Great Lakes Politics

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-12, Rochester Hills) failed to attend a scheduled meeting with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) and Speaker of the House Andy Dillion (D-17, Redford Township); a meeting that had been scheduled last week to resolve Michigan's budget crisis.  I would love to say that I'm suprised by this, but I'm not.

In my opinion, it is time for Ms. Granholm to invoke her authority under Article IV, Section 28 of Michigan's Constitution and compel the Legislature to produce a plan to solve Michigan's budget problems.

Posted by fnemecek at 11:19 AM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) is continuing her efforts to bring new jobs to Michigan as she tours through Europe.  She has had some success to date and her web site provides all of the details.

I wish her the best of luck in Europe.  However, I can't help but feel that her time would be better spent back in Lansing - locked in a room room; negotiating a deal with legislative Republicans to solve Michigan's budget problems and find a replacement for Michigan's Single Business Tax.

Posted by fnemecek at 02:30 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and D.K. Sprague, tribal chairman of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, known as the Gun Lake Tribe, have reached an agreement on a proposed Class III Gaming Compact.  The agreement is consistent with federal law and the process approved by the Michigan Supreme Court in Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos v State of Michigan.

The compact signed on Friday requires legislative approval.  The Michigan Legislature, quite frankly, would have to be insane not to approve of this compact.  Given the track record of some within the Michigan Senate, it's an unfortunate reality that wholesale stupidity may prevail on this issue.
 
In December 2002, each house of the Michigan Legislature passed a resolution endorsing a proposed gaming compact with the Gun Lake Tribe; that proposed 2002 compact was substantially identical to the compacts previously entered into with four other tribes in 1998.  Before leaving office, former Governor John Engler declined to sign the compact but strongly recommended that a compact be approved since under existing federal law, Gun Lake will almost certainly be allowed to open a commercial gaming operation after its lands are placed in federal trust.  He concluded that it is in the best interest of the state to enter into a compact with the tribe and thereby have at least some say in the nature and scope of the tribal gaming operation.
 
As compared to past tribal compacts in Michigan, the gaming compact signed today, if approved by the Legislature and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, provides larger and more stable revenue sharing payments, restricts gaming to persons 21 years of age or older, and assures conformity with other state laws.

Posted by fnemecek at 07:55 AM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) on Friday took steps to continue sweeping reforms in the state's prison system that are a pivotal part of her overall plan to make government, more efficient and cost effective, which she announced in her State of the State Address earlier this month.  In addition to government reforms, the Governor's plan calls for spending reductions and a tax restructuring plan to ensure that Michigan can grow and compete in the 21st century.

Ms. Granholm has signed Executive Order 2007-2 establishing the Executive Clemency Advisory Council to assist the state Parole Board in reviewing clemency applications before they are submitted to the governor for final determination.  Granholm's reform calls for the release of nonviolent offenders from the state's prisons, starting with medically frail prisoners, non-violent elderly inmates, and foreign nationals who will be immediately deported upon their release.

The Executive Clemency Advisory Council will assist the Parole Board with an initial review of applications for reprieve, commutation, or pardon for the limited purpose of recommending to the board whether an individual application has merit.  The Parole Board is required by law to make a merit determination for every clemency request.  Only applications with merit receive comprehensive investigations by the Parole Board.  The initial merit review process requires the Parole Board to dedicate significant resources to each case within a limited time period.  The council will alleviate some of the Parole Board's resource constraints, and will ensure that all clemency requests continue to receive a fair, thorough, and efficient examination.

After the Parole Board reviews each clemency request, it is legally required to recommend that Ms. Granholm grant or reject the application.  Michigan's constitution gives the Governor exclusive authority to decide all clemency requests.  

The Executive Clemency Advisory Council will consist of seven members appointed by the governor, and will include representatives from law enforcement, crime victims or their families, and the general public.  Members of the council will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

The following individuals have been appointed as members of the Executive Clemency Advisory Council:

Dr. Charles G. Adams of Detroit, pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, appointed to represent the general public.

Gloria L. Baker of Roseville, accountant with Urban Science Options, appointed to represent crime victims or their families.

Joyce M. Braithwaite-Brickley of Traverse City, retired, appointed to represent the general public.

Mary Beth Kur of Petoskey, former Charlevoix County prosecutor now in private practice, appointed to represent law enforcement.

Rabbi David A. Nelson of Southfield, rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom, appointed to represent the general public.

Janette L. Price of Eaton Rapids, former warden for the Michigan Department of Corrections, now retired, appointed to represent the general public.

Judge Rudolph A. Serra of Detroit, former judge of the 36th District Court, now in private practice, appointed to represent law enforcement and designated chair of the council for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.

The full text of Ms. Granholm's executive order is available on-line.

