United Budget Plan Possible From Republicans

In a bit of what could be characterized as a change in direction, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) indicated Thursday that a joint budget proposal may be coming in the next two weeks. The new plan would reportedly represent a unified front from the Republican-lead Senate, the Republican-lead House and Republican Governor Rick Snyder.

Senate Republicans had indicated their intention on releasing a Senate-developed alternative to the Governor’s budget recommendations and tax reform proposal – and had gone as far as releasing the vast majority of the details of the potential alternative plan. Last week; however, Richardville and key staff met with leaders from key business groups regarding the Senate plan, to learn that the groups (e.g. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Michigan) still preferred the Governor’s proposal.

The three leaders, Richardville, House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and Governor Snyder, continued their work through the legislative Spring Break and are reportedly still working out the details, including the much-debated pension tax, the corporate income tax (CIT) proposal, and K-12 funding.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, April 8, 2011 9:57 AM
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Governor's MDOT Budget Proposal Gains Diverse Support

A new, diverse coalition of local, environmental and business groups has announced their support of Governor Rick Snyder’s budget recommendation for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Transportation for Michigan, or Trans4M, includes, among others, the Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Land Use Institute.

Interestingly, the Governor’s $3.4 billion transportation budget proposal includes $50 million in Canadian cash for NITC, the New International Trade Crossing (formerly the Detroit River International Crossing, or DRIC) for federal matching funds.

NITC has gained the endorsement of many organizations, including business groups such as the Lansing Area and Grand Rapids Area chambers of commerce; however, the members of this new coalition have not taken formal positions specifically on NITC.

posted by PAA Online , 9:56 AM
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Redistricting Debate To Begin

Since both federal and state statutes require redistricting plans to be completed by November 1^st and many pundits characterize legal challenges as likely, the legislators charged with leading the efforts have both indicated plans to get started soon.

House Redistricting & Elections Committee Chairman Representative Pete Lund (R-Shelby Township) announced that the House Committee will hold their first public hearing next Tuesday, April 12^th. Senator Joe Hune (R-Fowlerville), Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, has also indicated his plans to begin hearings at the end of April or beginning of May.

The redistricting process is set to be the next major initiative addressed by the Legislature following the conclusion of the budget debate. Given the optimism of leaders for the potential of meeting Governor Snyder’s May 31^st goal on the budget – redistricting could be complete prior to summer recess.

Complicating the matter; however, is Detroit Mayor Dave Bing’s challenge to the U.S. Census count in Detroit, hoping to add an additional 40,000 to the City’s counted population.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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Rumors Abound Regarding Stabenow Challenger

With only two declared candidates in the field, former Kent County Judge Randy Hekman and GOP activist Peter Konetchy, Republicans continue to entertain thoughts regarding potential challengers to incumbent U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing).

Betsy DeVos, longtime GOP powerbroker and wife of once-gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos, has all but ruled-out a run according to sources. Rob Steele, who lost to incumbent US Representative John Dingell (D-Dearborn) in 2010, and businessman Tim Leuliette are contemplating the same. Meanwhile, most eyes appear to be focused on former US Rep. Peter Hoekstra.

The 18-year veteran of the US House from Michigan’s 2^nd District and runner-up in last year’s Republican gubernatorial primary to now Governor Rick Snyder, Mr. Hoekstra is expected to announce his decision in the next two weeks. Most insiders predict that the field of candidates will likely clear if Mr. Hoekstra decides to run.

Among those waiting is former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land who has expressed her interest in running; however, has also confirmed that she would defer to Hoekstra. Others that would be viewed as top-tier candidates, such as current US Representatives Dave Camp (R-Midland), and Mike Rogers (R-Brighton) are out of the conversation given the GOP’s renewed control of the US House and their ascension to powerful committee chairmanships.

posted by PAA Online , 9:53 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

23 State Campgrounds to Close

With General Fund support for state forest recreational programs down every year since 2009 and expected to be down again in the coming budget, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a plan to close 23 state forest campgrounds as early as May 19^th. The campgrounds are located near other, more popular campgrounds that will remain open and the plan does not affect any of the state parks.

Granholm Denies Persisting Rumors of Federal Appointment

With an appointment pending to head the new U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s name has again surfaced as potentially on President Barack Obama’s “short list.” Granholm; however, dispelled such rumors, stating she has declined to be considered for the post and is happy with her positions with the University of California-Berkley, the Pew Charitable Trust and Dow Chemical Company Board of Directors.

Gingrich Headed to Mackinac

Former U.S House Speaker Newt Gingrich will be headlining the Michigan Republican Party’s Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference in September. A potential candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2012, Speaker Gingrich lead the Republican’s return to majority in the US Congress after 40 year in the minority. His keynote speech will be Friday, September 23^rd.

State Trooper Falls

For the first time since 2003, the Michigan State Police lost a trooper in the line of duty. Trooper Jeffrey Werda from the Bridgeport Post and a 10-year veteran of the force, passed away when his car rolled while responding to a call for assistance in a in a high-speed chase. Governor Snyder ordered all U.S. Flags on state buildings lowered in honor of the fallen 43 year old.

Weiser to Chair National Finance Committee

Ambassador Ron Weiser, recent past Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, was named the Republican National Committee’s national finance chair this week. Weiser and then-Finance Chair (now Party Chair) Bobby Schostak, were credited with spearheading the estimated $30 million fundraising effort that resulted in the GOP’s takeover of Michigan government.

posted by PAA Online , 9:52 AM
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