed to the bill, it seems almost a certainty that if the improbable occurs and the bill reaches Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM's desk, she'd veto it.
What's more, it appears that those backing the bill haven't touched base with anyone on the Senate side of the Capitol building in regard to the measure.
Politically, the most that could be said about the legislation is that it may be one of many bills Republicans are seeking to move during lame duck to have positioned as possible bargaining chips — just in case such chips would become appropriate in regard to negotiations on other major issues. However, insiders tell MIRS even this explanation is unlikely. Another explanation could be that someone was promised that the bill would be moved — even if today's vote turns out to be a meaningless gesture.
HB 6528 is clearly not the only bill being positioned by House Republicans in lame duck session that has observers scratching their heads to understand what purpose the action serves.
Rep. Aldo VAGNOZZI (D-Farmington Hills) questioned whether parents are actually not represented under the current law.
"Doesn't a parent already have a voice when they vote for the school board members?" Vagnozzi asked.
The Detroit Public Schools supports the bill, but most other groups in the education community oppose it. The Department of Education (MDE) opposes it, as well.
Rep. Richard BALL (R-Bennington Twp) abstained, while Democrats on the panel voted against HB 6528.
In an action that may actually lead to enactment, the committee today passed HB 5963, which would allow school districts to hire non-certified teachers on a 12-2-4 vote after a key amendment clarified that such teachers could only be hired if a qualified certified teacher wasn't available to fill the position.
Reps. Virgil SMITH (D-Detroit) and Vagnozzi voted no on the bill. Reps. Tom PEARCE (R-Rockford), Hoon-Yung HOPGOOD (D-Taylor), Gino POLIDORI (D-Dearborn) and Brenda CLACK (D-Flint) abstained.
The bill was supported by Democratic Reps. Kathy ANGERER (D-Dundee) and Fred MILLER (D-Mt. Clemens), who seemed pointed toward opposing it at the beginning of the hearing. All of the Democrats would probably have opposed it if it hadn't been amended (with a Rep. John PROOS (R-St Joseph) amendment) to change wording that would have allowed non-certified teachers to be hired even if a qualified certified teacher were available to take the position.
A Miller amendment was also adopted that would require such non-certified teachers to take and pass basic skills tests that certified teachers are currently required to pass.
The bill sponsor, Rep. Kevin ELSENHEIMER (R-Bellaire), worked with the MDE on the bill, and word has it that State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike FLANAGAN supports the idea. In fact, Elsenheimer testified today that he believed DOE supported the version of HB 5963 with the language that would have allowed non-certified teacher to be hired even if certified teachers were available.
However, after Miller and Angerer brought up the issue in committee today, Assistant State Superintendent Jeremy HUGHES admitted that the DOE had apparently missed the issue when it signed off on the bill.
"I'm a bit puzzled as to who in the department reviewed this," Hughes said.
The committee amendments apparently fixed the problem.
Another bill that may have legs in lame duck session, HB 5890 was reported out of committee today on a 17-1-0 vote. The legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. John ESPINOZA (D-Croswell), would allow school board members to coach sports.
Rep. Tom MEYER (R-Bad Axe) was the only no vote on HB 5963 today.
The committee also reported out HB 6287 today, legislation to affix the same anti-conflict of interest rules for public schools that the Legislature passed a couple years ago in regard to intermediate school districts (ISD).
The legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. John PASTOR (R-Livonia), passed on an 11-6-1 party-line vote, with Angerer abstaining. DPS testified that it wanted to be exempted from the legislation on the basis that it recently adopted its own anti-conflict of interest rules.
Testimony in opposition, which included most education community groups, focused on the idea that an anti-conflict of interest policy should be a local issue.
Mackinac Center: Gov.'s Mercury Standard Not Based In Reality
A new Mackinac Center for Public Policy reported issued today argues that state-mandated reductions in mercury emissions would impose significant costs on the Michigan economy without benefiting the public health or the environment.
The report, "Assessing Stricter Mercury Controls in Michigan," examines the sources of mercury in the state, the scientific facts about the risks for mercury exposure and the likely impact of mandated reductions on future mercury levels. The study comes on the heels of a Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM directive to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to draft rules forcing coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent — a rate that is more restrictive than federal requirements.
"Only about 2 percent of the 4 tons of mercury deposited annually in Michigan is the result of emissions from in-state utilities," said Diane KATZ, the Center's director of science, environment and technology policy. "The reduction target of 90 percent is arbitrary; it is not based on the risk of exposure, the availability of emissions control technology, or the cost-effectiveness of emissions reductions."
