New Bridge Priority #1

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder wasted little time at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference in making it perfectly clear that the Administration’s top priority is the pursuit of the New International Trade Crossing (NITC). Sporting a new “Build the Bridge” button, also being distributed to conference attendees, the Governor called upon everyone to support the effort – and to question those that do not.

The Governor’s remarks took place just hours after the long-awaited legislation setting-up an authority to authorize the construction of the span from Detroit to Windsor was introduced in the Senate by Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe). Senate Bills 410 and 411 were introduced Wednesday, with referral to the Senate Committee on Economic Development, chaired by Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake Township).

With the Mackinac Bridge as a backdrop, the Governor indicated his hope for the issue being addressed by July 1. The legislation’s sponsor, however, made it clear that a specific timeline was not as important as ensuring support by at least half of the Senate’s 26 Republican members.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 3, 2011 11:01 AM
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Potential Security Scare In Governor’s Office

A member of Governor Snyder’s constituent relations team felt a “burning sensation” on his hand after opening an envelope addressed to the Governor Thursday that contained a granular white substance. The employee immediately washed his hands, placed the envelope and enclosed letter in a sealed plastic bag and called the HazMat team in accordance with state procedures.

The Michigan State Police are now in possession of the envelope which reportedly contained an incoherent letter. While the State Police is identifying the substance, the U.S. Postal Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are handling the investigation.

The employee required no further medical attention; however, the Governor had a noticeably larger security detail while attending events on Mackinac Island during this week’s Detroit Regional Chamber Policy Conference.

posted by PAA Online , 11:00 AM
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Purchasers See Growth, Inflation

Metro Detroit’s economy has been improving incrementally as shown by a 15-month period of continual growth. All seemed to be looking up for Metro Detroiter’s until a recent drop within the Southeast Michigan Purchasing Managers Index. According to the index, there was a 0.2 drop from April to May (67.9 to 67.7) ending the streak of continuous growth over the period of the last 15 months. The drop is not significant numerically, but still is a lower index than recorded in the previous month of April, leaving room for concern for Michigan manufacturers.

Inflation may be creeping into the economy and Wayne State economist and supply chain faculty expert, Nitin Paranjpe, believes that increases in fuel prices could lead to transportation surcharges according to recent hints given by purchasing managers. “These raw material price increases may start to trickle down to the finished goods market, and we may start to see price increases at the retail level” states Paranjpe.

posted by PAA Online , 11:00 AM
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More Lawmakers Facing Potential Recall Efforts

Two more state representatives and one more state senator face potential recall efforts after language was filed with respective county clerks’ offices.

Representative Nancy Jenkins (R-Clayton) and Representative Kurt Damrow (R-Austin) are facing potential recall based on their votes for the new Emergency Financial

Manager (EFM) statute. Hearings to approve the clarity of the filed language are scheduled for June 15^th and June 13^th, respectively.

State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton) is being targeted for her support of Governor Snyder’s tax restructuring efforts. The clarity hearing for the language filed by Randy Borden of Kalamazoo is scheduled for June 10^th.

The three newest lawmakers facing potential recall efforts join House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall), Rep. Gail Haines (R-Waterford), Rep. Joel Johnson (R-Clare), Rep. Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville), Sen. Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan) and Sen. Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek).

posted by PAA Online , 10:59 AM
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$3 Billion Investment Effort Announced

In a joint press conference on the porch of the Grand Hotel, Governor Rick Snyder and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President & CEO Michael Finney announced the creation of Pure Michigan Business Connect, a $3 billion public-private partnership adding to the Administration’s efforts in “economic gardening.”

The key component of the effort is a $2 billion commitment from Huntington Bank for Michigan business expansion lending over the next four years. Additional portions of the announcement include:

· Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy have committed to a five year spending plan of $250 million on Michigan produced goods and Michigan-based services.

· Private Investment Group State 2 Innovations has committed $100 million for second stage funding for accelerated commercialization of Michigan-based start-ups.

· $100 million in new economic development incentives from the MEDC, focused on businesses that provide services and capitol to Michigan-based start-ups.

posted by PAA Online , 10:59 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Lt. Governor’s Daughter Recovering

Kara Calley, the youngest daughter of Lt. Governor Brian Calley and his wife Julie, is recovering from heart surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Lt. Governor is issuing regular updates on the 1-year old’s progress through Facebook postings since Tuesday’s operation.

Romney Coming Home

On the heels of the official announcement of his presidential bid in New Hampshire, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will be heading to Michigan for early campaign fundraising. The Michigan native is scheduled to attend fundraisers in Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe and Bloomfield Hills.

Bolger Taps Education Reform Workgroup

Appropriations K-12 Subcommittee chair Rep. Bill Rogers (R-Brighton) and Education Committee chair Rep. Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) will examine the process by which other states finance education. They will also take a look at what unfunded mandates Michigan schools encounter. House Speaker Bolger is using a bipartisan workgroup to take an analytical approach to improving education within the districts while simultaneously spending public funding more effectively. Discussion of the issue will continue into the fall.

posted by PAA Online , 10:58 AM
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