Posted by fnemecek at 09:56 AM | Permalink

Just days after delivering her State of the State address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) today visited Macomb Community College to discuss her plan to help displaced workers get the training they need to succeed in the new economy.  The governor talked about the challenges Michigan is facing and the need, now more than ever, to come together to diversify the economy and continue to invest in Michigan's people. 
 
"This moment demands bold action," Ms. Granholm explained.  "We must decide if we will invest in our people so that we can grow and compete, or make devastating cuts to education, health care and worker training - the very things that make us competitive." 
 
Ms. Granholm toured the technical training center at Macomb Community College where workers and students receive training in a variety of high-demand fields, including welding and advanced manufacturing.  The governor talked with students and education leaders about her new No Worker Left Behind program, which will provide a one-time opportunity for displaced workers to receive training for new jobs at no cost.  She noted that the state currently has 84,000 vacancies in fields like health care and skilled trades but that most of those positions require some type of training.
 
In addition to providing worker training, the governor's plan calls for:

Posted by fnemecek at 02:37 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) used her weekly radio address last Friday to make the case that diversifying our economy and investing in our people makes Michigan strong.  I completely agree with her.

Of course, I hasten to add that there are a couple of other things that make Michigan stronger.

• Find a solution to Michigan's budget problems that doesn't rely entirely on raising taxes.  This blog has published several ways in which in can be done.  It would be nice if she could think of at least as many;
• Replace Michigan's Single Business and Personal Property Taxes with a traditional corporate income tax;
• Enact enabling legislation for DARTA.

Hopefully, Ms. Granholm will use next week's radio address to discuss those issues.

Posted by fnemecek at 03:17 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) announced this morning that she was appointing a bi-partisian, twelve member advisory panel to make recommendations on how to remedy Michigan's budget problems.  The new Emergency Financial Advisory Panel is co-chaired by former Governors William G. Milliken (R) and James J. Blanchard (D).

Ms. Granholm has asked that the panel report back with its recommendations by the end of January.  Since that only gives them a couple of weeks to figure out how to resolve a budget deficit that is estimated at close to $500 million, I believe that it would be good to give them a couple ideas to get the process started.

Quite frankly, I believe that Michigan can do a lot to soften the blow of budget cuts by simply doing a better job of collecting the money is already owed to the State of Michigan under existing tax laws.

For example, the Detroit area alone is home to 47 different strip clubs.  Add in the rest of the Great Lakes State and you have a total that is close to 100 of these clubs.

The women who dance in these clubs can earn a rather significant income, with some of them approaching the $100,000 mark each year.  More importantly, they earn it entirely in cash.

Many of them are honest enough to pay taxes on their earnings.  Some them, however, do not pay any taxes at all.

According to some quick calculations that I did, targeting them for collections should garner the State of Michigan an additional $1.5 - 2 million in tax revenue.  That, of course, is a long way from solving Michigan's budgt problems.  However, every million that we are able to collect in taxes is a million that we don't have to cut from our schools or anywhere else in the budget.

It would be relatively easy to identify those dancers were aren't paying the income taxes that owe.  All dancers in Michigan are required to get caberet license from their local police department.  If the Michigan Department of Treasury were to simply cross-reference a list of individuals with such a license with their list of people who filed an income tax return, they could quickly identify those who aren't paying taxes on their income.

Plus, if this was done in concert with the Internal Revenue Service and the various Michigan cities that levy a local income tax, the burden of enforcement would be that much easier.

Continuing on the subject of collecting what is already owed to the State of Michigan, I was at a comic book convention last May at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.  I saw close to a quarter million in sales happen that weekend and none of the dealers collected any sales taxes on those transactions.  Since many of them actually came in from out of state, it's a fair guess that the Michigan Treasury never got its 6% cut.  That works out to roughly $15,000 in lost revenue.

I know that $15,000 really doesn't sound like much when one is thinking about a $500 million budget shortfall.  That is, until you remember that it's $15,000 from just that one weekend at just that one location.  Since there are events like this happening pretty much every week at more than a dozen locations throughout the Great Lakes State, one can reasonably expect that a better enforcement of Michigan's sales tax would bring in another $10 million or so to the Treasury.

We're still a long ways away from the $500 million that is needed to balance Michigan's budget shortfall.  However, the more we collect, the less we have to cut.  Since everyone in Lansing has their own program that they don't want cut, everyone in Lansing has vested interest in making sure that these other options to collect tax revenue that is already owed to the State is pursued.

Posted by fnemecek at 04:58 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) was sworn in for a second and final term of office yesterday.  In her inaugural address, she borrowed extensively from Detroit's Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick (D).  Her address focuses on building what she referred to as the Next Michigan.

Mr. Kilpatrick, by the way, has made the Next Detroit the cornerstone of his second term in office.

It's great to see that original thinking is so rampant in Lansing these days.

