Senate Addresses Emergency Manager Transition Issue
Thursday afternoon the State Senate passed Senate Bill 865, a bill to authorize the appointment of a receivership transition advisory board for local governmental units exiting the control of an emergency manager under Public Act 4. The bill was passed by the Senate Government Operations Committee Tuesday and now moves to the House for consideration.
State Employees to Receive Retirement Health Care Contribution Refund
Beginning with the December 22nd paychecks, state employees will no longer be making the 3% contribution for retirement health care. Further, the amount raised by the previously mandatory contribution will be refunded to employees, with interest, in their January 19, 2012 paychecks.
State Unemployment Falls Below 10 Percent
For the first time since November of 2008, Michigan’s unemployment rate fell below double-digits, falling to 9.8% for November 2011. The 0.8 percent drop is representative of a 21,000 increase in total employment, a 39,000 decrease in unemployed and a 19,000 decrease in total workforce.
Governor’s Signature Legalizes Fireworks
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation Tuesday ending Michigan’s prohibition on consumer-grade fireworks. House Bill 4293, sponsored by long time champion of the issue Representative Harold Haugh (D-Eastpointe), and Senate Bill 194, sponsored by Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), are now Public Acts 256 and 257, respectively.
PAA Offices to Close
Along with the State of Michigan offices, Public Affairs Associates will be closed for the holidays on both Fridays, December 23rd and 30th, as well as both Mondays, December 26th and January 2nd.