Katz co-authored the report with Jon HEUSS, principal scientist for Air Improvement Resource Inc., a Novi environmental consulting firm. The report also found that the Granholm directive would prove to be significantly more costly than the federal program and provide no additional benefits.
"The state would do better to postpone mercury control requirements that exceed the federal standards and cooperate with neighboring states and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to better define the risks associated with mercury exposures. We need to improve our understanding of the interplay between mercury emissions, depositions and bioaccumulation."
The mercury debate has also moved into the Legislature, with the Senate moving legislation on Nov. 30 that ban the sale of certain products that contain mercury, such as thermostats and blood pressure monitors (See "Identity Theft Laws Tightened," 11/30/06).
In an interview earlier this year, Dr. Leonard LEVIN, manager of the Air Toxics Health and Risk Assessment Project with the Electric Power Research Institute, told MIRS that totally eliminating the mercury emissions from Michigan's power plants would have little effect on public health.
"In terms of human health changes it would have very little effect," Levin explained of a total elimination of power plant mercury. "The modeling that the EPA has done shows that the difference in human exposure, the amount of mercury that is the blood of women of child bearing age — the subpopulation that is most sensitive — that amount of mercury would only decline by a percent or two at most."
Levin said mercury is a chemical element that occurs throughout the environment. It's associated with minerals and rocks in the earth's crust. Only about 25 to 33 percent of the mercury in the environment is caused by man-made activity.
"The rest of it is new mercury from the earth's crust, from volcanoes, different events and rocks and minerals," Levin added.
Of the mercury emissions over Michigan, most are coming from upwind (west of the state) and it "is not dominated by utility sources."
Hugh McDIARMID, communications director for the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) called the Mackinac Report "tired old industry scare tactics."
"Current studies and real-world experiences show reductions in mercury from power plants significantly cut the amount of this poison that falls to the water and earth nearby," McDiarmid said. "In Florida, for example, concentrations in fish and wading birds dropped 60 to 70 percent in a single generation in the wake of aggressive state-mandated mercury reductions in the 1980s and '90s."
McDiarmid also noted that a National Wildlife Federation study estimated the typical residential electric ratepayer would see an increase of roughly 69 cents monthly, if that, as a result of the Michigan reductions.
"Balanced against mercury's crippling effect on the state's $4 billion sport fishery, its tremendous health care toll, and the heartache of children born with neurological problems, it's a no-brainer for Michigan to be a leader, rather than a follower of weak federal mercury reduction plans that are currently under legal attack as not being adequately protective of human health," he added.
Bob McCANN, press secretary for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), said he'd take exception to the main point of the Mackinac Center report that seems to argue the state is doing something that it shouldn't be doing.
"Mercury has been proven time and time again to be a very potent neuro-toxin," McCann told MIRS. "It can have dramatic effects particularly on children and women who may be pregnant."
McCann argued that Michigan wasn't alone in opposing the EPA's mercury standard. Many other states also opposed the federal standard and are pushing their own standards.
"Some of them are more aggressive," said McCann noting that New Jersey is imposing a 90 percent reduction by 2007 as is Massachusetts (2008), Connecticut (2009) and Minnesota (2009). He added that Illinois and Pennsylvania are also in the process of putting a similar rule together, but they have no date yet.
"The reason Michigan is going out to 2015 is because we're in a different place," McCann said. "We rely almost exclusively on coal-based power." The DEQ official also noted that a power plant put in by Wisconsin Energy in Presque Isle demonstrated a 90 percent reduction in emissions, so the technology is out there.
DeVos Not Sounding Down And Out
During one of the stops on his state tour of thank you meetings, 2006 Republican gubernatorial nominee Dick DeVOS didn't nail the lid shut on a future run for governor or any other office.
In his remarks in Lansing, he promised the nearly all GOP audience that both he and his wife, Betsy DeVOS, were not taking themselves out of the political fray or debate.
"There'll be future races and future debates," he said during his remarks.
One observer noted that he sounded like a candidate who would run again.
Afterwards, MIRS pressed the candidate on whether he was ruling out a future bid for governor or some other office.
"I don't rule it out. I don't rule it in," DeVos said. "We've been involved. We're Michigan people. We'll remain involved and I don't know what role that will take."
As for the tour, DeVos said he wanted to say thank you "personally and do it face-to-face, eye-to-eye."