By the way, a complete copy of Ms. Granholm's inaugural address can be found on-line at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Governors_2007_Inaugural_Address_182153_7.pdf 

Posted by fnemecek at 01:38 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) met yesterday with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael O. Leavitt to discuss her plan to make health care affordable and accessible in the Great Lakes State.  Michigan has been working with the federal government for the past year to develop a federal Medicaid waiver that will allow the state to channel state and federal dollars in a way that will provide the uninsured with access to affordable health care coverage.

Ms. Granholm called the meeting "productive" and said she looks forward to continuing to work with the secretary to get federal approval.
 
"We want to be partners with the federal government to give our citizens access to affordable health insurance," the Governor explained.  "Our Michigan First Healthcare Plan will provide a quality product at an affordable cost, create incentives for business, and help bring down health care costs for everyone."  
 
Earlier this year, Ms. Granholm proposed the Michigan First Health Care Plan. This plan will extend affordable health care to Michigan citizens by:

• Creating an affordable private market health care product for individuals and businesses;
• Subsidizing care for those who can least afford it;
• Creating incentives for businesses to offer coverage to their employees; and,
• Reducing the overall cost of health care delivery by expanding technology and promoting healthy lifestyles.
  

Since unveiling the plan in March of this year, Granholm administration staff has been meeting with HHS officials to iron out details of the waiver request, which state officials hope to submit soon.
 
Under the plan, uninsured individuals will have access to private sector insurance plans offered by a newly created "Exchange," which will administer the plan. Premium assistance will be provided on a sliding scale based on income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $40,000 for a family of four). Health insurance products offered by the Exchange will rely on private sector approaches, including managed care with defined networks, benefits that are more comparable to employer sponsored insurance, and small group market plans, cost sharing, and the pre-tax treatment of contributions to reduce cost.
 
The Michigan First Health Care Plan will also provide a platform to extend access to affordable insurance products to small businesses with uninsured employees. Under the plan, small businesses without health care coverage will be able to purchase insurance products from the Exchange. These businesses will save money due to the significant reduction in the number of uninsured residents in Michigan, and because the Exchange will bear some administrative burdens.
 
This was the second meeting this year between Ms. Granholm and Mr. Leavitt to discuss partnering with the federal government to help control the costs of the health care by expanding access to affordable, private health insurance coverage.

"We are pleased to learn more about Governor Granholm's ideas for expanding access to affordable health insurance to the citizens of Michigan," Mr. Leavitt said. "While financing is always a challenge, I commend the Governor for looking to market-based solutions and look forward to working with her on the details of the state's proposal."

Posted by fnemecek at 11:55 AM | Permalink

The Michigan Inaugural Committee has announced the schedule of events the inauguration of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) and Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. (D, MI).  Everything will begin with an interfaith prayer service at People's Church of East Lansing at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 31.  They will take their oath of office on Monday, January 1 at 11:30 a.m. on the Steps of the State Capitol.  After that, there will be a series of speeches and a program at the Lansing Center beginning at 12:30 p.m.

There will also be a series of open house events as well as fundraisers for their designated charity, Mentor Michigan.  The events that have been announced so far are:

WESTERN MICHIGAN OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, January 2, 2007, 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Texas Township Campus
6767 West 0 Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003

MID- MICHIGAN OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, January 3, 2007, 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Flint Institute of Arts
1120 East Kearsley St.
Flint, MI 48503

METRO DETROIT OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, January 4, 2007, 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Lawrence Technological University
Buell Management Building Atrium
21000 West Ten Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48075

NORTHERN MICHIGAN OPEN HOUSE
Friday, January 5, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Treetops Resort Convention Center
3962 Wilkenson Rd.
Gaylord, MI 49735

WESTERN MICHIGAN INAUGURAL EVENING
Saturday, January 6, 2007, 8:00 P.M.
$100/Ticket -- All proceeds go to Mentor Michigan
Noto's Old World Italian Dining
6600 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE
Sunday, January 7, 2007, 5:00 P.M
Renaissance Church of God in Christ
1001 33rd Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49508

DETROIT OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, January 13, 2007, 1:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201

SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN INAUGURAL EVENING
Saturday, January 13, 2007, 8:00 P.M.
$150/Ticket -- All proceeds go to Mentor Michigan
Marriott Hotel at the Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48423

UPPER PENINSULA INAUGURAL EVENING
Saturday, January 20, 2007, 6:00 P.M.
$25/Ticket -- All proceeds go to Mentor Michigan
Great Lakes Rooms of Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE
Sunday, January 21, 2007, 5:00 P.M.
Fellowship Chapel
7707 West Outer Dr.
Detroit, MI 48235

Interested individuals can reserve a spot at any of these events by calling (877) 830-0608 during normal business hours or by logging on to http://www.granholmcherry.com/.

Posted by fnemecek at 05:06 PM | Permalink

Efforts by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) to find a replacement for Michigan's Single Business Tax officially died in the Legislature last week.  While her proposal wasn't the best one for Michigan, in my opinion, I think Ms. Granholm deserves a considerable amount of respect for simply putting forward a specific proposal.

