NITC Debate Heating Up – June 30 ‘Deadline’ Dismissed

With two hearings under their belt, and at least one scheduled for next week, the debate in the State Senate regarding the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) is the talk of Lansing. Senate Republicans late Thursday, however, indicated that a vote on the legislation authorizing the bridge (Senate Bills 410 and 411, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville) would not come until sometime after the Legislature returns from summer recess.

The new span over the Detroit River from Detroit to Windsor is a top priority of Governor Rick Snyder. The Senate Committee on Economic Development, chaired by Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake Township), held hearings Wednesday and Thursday.

The highlights of the two days of hearings were Wednesday’s testimony in support of the NITC from Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Canadian Counsel General Roy Norton and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy Helena Borges. On Thursday, Detroit International Bridge Company Vice President Matthew Maroun testified during session as did Samara Barend, vice president for strategic development and director for public-private partnerships for North America for AECOM. Ms. Barend stated that Michigan had the world’s best partner, Canada, for a new bridge project and her company would certainly want to bid on this project (which has garnered world wide attention). Both sides received intense questions from committee members.

A long line of interested parties has yet to deliver testimony. While it appears final consideration of this issue will wait until the Fall, committee hearings will continue next week.

Labels: NITC

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 17, 2011 12:02 PM
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Senate, House Differ On Binding Arbitration Reform

The Senate and House versions of Public Act 312 reform, changing the binding arbitration process for police and firefighters, both moved from the chambers’ respective Government Operations committees Tuesday with significant differences.

The Senate version includes a local government’s ability to pay as one of a list of factors in an arbitrator’s decision. Senate Bill 397, sponsored by Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), cleared the committee on a bipartisan 4-1 vote with the support of unions and over the opposition of local government organizations.

The House version, meanwhile, passed from committee on a 3-2 straight party-line vote with the backing of local government organizations and opposition from unions. House Bill 4522, sponsored by Representative Jeff Farrington (R-Utica), states that the local unit’s ability to pay is the most-weighted factor in the arbitrator’s decision.

The full House and the full Senate have yet to take floor action on the respective bills.

Labels: Arbitration Reform

posted by PAA Online , 12:01 PM
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Jeb Bush In Michigan – Supports Snyder Education Reform Plan

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush testified before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Education committees Wednesday largely in support of Governor Rick Snyder’s education reform plans outlined in April.

Joined by Patricia Levesque, the Executive Director of Governor Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education, the former Florida Governor also joined Governor Snyder, House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) at a press conference. Mr. Bush stressed two major themes – that effective reform must be comprehensive and that results do not take form overnight. Ms. Levesque used the example of reforms passed in 1999 that didn’t show significant results until 2006 when teachers and principals began to see better-prepared students.

Mr. Bush indicated that the most important factor in student and school improvement is accurate and comprehensive data. Explaining that Florida’s robust database allows for the tracking of students from 4^th grade to post-graduate activities and linking students to the teachers they have had, Governor Bush voiced his support for rewarding over-performing teachers and intolerance for poor teachers.

Labels: education reform

posted by PAA Online , 12:01 PM
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PLAs GONE UNDER SENATE-PASSED LEGISLATION

Senate Bill 165, legislation to prohibit project labor agreements (PLAs) in government contracts, passed the Senate Thursday on a straight party-line vote of 26-12. The measure is sponsored by Senator John Moolenaar (R-Midland).

A PLA sets forth the labor costs, rules, and hours for a project and often requires non-unionized contractors to sign onto and abide by local labor agreements. The legislation prohibits discrimination in favor of, or against, non-unionized contractors in publicly-funded projects.

The legislation, named the “Fair and Open Competition in Governmental Construction Act” by the sponsor, moved from the Senate Committee on Reforms, Restructuring and Reinvention in March. The House Commerce Committee passed a similar measure, also in March, HB 4287 sponsored by Representative Joe Haveman (R-Holland).

Labels: PLA

posted by PAA Online , 12:00 PM
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Recall Petition Efforts Continued

County election commissions across the state continue to hold clarity hearings on language submitted in an effort to recall Republican members of the State House of Representatives and State Senate. The language consistently references the recently passed tax reform legislation or the emergency financial manager reform or both.

The Calhoun County Election Commission approved language filed in an effort to recall House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) on Monday. Language filed to recall Representative Kurt Damrow (R-Austin) and Senator Mike Green (R-Mayville), meanwhile, were rejected by the election commissions in Huron and Tuscola counties, respectively.

Lenawee County officials rejected language filed against Representative Mike Shirkey (R-Clark Lake) on Tuesday; however, activists may begin circulating petitions against Representative Nancy Jenkins (R-Clayton) as early as today.

Later in the week, activists were delivered another blow when language filed against Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) was rejected by the Monroe County Election Commission. Additionally, Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) and Representative Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant) are in the clear for the time being as the Delta County and Isabella County election commissions also rejected language at clarity hearings.

Most insiders predict that language will be changed and re-filed in most or all of the instances of rejection by county election commissions.

posted by PAA Online , 11:59 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Senate Begins Hearings on Teacher Tenure Reform

The Senate Education Committee held a hearing Wednesday on House Bills 4625, 4626, 4627 and 4728, legislation recently passed by the House providing for significant reforms in Michigan’s teacher tenure and bargaining systems. The panel’s Chair, Senator Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) stated that further hearings would be conducted prior to a vote on the package.

Deloney to Lead Liquor Control Commission

Longtime Michigan Restaurant Association lobbyist Andy Deloney was named the new Chair of the Liquor Control Commission by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Deloney, who has been with the Restaurant Association for nearly ten years, will succeed Nida Samona, an appointee of former Governor Jennifer Granholm.

House Fiscal Head Named

Mary Ann Cleary, a 20-year veteran of the House Fiscal Agency, has been named the new director. Current Director Mitch Bean will retire from state government on July 1^st after 12 years in Agency’s head. Ms. Cleary is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Barcia to Join The Livingston Group

Jim Barcia will be joining The Livingston Group in Washington, DC according to reports Thursday. The longtime Bay City lawmaker served in the State House of Representatives from 1977 – 1982, the State Senate from 1983 – 1992 and again from 2003 – 2011, and the United States House of Representatives from 1993 – 2002.

Tax Reform Arguments Heading to Supreme Court

The Michigan Supreme Court granted Governor Rick Snyder his request that the question of constitutionality of major tax changes contained in 2011 Public Act 38 be addressed. The High Court will hold a hearing on September 7^th and has ordered Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette to prepare briefings on four specific questions, on both sides of the issue.

House Expected to Pass “Partial Birth” Abortion Ban

The House Families, Children and Seniors Committee is expected to pass House Bills 4109 and 4110 next week following testimony on the measures Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Kevin Daley (R-Lum) and Ben Glardon (R-Owosso), proposes to place the prohibition on the procedure, which exists in federal law, into state law.

posted by PAA Online , 11:59 AM
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