"We met so many nice people that were involved in this campaign that gave so much," DeVos said. "We set records for the number of volunteer hours, the number of donors, the number of new people that got involved in the process that had never been involved in campaigns before."
DeVos said he enjoyed the campaign a great deal. When pressed if there was anything he didn't like about it, looking back, he at first declined to answer than noted it was probably the "distortion of his record."
Hunters Fire On Fee Increases
Is a $30 deer hunting license a reason to drop the sport or is it the cost of keeping up Michigan's natural resources? House committee testimony collected today could lead one to believe either is the case.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing sweeping hunting and fishing fee increases to pay for the costs of managing Michigan's natural resources, and hunters testifying today were split on whether the change was a prudent move to collect more money or will drive Michiganders away from the sport.
"Michigan hunters are becoming the state's most endangered species," said Darin GOENS, of the national chapter of the National Rifle Association (NRA) to the House DNR Appropriations Subcommittee. "The threat is real."
Goens noted that Michigan is among the nation's worst in retaining hunters with 350,000 dropping the sport between 1982 and 2004 and proposing a fee schedule with 25 to more than 100 percent increases will only drive more people away. While he conceded that the $15-to $30 jump in a deer hunting license isn't going to chase away the die-hard hunter, he noted that for a family of five, the cost to hunt has risen $75.
"All of the sudden, that weekend in the woods is becoming more unaffordable."
While several representatives from Michigan-based hunting groups testified in support of the new fees, Goens challenged that the people heading these committees are not the assembly line guys who live paycheck-to-paycheck.
The DNR is calling on the Legislature to raise an elk license from $100 to $200, an all-species fish license from $28 to $40, a small-game license from $15 to $30 and a combo deer license from $30 to $75, for example. Under the proposal, the more costly non-resident licenses also would increase. The combo deer license goes from $276 to $300.
The senior citizens discount is being dropped from 60 percent to 20.
If the changes aren't made, major programs that Michigan residents expect and rely on will be drastically cut or spiked altogether, said DNR Commissioner Frank WHEATLAKE. The Game and Fish Fund, which gives the DNR 25 percent of its annual budget, is projected to reach a $10 million deficit in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, a deficit that will balloon to $45 million by FY 2011.
Jerry KECK of the Michigan Bow Hunters Association said his organization generally supports the increases, noting that when you consider the equipment, gear and gas to get to a hunting location, the hunting license becomes the cheapest part of hunting.
"I don't know how many times I've heard people say they'd quit," Keck said. "That's their first reaction. They don't quit. That's the only way they have to fight it is say, 'We're quitting.'"
Keck said these comments usually come from the uninformed hunters, who don't understand the work that goes into protecting the wildlife habitats that allow them to hunt or fish in the first place.
Jim De CLERCK of the Saginaw Field Stream Club, said "it's very difficult for me to believe that someone is going to give up deer hunting for $15…you'll spend more than that in gas."
That hasn't stopped hunters from flooding the offices of state Representatives with objections to the proposed fee increases. Rep. Tom CASPERSON (R-Escanaba) and Rep. Howard WALKER (R-Traverse City) said they've taken the telephone calls from people who say "they're finished."
"We're hearing an overwhelming amount of resistance," Walker said. "It will require us to be leaders in order to go forward."
DNR officials said they expect to raise $35 million through the new fee schedule, which takes into account an estimated five percent the DNR believes will actually follow through on their threats to quit the sport. Wheatlake asked the committee to give the Natural Resources Commission some flexibility to react to the market and lower the fee prices if the backlash turns out bigger than anticipated.
"The challenge will be showing the public the value of these increases," said Rep. Gary McDOWELL (D-Rudyard).
Granholm Endorses Brewer
Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM announced her endorsement today of Mark BREWER for re-election as Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) Chair.
"I want to thank Mark for his continued hard work on behalf of Michigan's Democrats," Granholm said. "He has long been a steadfast fighter for every voter's rights, he's a critical force in making sure that voters know the whole truth in every election, and, in this election year especially, he played a key role in informing voters about the issues that mattered most.
"He is a tireless fighter for Democrats and the ideals that we stand for, and he has played a key role in many Democratic victories. I wholeheartedly endorse his re-election as Michigan Democratic Party Chair."
MDP members will elect their chair at the State Convention on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The MDP will also elect its 1st Vice Chair, 2nd Vice Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer and adopt its 2007 resolutions at the upcoming State Convention and State Central meeting.
Brewer was elected chair of the MDP in 1995 and then re-elected in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2005.