The fact of the matter is that there is very, very long list of people who have complained about the SBT over the past several years.  However, she is the only person who has put forth a specific proposal to replace it.

For that reason alone, I think she deserves a considerable amount of respect.

Now it's on to find a better proposal to either a) replace the SBT or b) cut enough spending to balance the State's budget without it. 

Posted by fnemecek at 05:23 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) announced this afternoon the formation of the Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission to promote the production and distribution of alternative fuel in Michigan.
 
“As more E-85 and flex fuel vehicles are produced, it is essential that we make biodiesel and ethanol products more widely available and encourage their use,” explained Governor Granholm .  “This commission will move Michigan one step closer to becoming the nation’s leader in developing and producing alternative energy.”
 
The Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission was established under Public Act 272 of 2006, which was signed into law earlier this year.  The seven-bill package also reduced the gas tax by 36 percent on fuel that contains ethanol and by 20 percent on biodiesel blends, provided grants to service station owners who renovate or expand their existing stations to make E-85 and biodiesel available, and allowed for the creation of new agriculture renaissance zones to help spur additional ethanol and biodiesel plants.  Granholm has called for the state to have 1,000 biofuel pumps available by 2008.

The commission is charged with investing and recommending strategies that the governor and Legislature may implement to promote the use of alternative fuels and encourage the use of vehicles that utilize alternative fuel.  The commission will also identify mechanisms that promote research of alternative fuels.

Appointees to this commission will serve at the pleasure of the governor.  The individuals appointed today are as follows:

Dr. K. Joel Berry of Flint, mechanical engineering department director at Kettering University, was appointed to represent colleges and universities engaged in alternative fuel research.

Dr. Steven B. Bertman of Kalamazoo, chemistry professor at Western Michigan University.

James E. Byrum of Onondaga, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association.

Steven E. Chester of Williamston, director of the MichiganDepartment of Environmental Quality.

David E. Cole of Ann Arbor, chairman for the Center for Automotive Research, was appointed to represent the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

James A. Croce of Grosse Pointe Farms, CEO of Next Energy Center.

Jeffrey E. Ehlert of Blissfield, chairman of Great Lakes Ethanol LLC, was appointed to represent ethanol producers.

Dr. Zoran Filipi of Ann Arbor, associate research professor in the mechanical engineering department at University of Michigan, was appointed to represent colleges and universities engaged in alternative fuel research.

Charles J. Griffith of Ann Arbor, auto project director at the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, was appointed to represent environmental organizations.

Mitch Irwin of East Lansing, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Susan L. Kuck of Saginaw, president of Wilson Petroleum Company, was appointed to represent retail petroleum sellers.

J. Peter Lark of Okemos, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, was appointed to represent the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Trevor F. Lauer of Rochester, vice president of retail marketing for DTE Energy Co.

Peter C. Madden of Gladstone, program director for Plum Creek Timber.

Curtis N. Magleby of Saline, director of governmental affairs for Ford Motor Company, was appointed to represent the automotive manufacturing industry.

Kimberly K. Mahrle of Manchester, corporation secretary for G.E. Wacker, Inc., was appointed to represent petroleum suppliers.

Kirk N. Mercer of Jackson, president of R. W. Mercer.

Deborah L. Morrissett of Troy, vice president of regulatory affairs for Daimler Chrysler, was appointed to represent the automotive manufacturing industry.

Barry A. Mumby of Colon, manager for Wakeshma Farms, LLC, was appointed to represent the largest organization in the state that represents soybean producers exclusively.

Bruce D. Noel of Leslie, owner and operator of Noel Farms, was appointed to represent the largest organization in the state that represents corn producers exclusively.

Michael A. Petersen of Gowen, owner and president of Petersen Oil Company, Inc., was appointed to represent automotive fuel blenders.

Dr. Steven G. Pueppke of Okemos, director of the Office of Bio-Based Technologies at Michigan State University, was appointed to represent colleges and universities engaged in alternative fuel research.

Dr. Mary E. Stanek of Grosse Pointe, alliance manager for General Motors Strategic Initiatives, was appointed to represent the automotive manufacturing industry.

Richard Vande Vusse of Escanaba, president of VonAire Inc., and Ag Solutions, Inc., was appointed to represent biodiesel producers.

Rose M. Wilson of Haslett, director of Agency Services and Fleet Operations for the Michiga Department of Management & Budget.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Posted by fnemecek at 03:47 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) announced late last week, in a conference call with the editors of various college newspapers, that she was launching a new program to encourage recent college graduates to stay in Michigan.  The Michigan State Housing Development Authority will begin offering recent graduates from a Michigan college or university a low-interest housing loan that is 2 percentage points lower than the market rate.  The discount will continue for up to 3 years from the student's graduation.

