Affirmative Action Ban Unconstitutional According To Court

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled late last week that the 2006 ballot proposal banning affirmative action for university admissions is unconstitutional. The 2-1 decision stated that the ban violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and reverses a decision upholding the amendment by a U.S. District Court in Detroit.

The decision in Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action v. University of Michigan effectively reversed the 2006 ballot proposal that Michigan voters approved with a 58 percent majority. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette indicated that he will appeal the decision to the full U.S. Court of Appeals.

The two Judges issuing the majority opinion were former Clinton appointees Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr. and Senior Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey. Judge Julia Smith Gibbons issued the dissenting opinion. Judge Gibbons was appointed by George W. Bush.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 8, 2011 10:31 AM
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Health Claims Tax To See House Committee Action During Recess

One of the Senate’s last actions as session concluded for the summer late last week was passing SB 348 and a companion bill, SB 347, providing for a 1-percent health insurance claims tax. The measure is expected to raise approximately $400 million and leverage an additional $800 million in federal matching dollars and is viewed as a key component in balancing the 2011-2012 Medicaid budget.

Following the Senate’s action, the legislation was referred to the House Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Representative Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham). The House of Representatives is scheduled for two session days between now and the summer’s end although no voting in expected to take place. The Appropriations Committee however, is expected to meet, debate and attempt to move the measures prior to the Legislature’s return to a full-time session schedule.

posted by PAA Online , 10:30 AM
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Senate Paves Way For Service Consolidation

Legislation permitting local governments to end contracts when seeking to consolidate services passed the Senate late last week on mostly party-line votes. House Bills 4309, 4311, 4312 and 4534 all received immediate effect.

The package was addressed by the House in March and passed on similar party-line votes.

New contracts are required to be negotiated and finalized when a service consolidation takes place under the legislation, meaning public employee benefits and pay must be dealt with first. The package states that contracts in place at the time of the consolidation will remain effective until they are altered by a collective bargaining process or expire.

posted by PAA Online , 10:29 AM
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Summary of Approved Recall Language

Language has been approved by respective county election commissions in efforts seeking to recall 13 sitting members of the Michigan Legislature and Governor Rick Snyder.

The following members of the Senate are facing potential recall pending the required number of valid signatures being collected: Senators Darwin Booher (R-Evart), Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan), Mike Green (R-Mayville), Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township), Jim Marleau (R-Lake Orion), Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) and Randy Richardville (R-Monroe).

In the House, Speaker Jase Bolger is joined by five colleagues in facing potential recall: Representatives Kurt Damrow (R-Port Austin), Nancy Jenkins (R-Clayton), Joel Johnson (R-Clare), Phil Potvin (R-Cadillac) and Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville).

Recall efforts may be receiving more attention in coming weeks as the Michigan Education Association has indicated that they may get involved through supplying volunteers and other resources. Additional legislators are awaiting language approval hearings and the number facing recall is expected to grow.

posted by PAA Online , 10:27 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

McCotter Makes Presidential Bid Official
Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Livonia) made official his bid for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. The Congressman’s announcement makes room for a potential Congressional bid by many, including current State Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake Township).

Winslow to Restaurant Association
Longtime State Senate staffer Justin Winslow has been named the new Vice President of Public Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association. Most recently he served as Chief of Staff to State Senator John Pappageorge (R-Troy); the Michigan State University graduate previously held lead staff positions for former State Senators Tony Stamas (R-Midland) and Shirely Johnson (R-Royal Oak).

Governor Addresses Detroit City Council Regarding NITC
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder discussed the New International Trade Crossing with the Detroit City Council Thursday, promising to provide the neighborhood where the proposed bridge would be built at least the same amount of community support received by the City of Port Huron during the Blue Water Bridge project. Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) attended the meeting while the Governor spoke by phone.

New Film Incentive Legislative Potentially on Horizon
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) may introduce legislation this summer attempting to reinvigorate the state’s film industry following the cut in next fiscal year’s budget to a $25 million grant program. Although no details have been released, the Leader’s office has indicated the effort may be less about increasing the available monetary incentives and more about creating a competitive environment for the industry.

posted by PAA Online , 10:26 AM
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