In 2003, Granholm put up Butch HOLLOWELL for chair and a messy internal battle ensured, which resulted in Hollowell being chair for a short time and the union-backed Brewer serving as executive chair. When Hollowell resigned after being arrested for allegedly soliciting a prostitute, Brewer slid back into the chair's role.
"I'm honored to have Governor Granholm's endorsement and I hope to gain the support of all of our Democratic elected officials and constituencies," Brewer said. "I pledge to continue to work hard to elect Democrats up and down the ticket, starting with re-electing U.S. Sen. Carl LEVIN (D-Detroit), winning Michigan for our Democratic Presidential candidate and retaining a Democratic State House in 2008. We must build on our 2006 successes and remain a united Michigan Democratic Party, with one team, one voice and with one purpose."
State Senate v. NCAA
As if they don't have enough to tackle, now the Senate is getting into a battle with the NCAA over its Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system, which resulted in the University of Michigan "getting screwed" from participating in the national championship game.
The University of Florida was chosen to play Ohio State University in the Jan. 8 college football game.
Incoming Senator Minority Leader Mark SCHAUER (D-Battle Creek) is sponsoring a resolution that calls for the creation of a new playoff system that Schauer said would be less complex and more fair.
"The current system is a subjective process," said the current minority floor leader. Plus, he says leaving the Wolverines out of the BSC championship game with Ohio State has hurt the state's economy.
Schauer said he has support from the incoming Senate Majority Leader Mike BISHOP (R-Rochester), who is a die-hard Michigan graduate and fan. Of course, even though the Michigan Senate is a powerful body, the NCAA would be under no obligation to comply…if it reads the resolution at all.
(Contributed by Senior Capital Correspondent Tim SKUBICK.)
Bits and Tidbits
Granholm: 'Hillary Electable'
Today, Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM said she believes U.S. Sen. Hilary Rodman CLINTON (D-N.Y.) would be electable if she runs for president in 2008. Granholm's remarks came in direct response to a question posed this morning by WJR radio host Frank BECKMANN.
Beckmann also asked Granholm if she thought Clinton had reinvented her image by appearing to move toward the center in recent years.
In response, Granholm suggested there had been efforts from some quarters to make Clinton appear to be more "far left" than she really was, especially in reaction to Clinton's nationalized health care plan, which the Governor described as being "ahead of its time."
Granholm was also quick to say that she expects to support the Democratic presidential nominee, whomever that person may be. She also stressed that there are a number of other Democrats who would make good presidential candidates as well as Clinton.
Who Will Head House Ed Panel?
MIRS has learned that a couple of the most likely candidates to chair the House Education Committee under incoming House Speaker Andy DILLON (D-Redford Twp.) may not be in the running.
Many observers would have expected that the most prominent candidate would be the Democrats' ranking member on the committee, Rep. Hoon-Yung HOPGOOD (D-Taylor). However, Hopgood may be in line for another assignment. He didn't vote for Dillon in the caucus election, but allegedly that fact alone would not preclude him from getting the chairmanship. Next in line would appear to be Rep. Kathy ANGERER (D-Dundee), who did support Dillon, but is said to be interested in another post.
GONGWER- Volume #45, Report #233 --Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Larry Lee (517) 482-3500
TUESDAY VOTE LOOMS FOR CABLE BILL IN SENATE
Legislation changing the state's cable franchise system is now set for a vote in the Senate on Tuesday, December 12, and Senate members can expect continued intense lobbying over several major issues still unresolved in HB 6456
The Senate Government Operations Committee reported a version of the bill Wednesday afternoon that included a number of changes, but no agreement on the issues of contract abrogation and net neutrality. In fact, Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming) said World War III had broken out on the issue of net neutrality.
The amendments agreed to on the bill were the result of a workgroup that included Mr. Sikkema, Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland), Sen. Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) and Senate Minority Floor Leader Sen. Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) along with officials of Governor Jennifer Granholm's administration.
Because of those agreements, Mr. Sikkema said he had decided not to push a vote on the bill on Thursday as originally planned, but would hold the measure off until Tuesday to allow members to study the changes, prepare amendments and, of course, hear from interested individuals on the bill.
Initially, the bill was going to be reported from the committee without recommendation, which would have placed the bill on the Senate table and require a vote of 20 members to take up for discussion. Senate Minority Leader Bob Emerson (D-Flint) said to avoid the possibility that some members may avoid voting on the issue by not voting to take the bill off the table, he moved to report the bill with recommendation "even though I'm not very sincere about that."