This program will operated on a first-come, first served basis.  There will be $10 million in loans available.  Once those funds are depleted, no more of these loans will be made.

One of the conditions that this offer is that the homes purchased under this program must be in one of eight Michigan cities that Governor Granholm has targeted as "needing a little extra help".  These cities are:

1. Benton Harbor;
2. Detroit;
3. Flint;
4. Hamtramck;
5. Highland Park;
6. Muskegon Heights;
7. Pontiac; and
8. Saginaw.

Posted by fnemecek at 03:27 PM | Permalink

In her weekly radio address on Friday, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) urged the Michigan Legislature to pass two bills that would lift the decades-old restrictions placed on embryonic stem cell research in the state.  The bills would also increase penalties for anyone violating the state ban on human cloning.
 
“Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians,” Granholm said.  “The men, women, and children who suffer from conditions for which there is no treatment or cure deserve our help.  So do the families and friends who care for them.”
 
Granholm launched an online petition in July asking the Michigan Legislature to ease stem cell research in the Great Lakes State.  This week, Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, joined the more than 7,800 citizens who have signed the petition.  The Alis have been tireless advocates for stem cell research, testifying in front of Congress on the need for critical research to help address Parkinson’s disease.  Parkinson’s is just one of a multitude of diseases and conditions that could be better treated, or possibly prevented, as a result of stem cell research.

I’ll leave detailed coverage of the potential benefits to stem cell research for my counterparts at The New England Journal of Medicine.  Instead, I’ll focus on the political implications of Granholm’s call for lifting restrictions on stem cell research.

It was three weeks ago that Republican gubernatorial nominee Dick DeVos caused a considerable amount of commotion by calling for “intelligent design” to be taught in science courses throughout Michigan.  While his answer thrilled members of the Religious Right, it threatened support for DeVos among secular Republicans and independent voters.

Stem cell research is one of those issues with the potential to intensify that reaction.  DeVos and the Republican Party have wisely chosen to remain silent on this issue.  Their silence will, of course, be viewed as an endorsement for maintaining those restrictions.  However, by not giving the Democrats a quote that they can use in attack ads, they have managed to minimize any damage that this issue could cause.

I fully expect Granholm to bring the subject of stem cell research up in tomorrow’s debate.  She will likely keep bringing it up between now and Tuesday, November 7.

Interested readers can find the full text of Granholm’s radio address at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Radio_Address_-_Stem_cell_10.6.06_TEXT_174691_7.pdf

Posted by fnemecek at 11:10 AM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) announced a series of appointments to the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, the Michigan Travel Commission, the Michigan Rehabilitation Advisory Council, the Controlled Substance Advisory Commission, the Ski Area Safety Board, the Grape and Wine Industry Council as well as the Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors on Friday.

Michigan Employment Relations Commission

Christine A. Derdarian of Bloomfield Hills, most recently served as an attorney in private practice, was appointed to represent Democrats for a term expiring June 30, 2009.  She succeeds Honora J. Lynch whose term has expired.

The Michigan Employment Relations Commission aids management and labor in reaching amicable settlements of labor disputes by providing labor mediation services to employers and labor organizations in private industry and in the public sector.  The commission also determines appropriate bargaining units; provides for the election of bargaining representatives; certifies collective bargaining representatives; administers the law prohibiting unfair labor practices by employers and labor organizations in the public sector; provides fact-finding procedures in public employee disputes; conducts election on employer last offers in the private sector; and administers the binding arbitration procedures in police and fire department contract disputes.
 
This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Travel Commission

Frank D. Ettawageshik of Harbor Spring, tribal chairman of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, was appointed to represent the private sector of the travel, tourism, and recreation industry for a term expiring August 20, 2009.  He succeeds Jennifer Fischer whose term has expired.

Judy Z. Keller of Frankenmuth, owner and president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, was appointed to represent the private sector of the travel, tourism, and recreation industry for a term expiring August 20, 2009.  She succeeds Kenneth B. Horn whose term has expired.

Susan E. Sherer of Grosse Pointe Park, president of Sherer INC., was appointed to represent owners and operators of small businesses for a term expiring August 20, 2010.  She succeeds Brett L. Marr whose term has expired.

Christina MacInnes of Beulah, president of Crystal Properties, was reappointed to represent tourism and conventions for a term expiring August 20, 2010.

The Michigan Travel Commission is responsible for assisting Travel Michigan in developing a comprehensive, long-range vision for tourism.  Travel Michigan is an agency housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that promotes tourism in Michigan.

These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Michigan Rehabilitation Advisory Council

Luke O. Zelley of Grand Blanc, director of business development with The Disability Network, was appointed to represent parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty  representing themselves, or are unable to represent themselves, due to their disabilities for a term expiring September 14, 2009.

George F. Sirls of Detroit, facilitator II with the City of Detroit Department of Health and Wellness, was reappointed to represent individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory and mental disabilities for a term expiring September 14, 2007.

