New Press Secretary for Richardville
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) announced that longtime Senate Republican staff member Amber McCann will be replacing Matt Marsden as Senate GOP spokesperson and press secretary. Marsden, who will remain on Richardville’s staff in an undetermined role, was replaced after a public clash and exchange of barbs with Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) over the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on partial-birth abortion bills.
NITC Included in MDOT Budget Calculations
Governor Rick Snyder’s Department of Transportation Budget recommendation for fiscal year 2012 would only be balanced if the Legislature enables the New International Trade Crossing (NITC – formerly DRIC), resulting in the use of $550 million in Canadian money and hundreds of millions in federal match. MDOT Director Kirk Steudle presented to the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday afternoon.
Landfill Restriction Reform Tabled
House Energy & Technology Committee Chair Representative Kenneth Horn (R-Frankenmuth) announced that he would be creating a working group on House Bills 4265 and 4266, legislation that would permit landfills to again take yard waste. Advocates for the reform claim adding yard waste back to landfills would increase the amount of methane gas used to produce electricity while opponents claim the measure would endanger composting facilities across the state.
Chief Justice Calls for Elimination of Bench Positions
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young, Jr. told the House Appropriations Judiciary Subcommittee that the time has come to support the findings of the Judicial Resources Report, which has called for the elimination of judge positions for multiple years. Governor Rick Snyder’s budget recommendations include the elimination of six trial court judgeships for the 2012 fiscal year.
AG Appointments Made
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced the appointment of Warner Norcorss & Judd attorney John Bursch as Solicitor General and former Solicitor General Eric Restuccia as Deputy Solicitor General.
Former Lt. Governor Damman Passes at 78
Former Michigan Lt. Governor James Damman passed away at 78 year old in Texas