Mr. Sikkema said he felt it was critical to move the bill during the remaining session days of the 93rd Legislature. If it does become law then Michigan will be the beneficiary of major investment from telecommunications companies that will also create new jobs.
AT&T has already said it would invest up to $600 million in Michigan and hire as many as 2,000 people if the bill passed by the House became law.
But David Bertram of the Michigan Townships Association said whether the bill is passed or not, investment in the new telecommunications technology is already underway.
Mr. Emerson said changes needed to be made to the bill to provide greater consumer protection and to ensure that local governments are guaranteed some control over when franchise agreements.
"All the giant companies have reached agreement between themselves on what they're going to do," Mr. Emerson said. "I'd like to make sure that consumers are protected."
Senate Democrats overall are concerned about revenues local governments receive and services provided as part of cable agreements, Mr. Emerson said.
Mr. Sikkema said ultimately the bill should pass because it will provide greater competition for consumers who complain constantly about the cost of television and Internet service.
On abrogation of current contracts, Mr. Sikkema said he did not want to put current cable companies at a disadvantage compared to incoming cable providers.
And he dismissed the issue of net neutrality as a "buzzword" to allow Google to get out of paying for the services it provides.
Michael Yang of Google argued before the committee that Google and other Internet companies already do pay to put their content on the web.
And Paul Stankewitz of the Michigan Catholic Conference argued that net neutrality was critical to assure all individuals have equal access to provide content. Officials with the conference are worried that without the provision, religious Internet content will get frozen out.
The committee did adopt a series of amendments clarifying that companies will get credit for the franchise fees they pay, that consumers cannot have services switched on them, the fees charged for public access channels cover the cost of operations, that school districts are not viewed as video franchisers, and that cable operators would have to guarantee that local emergency alerts are broadcast.
Along with net neutrality and abrogation of contracts, another major issue still undecided by the bill is the question of so-called cable build out.
Linda Teeter of Michigan Citizen Action praised the committee for its action on the bill and urged the Senate to act quickly on the bill.
M.B.T. FACES FAMILIAR QUESTIONS AT HOUSE HEARING
The new Michigan Business Tax proposed by Governor Jennifer Granholm faced some familiar obstacles and questions at a House committee hearing Wednesday, and left committee chair Rep. Fulton Sheen (R-Plainwell) still convinced that lawmakers and businesses cannot adequately evaluate the plan in time to pass it yet this year.
Mr. Sheen said among other things, that risks of rushing approval of the $2.6 billion package was illustrated by the admission of administration officials of "a pretty significant typo" that would have resulted in overtaxing businesses should the tax on assets be found unconstitutional.
Treasurer Robert Kleine reiterated that the administration believes it is on sound legal footing in taxing assets based on whether a business has sales in Michigan and that the alternative taxing provisions will not be needed anyway. It is a new concept for the state, but he said is used elsewhere and has said it is consistent with legal rights of states to tax a portion of multi-state businesses based on their activity within the state.
But fundamentally, he continued to advocate for a tax he maintains will improve Michigan's tax structure compared to other states, with one significant advantage being the lowest tax rate on profits and gross receipts due to the broad base of the tax. The tax on gross receipts and profits, along with the tax on assets are the basic components of the proposal; it does not include compensation as a taxable item as has been the case with the soon-to-expire Single Business Tax.
On that point, Mr. Sheen agreed, but said other pending plans by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Regional Chamber and Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce do so as well. "Any of the plans are better than what we have," he said.
"We need more time," he said, pointing to such issues as wanting better information on what constitutes taxable assets and how much taxes will go up for so-called "loser" businesses. "The goal of restructuring is we want a new tax that is better than every other state. Does the governor's plan do that? We don't know."
Rep. Bob Gosselin (R-Troy) remained an absolutist regarding no business tax, saying it should not be replaced with anything because nothing else will make the state stand out against other states. "(The SBT) has been a cancer and why should we replace a cancer with a cancer?" he said.
Mr. Kleine pointed to cuts the state has already undertaken over the past eight years, and contended that few businesses or executives will want to move to a state
The bills that have been introduced are HB 6676
Mr. Kleine also said the administration has been talking to companies which could face a significant increase in taxes with the new tax, adding he is open to limiting how much in assets or gross receipts could be taxed. While he said in some cases, a company's taxes could double, the proposals from other groups have instances where the increases are even greater. "We're sensitive to some of these issues," he said.