The Michigan Rehabilitation Advisory Council reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan Rehabilitation Services regarding all rehabilitation programs and policies administered in Michigan under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This appointment and reappointment are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Controlled Substances Advisory Commission

Claire E. Saadeh, Rp.H. of Dewitt, associate professor in pharmacy practice at Ferris State University, was appointed to represent pharmacologists for a term expiring August 30, 2007.  She succeeds Norman S. Miller whose term has expired.

The Controlled Substances Advisory Commission is responsible for monitoring indicators of controlled substance abuse and diversion, and recommending a plan of action for overcoming such abuse and diversion.
 
This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Ski Area Safety Board

Arnold “Jim” Vander Spoel of Ironwood, director of the ski area management program at Gogebic Community College, was appointed to represent Upper Peninsula general public with ski experience for a term expiring June 8, 2010.  He succeeds Michael Gokey whose term has expired.

Richard D. Starkey of Sanford, former president and CEO of Community Hospital Services, was reappointed to represent Lower Peninsula general public with ski experience for a term expiring June 8, 2010.

The Ski Area Safety Board is responsible for protecting the public by promulgating rules for the safe construction, installation, repair, use, operation, maintenance, and inspection of all ski areas and ski lifts.
 
These appointments are subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  They stand confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

Grape and Wine Industry Council

Amanda A. Danielson of Traverse City, proprietor and sommelier of Trattoria Stella, was appointed to represent operators of restaurants that hold a class C license and serve Michigan wines for a term expiring October 9, 2007.  She succeeds Kristin Jonna whose term has expired.

Charles E. Edson, Ph.D. of Okemos, proprietor, wine maker, and viticulturist of Bel Lago Vineyards and Winery, was appointed to represent wine grape growers for a term expiring October 9, 2007.  He succeeds Joseph Herman whose term has expired.

Robert J. Jacobson of Ann Arbor, president of Leelanau Wine Cellars, is appointed to represent wine makers for a term expiring October 9, 2007.  He succeeds Donald Coe who has resigned.

Elizabeth J. Berger of Traverse City, operations manager of Chateau Chantal, was reappointed to represent wine makers for a term expiring October 9, 2007.

David P. Miller, Ph.D. of Lawton, vice president of wine making and viticulture at St. Julian Wine Company, Inc., was reappointed to represent wine makers for a term expiring October 9, 2007.

The Grape and Wine Industry Council is charged with promoting Michigan’s wine and wine grape-growing industries.  Priorities of the council include encouraging growth of the industry, promoting Michigan wines, funding research to support wine grape growing in Michigan, and sponsoring training opportunities for industry development.  The council is funded through non-retail liquor license fees.
 
These appointments and reappointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors

Derek LeCronier of Freeland, farmer, was reappointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests for a term expiring June 20, 2009.

The Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors was created by the Farm Produce Insurance Act of 2003.  The board is responsible for establishing a new program in which producers of dry beans, grains, or corn could contribute a percentage of their proceeds to a new fund.  The fund will be used to recover any losses caused by a grain dealer’s financial failure.

This reappointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Michigan Senate within 60 days.

Posted by fnemecek at 10:32 AM | Permalink

 

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) announced a series of sixteen appointments and reappointments to the Council for Labor and Economic Growth last Friday.  These appointments took effect immediately.

Lizabeth A. Ardisana of Orchard Lake, CEO of ASG Renaissance, was appointed to represent businesses for a term expiring April 30, 2009.  She succeeds Enrique Carrillo who resigned.

Patrick “Shorty” Gleason of Davison, president of the Michigan State Building and Construction Trades Council, was appointed to represent labor organizations for a term expiring April 30, 2010.  He succeeds Thomas Boensch who resigned.

Timothy J. Nelson of Traverse City, president of Northwestern Michigan College, was appointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2010.  He succeeds Richard Pappas who resigned.

Daniel J. Phelan of Jackson, president of Jackson Community College, was appointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2007.  He succeeds Albert Lorenzo who resigned.

Marjorie A. Sorge of Livonia, vice president of corporate communications with Metaldyne, was appointed to represent businesses for a term expiring April 30, 2009.  She succeeds Myra Moreland who resigned.

Patrick D. Cannon of Haslett, State Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator and executive director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind was reappointed to represent additional members for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Norma R. Hagenow of Grand Blanc, president and CEO of Genesys Regional Medical Center, was reappointed to represent businesses for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Dennis W. Hands of Rochester Hills, business representative and freight coordinator with Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43, was reappointed to represent labor organizations for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Janet Joseph of Howell, co-owner of Dunnage Engineering, Inc, was reappointed to represent businesses for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Alan A. Low of Brighton, president and CEO of Dynalectric of Michigan, was reappointed to represent business for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Sharon C. Peters of Lansing, president and CEO of Michigan’s Children, was reappointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience with respect to youth activities for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Eugene W. Pierce of Birch Run, assistant superintendent of Tuscola Intermediate School District, was reappointed to represent individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Hubert Price, Jr. of Pontiac, president of Synergistics Consulting, was reappointed to represent businesses for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Jaye N. Shamisddeen of Lansing, state director for the Department of Labor and Economic Growth - Rehabilitation Services, was reappointed to represent additional members for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

Mary Thornton of Grosse Pointe Shores, general director of operations for General Motors University, was reappointed to represent businesses for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

George W. Yost of Midland was reappointed to represent additional members for a term expiring April 30, 2010.

