Item Pricing Law Takes Effect

Although Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed the legislation (Public Act 5 of 2011) into law nearly six months ago, the repeal of the state’s item pricing requirement did not take effect until Thursday (September 1^st).

Reports show that retailers are slow in transitioning to electronic price readers and stickers on shelving as opposed to each individual item. Furthermore, those items remaining in stock that had previously been individually priced will remain as such until either sold or removed from stock.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and the Michigan Retailers Association jointly provided retailers with information regarding compliance with the changes in requirements.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 2, 2011 9:31 AM
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Johnson To Run In 13th Congressional District

State Senator Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park) announced Tuesday that he will be running for the newly drawn 13^th Congressional District. The Senator and former State Representative made the announcement from his home in Highland Park. Former State Senator and close Johnson ally Samuel “Buzz” Thomas introduced Senator Johnson.

The race for the 13^th has become very competitive already, due in large part to current U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke’s (D-Detroit) decision to move and run in the newly drawn 14^th Congressional District. The 14^th is the current home of U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-Detroit) who many speculate would move to the 13^th where Sen. Johnson has announced his candidacy.

State Representative Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit) has also confirmed that she will be running for the 13^th U.S. House seat, while many expect State Senator Glenn Anderson and former State Senator and current Wayne County Commissioner Burton Leland to enter the race.

posted by PAA Online , 9:31 AM
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Melton To Leave House For Rhee Group

State Representative Tim Melton (D-Auburn Hills) announced Tuesday that he will be resigning his elected office next week to accept a position in California. Representative Melton will be going to work for Michelle Rhee, the former head of the Washington, DC Public Schools, and her education reform group StudentsFirst.

The third term Democrat and former Chair of the House Committee on Education has been a strong advocate for education reform in Michigan, even at times placing him at odds with many of his Democratic colleagues and unions.

Melton will serve as national legislative director for the national reform group, based in Sacramento. Melton’s departure will leave the House Republican Caucus with a 63-46 majority, now needing only 55 votes to pass a bill.

Last year former Representative Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw) resigned his position in the House of Representatives prior to running for a 3^rd term when he also accepted a Washington, DC lobbying position.

posted by PAA Online , 9:30 AM
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Library Computers To Be Restricted Under Legislation

State Representative Thomas Hooker (R-Byron Center) has introduced legislation to ensure no one is watching pornographic material on library computers. House Bill 4890 would amend the library privacy act by requiring that libraries install software on all computers that will restrict access to material described as “obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.”

Library computers currently allow unrestricted access to adults over 18 years of age while minors are restricted.

Representative Hooker is not the first Michigan Legislator to pursue the reform. Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) sponsored the measure last session. In 2000, former Representative Dale Sheltrown (D-West Branch) introduced similar legislation.

Some, however, are concerned that the measure may run afoul of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding access to information, such as health, lifestyle or political information.

posted by PAA Online , 9:28 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Engler Calls for Durant’s Departure

Former Michigan Governor John Engler provided former U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra’s U.S. Senate campaign a bit of energy this week when he called upon charter school organizer Clark Durant to drop from the race. Mr. Engler commented that Mr. Durant had done a great job with education efforts and is still needed in those endeavors.

Republican Primary Avoided in 72^nd

State Representative Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia) announced that he will move to stay in the 72^nd House District, avoiding a Republican Primary battle with fellow House Republican freshman Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto) of the 86^th District.

Kuipers to Energy Choice Now

Former State Senator Wayne Kuipers was announced as the new Executive Director of Energy Choice Now, an organization encouraging electricity competition as a means for utility rate controls.

Land Lands on Airport Board

Former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has become the first female member of the Kent County Airport Authority. Land indicated that the most significant challenge relates to Traffic Safety Administration (TSA) issues, specifically personnel.

Four Recall Efforts Targeting Dems Fail at Clarity Hearings

Efforts to recall four Democratic office holders took steps backwards this week when local election commissions rejected language at clarity hearings. Language targeting Representatives Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak), Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe), Philip Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and Dian Slavens (D-Canton Township) were rejected by the Oakland and Wayne County Election Commissions, respectively.

posted by PAA Online , 9:27 AM
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