TEACHER STRIKE BILL CLEARS HOUSE ED PANEL
Parents would be able to notify the Michigan Employment Relations Commission of a teacher strike if a public school employer failed to do so within 24 hours of the start under legislation reported 10-7-1 by the House Education Committee on Wednesday.
HB 6528
Labor groups by and large testified that no one likes a teacher strike, but the Detroit strike came at a time when the teachers felt that they had hit a wall in their negotiations and that strikes in general have gone down across the state since 1994. The bill does not address the fundamental problem of resolving disputes between labor and management but instead tacks on more damage to those negotiations, said Nick Ciaramataro of the Michigan Council of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Louise Somalski of the AFT Michigan argued that parents already have recourse in the case of a teacher strike: they elect school board members. There were many reasons why the teachers in Detroit organized a strike, she said, including oversized classes and lack of repairs to the schools, like bullet holes in the wall.
But Rep. Bob Gosselin (R-Troy) said that it seems that at times contract negotiations outweigh obeying the law.
The Department of Education testified in opposition to the bill, with Bob Morris saying that, while the administration understands the intent of the bill, it did not believe the legislation addresses the problem in the right way. Besides the complications that could occur with a parent initiating the notification, the situation could prove to be quite costly.
That argument was met with a response from Rep. Barb Vander Veen (R-Allendale), who said, "In terms of the cost of litigation...don't strike, it's against the law."
While not testifying, Detroit Public Schools and Wayne RESA support the bill. All of the Republicans on the panel voted for the bill save Rep. Dick Ball (R-Laingsburg) who abstained from voting. All of the Democratic members voted in opposition to the bill as it moves to the House floor.
The panel also took up two bills dealing with conflicts of interest. The first was HB 5890
The legislation was amended to strip out a population requirement (it had basically applied to rural schools in the original version) and wording defining a "qualified applicant," so that local boards could address their needs individually. The bill was reported out on a 17-1-0 vote, with Rep. Tom Meyer (R-Bad Axe) dissenting because he said having a bad coach who is also a school board member would make it harder to get rid of that bad coach.
The committee also took up HB 6287
The main opposition came from Detroit Public Schools, which already has such a policy in place and wanted to be exempt from the legislation - an amendment that failed.
Don Wotruba with the Michigan Association of School Boards also testified in opposition to the bill, saying that in rural districts where there may only be one vendor for a certain service, and that person is active enough in the community for him or her to be elected to the school board, the vendor would be put at a disadvantage.
And Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) said that as worded the bill would ban schools from paying greens fees for boy's and girl's golf teams. The legislation was passed on an 11-6-1 vote.
The committee also took up HB 5963
The legislation was amended to specify that a school could not hire a noncertified teacher if a certified teacher was available, and would require that noncertified teachers take the basic skill test in their subject matter.
There were several members who voiced concern that allowing noncertified teachers into the classroom would diminish the need for certified teachers. But the bill's sponsor, Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire), said that schools should not turn down a person who has years of experience and knowledge in his or her field but who is simply lacking a teaching certificate at the time of hiring.
There was some concern that even a person with years of experience would not have the communication skills to teach students and that allowing him or her to teach without certification would undermine that process. There was also a question of whether a noncertified teacher could join the union and receive benefits and what pay scale he or she would be hired into.
The Department of Education supports the bill in concept, Mr. Morris said, because the state faces an opportunity to tap the knowledge of people changing careers with the auto industry's restructuring.
"We need math teachers; we need science teachers. We saw this bill as an opportunity to move in that direction," he said.
Mr. Wotruba also indicated support for the bill, but said that the organization would like to see all degrees treated equally. The legislation was approved on a vote of 12-2-4.
The committee is still working on a substitute to SB 1427
HUNTING, FISHING FEE INCREASES FACE OPPOSITION
Members of the House Appropriations Natural Resources Subcommittee generally agreed that the Department of Natural Resources needs some additional revenue coming into the Game and Fish Fund. But subcommittee chair Rep. Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) said legislators, the Natural Resources Commission and interested groups would have to convince the public.
A work group has recommended that some license fees double or more as part of the effort to head off deficits in the fund (See Gongwer Michigan Report, November 14, 2006). Mr. Walker said calls to his office so far have run 50-1 opposed to the plan.
"This is fairly controversial," he said. "I want to make sure as legislators we do our jobs and make sure these fee increases are necessary."
NRC member Frank Wheatlake, who chaired the work group, said the license increases would head off a projected $8 million deficit in the Game and Fish Fund, but would only keep the fund flush through about 2009-10.