The Council for Labor and Economic Growth is an ongoing strategic advising body that encourages and stimulates innovative public and private responses to workforce challenges.  Members work to develop policies and help implement programs that shape a flexible 21st century workforce that meets the needs of Michigan’s businesses, allowing them to successfully compete in the global marketplace today and in the future.  The council is an action-oriented board with the ability to not only recommend changes but to ensure their implementation.  The council also serves as the state workforce investment board required by the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 29 USC 2821.
 
These appointments and reappointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

Posted by fnemecek at 10:35 AM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) signed legislation yesterday that will continue Michigan’s efforts to modernize management policies for our forestland, help create jobs in the timber industry as well as protect and keep access available to the state’s natural resources enjoyed by hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts.  The six-bill package will encourage additional timber harvest through financial incentives to private landowners.
 
Michigan has more than 19 million acres of forestland.  Despite this abundance, less timber is harvested in Michigan than other Midwestern states that have fewer acres of forest.  As a result, wood costs in Michigan are high, putting forestry jobs and the manufacturing jobs our forests support at risk.
 
The six-bill package signed by Granholm addresses this problem by: 

• Providing property tax relief to private landowners who harvest their land for timber according to long-term, sustainable management plans;
• Changing the way commercial forestland is taxed, giving private owners a clearer, more predictable tax structure;
• Requiring that commercial forestland be accessible to hunters and fishermen in exchange for the reduced tax status;
• Encouraging development of management plans for private forestland to ensure its sustainability.

Senate Bills 912-914 and 917 were sponsored by State Senators Gerald Van Woerkom (R-34, Norton Shores), Tony Stamas (R-36, Midland), Jason Allen (R-37, Traverse City) and Shirley Johnson (R-13, Troy), respectively.  House Bill 5454 was sponsored by State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer (R-105, Bellaire).  House Bill 5455 was sponsored by Representative Bill Huizenga (R-90, Zeeland).

Posted by fnemecek at 02:43 PM | Permalink

 

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) called on the Michigan Legislature earlier this to create a new tax deduction for workers transitioning from jobs in the auto industry into new careers. The deduction is aimed at auto workers taking an early retirement incentive or buyout.
 
“As workers from Ford, General Motors, Delphi and other auto makers and parts suppliers transition from their jobs into new careers, I want to make sure they have assistance in enhancing their education or creating a new business,” Granholm said.  “The ingenuity and work ethic of our industrial workforce can be a tremendous asset in the new economy that is emerging in Michigan.”
 
Granholm’s proposal would create an income tax deduction equal to the amount of qualified education, training, and relocation expenses paid by recipients of an early retirement incentive or buyout.  This deduction would assist taxpayers displaced due to industrial reorganization with the transition into new careers.  The deduction would be available for the tax years 2006 through 2009 and would be limited to $10,000 per year for education and training expenses.  This deduction would be limited to workers who accepted an early retirement or buyout offer from an automobile manufacturer or supplier.  The taxpayer also would be required to be a Michigan citizen on the last day of the tax year.
 
Granholm added that she also is calling for a new deduction of up to $40,000 for new business start-ups by workers who accepted an early retirement or buyout offer from an automobile manufacturer or supplier.
 
Information on the various tools available to those seeking jobs and those transitioning into new careers from the auto industry is available at www.michigan.gov/newjob

Posted by fnemecek at 08:56 AM | Permalink

In a letter to United States Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) on Friday encouraged the newly-confirmed official to use his first trip to China next week as an opportunity to combat that country’s manipulative currency practices which are hurting American manufacturers.
 
Granholm applauded Paulson for his speech earlier this week in which he called on China to live up to its responsibilities as a member of the global economic community, including addressing trade barriers, currency manipulation, and intellectual property rights.  Granholm also encouraged Paulson to stand up for manufacturers and the workers who rely on their success with as much enthusiasm and creativity as he does for emerging nations around the globe.
 
Granholm also welcomed today’s news that the U.S. has joined Canada and the European Union in asking that the World Trade Organization convene a dispute resolution panel to compel China to live up to its trade obligations on auto parts.
 
