Michigan State and Wayne State In “Technical Compliance”

State Budget Director John Nixon, CPA, said Thursday that Michigan State University and Wayne State University are in “technical compliance” with Michigan’s new tuition restraint rules passed as a portion of the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget. Under the rules, Michigan’s 15 public universities would have their budgets cut 22 percent (instead of 15 percent) if they failed to keep tuition increases under 7.1 percent.

Michigan State University and Wayne State University raised eyebrows in recent weeks when they allegedly increased tuition by amounts greater than the 7.1 percent ceiling during different portions of the academic year.

Despite the Administration’s determination that the two institutions are in compliance with the rules, many lawmakers have indicated the spirit of the regulations were not followed and some have even alluded to potential repercussions. House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee Chair Representation Bob Genetski (R-Saugatuck) held a hearing on the matter last week in regards to MSU and is currently planning a similar hearing in regards to Wayne State next week.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 29, 2011 10:43 AM
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Few Free From Recall Scare

State Senators Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) and Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton) became the 17^th and 18^th Republican members of the State Senate facing potential recall this week. Paperwork has been filed in Wayne County in regard to Senator Colbeck, using identical language that was approved this week by the Grand Traverse County Elections Commission this week against Senator Walker.

Only eight members of the 26-member Senate Republican Caucus currently have no recall language filed against them – State Senators Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township), Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell), Joe Hune (R-Fowlerville), Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc), and Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights).

The Isabella County Clerk’s Office approved language early this week in regard to a recall effort against State Representative Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant). Additionally, the Michigan Education Association (MEA) has spent $25,000, according to campaign finance filings, in an effort to secure the necessary signatures to recall House Education Committee Chair Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc).

posted by PAA Online , 10:42 AM
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McCulloch Out – Hoekstra Nets Endorsements

At his first public event since announcing he would in fact seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, former U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra announced the endorsement of many Oakland County Republicans.

Key among the endorsements is Oakland County Water Resource Commission John McCulloch who had previously announced his candidacy for the same office. The other key names were Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullard, State Representative Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy), former U.S. Representative Joe Knollenberg, State Representative Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) and her spouse State Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), State Senator Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc), and State Senator Jim Marleau (R-Lake Orion).

posted by PAA Online , 10:42 AM
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Dan Kildee Running In 5th – Barcia Likely

As expected, former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee has announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 5^th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by his soon-to-be retired uncle, U.S. Representative Dale Kildee (D-Flint).

Currently with the national organization, Center for Community Progress, Dan Kildee considered a run for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2010.

Meanwhile, another familiar name is strongly considering a run as well, setting the table for a potentially significant primary battle. Former U.S. Representative and State Senator Jim Barcia of Bay City is reportedly working on assembling a campaign staff. Other names have also been mentioned, like that of current State Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) and former State Representative Jim Slezak of Davison.

posted by PAA Online , 10:41 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

DCH Chief Deputy Director Named

Having served as the Department of Community Health’s Deputy Director for both the Operations Administration and the Health Policy and Regulation Administration, Nick Lyon was named DCH’s Chief Deputy Director. The long time DCH employee will serve as Chief Operating Officer and work with DCH Director Olga Dazzo on policy and program design and implementation.

Former Mayor to be Released

Former Detroit Mayor and Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Leader Kwame Kilpatrick is scheduled to be released on parole at 6:30 a.m. on August 2 from the Jackson prison complex.

Senate Session Schedule Released

The State Senate’s session schedule for the remainder of the year has been released. The upper chamber will meet for one day August 24. It is yet unclear if any votes will be held. Starting September 7, session will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through November 10 and then again from November 29 through December 15.

posted by PAA Online , 10:41 AM
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