Mr. Wheatlake, and the work group, said the Legislature also needs to provide for long-term financing of the department. In addition to seeking authority to make future inflationary increases to the license fees, the group is also asking for some fee structure that will tap those who are using state lands but currently not paying.
"We've got a multitude of people who use the resources who are not contributing," Mr. Wheatlake said. "We need to find a way to perpetually fund the department."
The various groups that were involved in the work group are largely also supporting the proposed license increases. Chief among those, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs has backed the increases.
And supporters admitted there would likely be vocal opposition to the increases. "Those individuals do not recognize the impact the DNR has on the lives of those in the state of Michigan and visitors," said Jim De Clerk with the Saginaw Field and Stream Club, which has also supported the plan.
But some of the concern and opposition came from conservation groups.
The Michigan Farm Bureau, which had participated in the work group, supported the concept of increased hunting license fees, said spokesperson Rob Anderson. But he said the group would oppose any plans to increase the costs of permits for farmers to take deer and other wildlife damaging their crops.
The National Rifle Association opposed any plans to increase fees. "Hunters are disappearing in this country," said Darren Gorina, NRA spokesperson. "Michigan ranks dead last in hunter retention in the country."
Mr. Gorina argued that recruiting new hunters to replace the estimated 350,000 lost over the last 12 years would more than make up the funds expected to be generated by the fee increases. He said the fee increases would, instead, mean fewer hunters yet.
Dale Elshaw with the DNR Hunter Recruitment and Retention Implementation Work Group said the increases would mostly hit those who had just begun hunting. "Who we're dealing with are not those people who had that tradition," she said. "They've not made that lifelong commitment."
Mr. Wheatlake admitted the revenue projections from the new fees include a 5 percent loss of licensed hunters. He said the state sells about 1.5 percent fewer licenses each year.
But he said the state also has made efforts to recruit new hunters and anglers, including legislation earlier this year to reduce the hunting age.
Jim Maturan with the Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association said his group is concerned that the new funds will not be used properly. He argued money in the turkey habitat fund has been used for projects other than turkey habitat and so has not been available when local groups had projects.
Though it did not appear likely that any action on the issue would come during lame duck, Mr. Wheatlake said it was important to take up the issue early next year so any new fee structure would be in place when the department begins selling new licenses in the spring.
REPORT QUESTIONS MERCURY STANDARDS
Michigan's proposal to reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent will do little to improve the state's environment or the health of residents, said a report released Wednesday by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
But state officials said the report both neglected current technology and used questionable studies to reach its conclusions.
The report, Assessing Stricter Mercury Controls in Michigan, said only about 2 percent of the mercury deposited in the state annually comes from the coal-fired power plants that are the target of the new standard.
"The reduction target of 90 percent is arbitrary; it is not based on the risk of exposure, the availability of emission control technology or the cost-effectiveness of emissions reductions," said Diane Katz, the Mackinac Center's director of science, environment and technology policy and co-author of the report. "The state would do better to postpone mercury control requirements that exceed the federal standards and cooperate with neighboring states and the Environmental Protection Agency to better define the risks associated with mercury exposures. We need to improve our understanding of the interplay between mercury emissions, depositions and bioaccumulation."
The new rules would require coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent by 2015.
The report argued that power plants have been shown not to be a significant source of mercury and that recent studies show few children in Michigan or nationally are being affected by mercury at current environmental levels.
But Bob McCann, spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Quality, said studies in fact show mercury to be a dangerous element. "Mercury is a very potent neurotoxin," he said. And he said the department's models show coal-fired power plants account for 45 percent of the mercury deposited in the state, not the 2 percent cited in the report.
The report also argued that the standard called for in the new rules cannot be achieved with current emissions cleaning technology.
But Mr. McCann said a new power plant in Presque Isle is already using technology that will bring about the mercury emissions reductions the state is seeking. "Not only are people going to be able to do it by 2015 but they can do it now," he said. "As technology improves it will be more affordable."
Mr. McCann said the proposal is still working through the rules process and will be designed to meet the emissions goals without increasing electric rates in the state.
But he said the EPA standards "were far too little too late" and are being superceded by a number of states, not just Michigan. And he said some states are looking for the additional reductions as early as 2008.
GRANHOLM BACKS BREWER FOR NEW TERM
Governor Jennifer Granholm, who four years ago backed a replacement for Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer, on Wednesday endorsed him for a seventh term as a top party leader, crediting him with being a "tireless fighter" for Democrats. The endorsement comes a month after her own resounding re-election and the surprise win of a majority of seats in the state House.