Readers can view a complete copy of Granholm's letter on-line at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Letter_to_Secretary_Paulson_9-14-06_172521_7.pdf

Posted by fnemecek at 12:41 PM | Permalink

Engaging on politics on the anniversary of a national tragedy, such as today’s 5th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, there’s the simple fact that there are journalists and television cameras looking for quotes all-day long.  That, of course, is a very tempting opportunity for any political candidate.  It’s even more so when you’re in a hotly contented race, such as Michigan gubernatorial election where you can’t afford to go a day without being in the news.

However, if you come across as too brazenly campaigning – even during the middle of a political campaign, it’s a public relations disaster in the making.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) took the easy and non-confrontational approach by signing a proclamation to remember the heroes of 9/11.  She encouraged everyone in Michigan to honor a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. this morning, the precise moment when the first place hit the World Trade Center.  Things like this are one of the advantages of being an incumbent; you can put forward proclamations like this to put your name in circulation without risking a negative backlash.

Her Republican challenger, Dick DeVos, took a very different approach.  One that, quite frankly, I don’t think was a wise tactical move.  He essentially ignored the anniversary.  Instead, he focused on Granholm’s attack ad, which focused on 1,400 Michigan jobs that were lost during DeVos’ tenure as President of Amway.

This, in my opinion, was a bad tactical move on so many different levels.

First, the person delivering DeVos’ response was his campaign manager, Greg McNeilly, and not the candidate.  This fact put McNeilly’s name out in circulation and not the candidate’s.  That’s always a bad idea, in my view, because voters won’t see McNeilly’s name on the ballot in 57 days.

Second, his comments simply keep the ad at the forefront of everyone attention.  I would argue that it doesn’t really matter that the 1,400 Michigan jobs lost at Amway were the result of only 600 layoffs (the rest were a mixture of attrition and employee buyouts).  There were still 1,400 fewer Michiganders working at Amway under DeVos’ stewardship.

Plus, the whole controversy serves as a reminder of DeVos’ connection with Amway.  Since almost every voter in Michigan knows someone who worked hard as an independent distributor for Amway and never realized the kind of rewards that DeVos promised, every reminder of DeVos’ connection to Amway is essentially questions whether or not he can be counted to deliver the economic benefits that he is promising Michigan now.

Posted by fnemecek at 04:40 PM | Permalink

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s (D, MI) re-election campaign unleashed an attack ad earlier this week, which criticized her Republican challenger Dick DeVos’ decision to layoff Michigan residents while he was president of Amway and then open a new factory in China.  Granholm’s ad attempted to establish a link between these two events, something that DeVos vehemently denies and that several newspapers have labeled as false and misleading.  The DeVos campaign even launched their own ad in response as well as a new web site – TheTruthAboutChina.com – to refute Granholm’s charges.

From a business standpoint, there really isn’t any connection between the Michigan layoffs and China.

From a political standpoint, however, this is largely an albatross that will continue to hang around DeVos’ for the duration of the campaign and that the Granholm camp will likely to keep using until the moment the polls close on Election Day.  Whether or not there was any correlation between the two events is almost irrelevant, at least from a political standpoint.

The fact of the matter is these ads serve as a constant reminder of DeVos’ association with Amway and, in particular, that he was calling the shots at Amway.  Even DeVos’ own rebuttal web site mentions the word “Amway” twice, essentially forcing him to remind voters of something that he’d be best to hope they forget.

Since its very inception, Amway has promised its network of independent distributors a chance at financial freedom by selling Amway products and recruiting others to do the same.  The problem, of course, is that the overwhelming majority of Amway distributors do not make any money.  They invest their time, money and energy into something and are left nothing but a few cases of soap.

Pretty much everyone in Michigan knows someone who bought into DeVos’ promises at Amway; someone who worked hard and was left with nothing but shattered Amway dreams.  Mentioning Amway and DeVos’ connection to those broken promises, whether in the context of layoff in West Michigan, a new factory in China or even in a rebuttal to those charges, simply makes a sizable number of Michigan voters wonder whether or not they can trust him.

Posted by fnemecek at 11:29 AM | Permalink

Granholm Appoints Joseph Sheeran as Judge of 18th Circuit Court

Posted by fnemecek at 04:05 PM | Permalink

Governor Granholm Makes Appointments

Posted by fnemecek at 04:04 PM | Permalink

Google announced this morning that they are opening an office in Michigan and hiring 1,000 new employees. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D-MI) and James C. Epolito, President of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, released a statement on the tax incentives that brough Google to Michigan as well as the economic impact of this move. It's available on-line at http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-23442-147032--,00.html

We doubt today's move will have any impact on this November's gubernatorial election. However, if they manage to pull off a couple more of these deals in the coming months, they might be on to something.

Posted by fnemecek at 03:26 PM | Permalink

Granholm Says Alternative Energy Development Critical to Diversifying Economy

Continue reading "Granholm Says Alternative Energy is Critical to Diversifying Economy" »

Posted by fnemecek at 03:36 PM | Permalink