Charter School Cap Lifted, Overshadowed By Bullying Debate

The Michigan Senate passed legislation Thursday that would eliminate the cap on university-authorized charter schools. The cap is currently at 150. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder called for expansion of charter schools earlier this year in his special message on education – although not a complete elimination of the cap.

Senate Bill 618, sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chair Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair), ultimately passed 20-18 with Republican Senators Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), Bruce Caswell (R-Hillsdale), Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), Mike Kowall (R-White Lake Township), Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), and Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights) joining the Democrats in voting no.

While debate over the actual substance of SB 618 was relatively heated, including several attempts by Democrats to amend the legislation, it was the debate over one of the amendments that garnered the majority of attention during session. Senator Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) introduced an amendment that would require all districts to establish anti-bullying policies prohibiting bullying based on race, gender and other personal characteristics.

The amendment was similar to language in Senate Bill 137 introduced by Senator Rick Jones in February and, after heated debate, eventually failed on a party-line vote. SB 618 will now move to the House Education Committee for consideration.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 7, 2011 10:00 AM
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House Joins Senate, Ends Legislator Benefits

The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday ending healthcare benefits for retired lawmakers between the ages of 55 and 65. House Bill 4087, sponsored by Representative Joel Johnson (R-Clare), was passed 96-11 and was the hottest topic in this afternoon’s social media traffic.

The Senate passed the legislation on Wednesday on a 37-1 vote, so the measure now moves to the Governor’s desk for approval.

The two Chambers had previously passed different versions of the legislation, raising speculation that the issue would continue to be bounced back and forth from the House to the Senate as had been done in previous sessions. Speculation was put to rest today when an attempt to substitute language in the House was defeated.

posted by PAA Online , 9:59 AM
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House Dems Renew Fight on Drug Immunity Issue

House Democrats have renewed their attention to the state’s “drug immunity” law following the Michigan Supreme Court’s action this week refusing to hear a case. House Bill 4440 was introduced this session by Representative Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) to repeal the statute, and House Bill 4650 was introduced by Representative Jim Ananich (D-Flint) to establish consumer protections.

Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox filed suit again pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck in 2008 in regards to their drug Vioxx, medication that had been linked to increased risk of heart attacks. At that time, the AG claimed the suit was filed under the Medicaid False Claim Act; however, the Michigan Court of Appeals found that it was a product liability action – not permitted in Michigan under the law.

The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the case upholds the lower Court’s decision and prevents the state from seeking the $20 million from Merck.

Many feel the issue has been a winner for Democrats in previous elections and the Caucus’s attention to the issue began with a press conference and attempted action on the House floor. Rep. Brown made motions for both bills to be discharged from the House Judiciary Committee with both motions being postponed for the day without discussion.

posted by PAA Online , 9:59 AM
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Black Caucus to Challenge Redistricting Map in Federal Court

The Legislative Black Caucus has announced its intention to challenge the State and Federal legislative redistricting maps by filing suit in Federal court. Chair of the Caucus, Representative Fred Durhal, Jr. (D-Detroit), stated the maps will result in fewer minorities elected to the Legislature and, therefore, decrease minority voting power.

A map that pitted no incumbents against each other was put on the table by the Legislative Black Caucus during the debate earlier this year, while the maps signed by Governor Snyder have six incumbents in the House potentially running against each other.

The Governor and Senate Redistricting Committee Chair Senator Joe Hune (R-Hamburg) say the maps comply with both the U.S. Voting Rights Act and Apol standards.

posted by PAA Online , 9:58 AM
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Scott Recall Now In Jeopardy

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of State Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) in his latest effort to stop a recall effort against him. Mr. Scott had previously lost all efforts through the Judiciary.

While the ruling does not stop the recall effort, the Court ruled that the Ingham County Circuit Court was wrong in their September ruling denying Mr. Scott’s request for a temporary restraining order and sent the case back to the Circuit Court for an expedited hearing.

posted by PAA Online , 9:58 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Governor Clarifies Re-Election Intentions

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder took the time this week to clarify reports last week that he would not seek re-election. Stating that his intention is “to be around for 8 years” if voters agree, Governor Snyder stressed his priority is accomplishing his agenda and not running for re-election.

Welfare Change Halted by Court

The U.S. District Court in Detroit issued a preliminary injunction ordering the State to stop the welfare cutoff to many of the 25,000 affected citizens. The Center for Civil Justice out of Saginaw filed the suit regarding the State’s new 48-month limit on cash assistance for able-bodied adults.

Recall Language Approved Against Three Additional Democrats

The Wayne County Election Commission approved recall language Thursday against three more Democrats, State Representatives Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe), Phil Cavanaugh (D-Redford Township) and Dian Slavens (D-Canton). Those seeking the recall have until November 28^th to secure the necessary signatures to place the recalls on the February 2012 ballot.

SOS Names New Communications Director

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson has announced that Gisgie Davila Gendreau is the new Communications Director for the Department of State. Ms. Gendreau comes from the Department of Human Services.

Republican U.S. Senate Candidates Wrestle for Fundraising Edge

Although official financial reports do not have to be filed with the Federal Election Commission until mid-October, GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate are making early announcements to get an early edge on fundraising. Clark Durant announced Tuesday that he had raised $750,000 and former U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra quickly followed suit Wednesday announcing he had eclipsed $1 million.

Senate Transportation Committee Grows

Senator Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) has been added to the Senate Transportation Committee, which will now have five Republicans and two Democrats.

posted by PAA Online , 9:57 AM
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