"He has long been a steadfast fighter for every voter's rights, he's a critical force in making sure that voters know the whole truth in every election, and, in this election year especially, he played a key role in informing voters about the issues that mattered most," Ms. Granholm said of Mr. Brewer.
Mr. Brewer, who for nearly 18 months served as party executive chair with Melvin Butch Hollowell as chair following the Democrats' 2003 convention, said he was honored by the governor's support. Aside from the 2003 term when the two divided duties in leading the party, Mr. Brewer was elected chair in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2005.
The party will vote on the party officers and adopt resolutions at its convention and State Central Committee meeting on Saturday, February 24 at Cobo Center in Detroit. The officers serve for two-year terms.
JUDGES EXAMINE FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN PERSONNEL ISSUES
Public managers who give out information about disciplinary actions being taken against a public official are within their rights to share that information, as long as the public official is notified on or before the day the personal information is released, the Court of Appeals said in a published per curium decision released on Wednesday.
The opinion stemmed from the case of McManamon v Charter Township of Redford (COA docket No. 26204 and 263260) in which Daniel McManamon sued the township and its supervisor for telling the local newspaper that he was suspended from his job for failure to perform day-to-day duties and for sharing information about a criminal investigation into Mr. McManamon's business practices.
The township argued that it had a right to share the information under the Freedom of Information Act or that, alternately, the statements were protected under freedom of speech laws.
Judges Peter Hoekstra, Patrick Meter and Pat Donofrio said the township's arguments failed because the reporter writing the story never submitted a FOIA request for the information. And it was fine for the supervisor to talk to the press but he was required by statute to inform Mr. McManamon first.
Although Mr. McManamon argued extensively how the public disclosure affected his reputation and state of mind, judges said the only important matter in the case is whether the township's failure to alert Mr. McManamon that it was going to share information from his personnel file caused damages and if so, how much were those damages worth in a verdict.
Appellate judges reversed a jury's award for $100,000 in damages to Mr. McManamon, saying that he failed to prove that timely notice of the article's release would have lessened the blow to his reputation or ability to obtain another job.
Writing separately in a concurring opinion, Mr. Hoekstra said he believes the jury was improperly instructed about how to determine the damages.
M.E.D.C. AGREES TO WORK WITH CABELA'S, NOT FOR TAX BREAK
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will work with sporting goods retailer Cabela's to ease its plan for a store in Walker, but will not provide the development any tax breaks, state officials reaffirmed Wednesday.
"We will happily welcome Cabela's with its 350-400 jobs and the opportunity to draw out of state shoppers to the Grand Rapids area, to this store and other tourism attractions," the MEDC said in a statement. "There are no state and local incentives being offered to Cabela's to locate in Walker because of this attractive market and the availability of the public infrastructure at the site under consideration."
Officials said the Walker area is attractive in itself and does not need tax breaks or other assistance to bring in additional business.
Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming) told reporters Wednesday that the state should take every effort to bring the company in and that it made no sense not assist the company.
Cabela's has asked for $15 million in tax assistance from both the city and the state in locating a second store in Michigan.
Mr. Sikkema also held out the possibility that legislation could be passed - although not in the lame duck session - assisting Cabela's.
And the Grand Rapids Press reported that a number of retailers in the area, including a direct competitor with Cabela's, Gander Mountain, have opposed the tax breaks. Gander Mountain has not sought state assistance with any of the 14 stores it has opened in the state.
CAPITAL NOTEBOOK
WINE JOBS: The state's wine industry generated a record crop this year, as well as $750 million in economic activity and 5,000 jobs, according to a national report released Wednesday.
Michigan is the fourth largest grape producer in the nation, according to the report presented to the Commission of Agriculture. The state has 465 farms that this year produced 102,000 tons of grapes. About 90 percent of those will be used for juice, with Michigan first in producing white grape juice and third in red grape juice.
"The wine industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in Michigan agriculture and it is exciting to see our wines compete successfully at the national level," said Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin. "While the juice grape industry is currently facing global price pressures, our state will continue to strive for an economic climate that allows it to prosper."
PEARL HARBOR: Governor Jennifer Granholm has ordered state and federal flags to fly at half-staff on Thursday in honor of Pearl Harbor Day, the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the naval base of Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, that precipitated the U.S. entry into World War II.
BLACK CAUCUS: Rep. Brenda Clack (D-Flint) has been elected as the next chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. Ms. Clack replaces Rep. Michael Murphy (D-Lansing), who will leave the chamber at the end of the year.
