Recall Effort Narrowly Successful, Takes Out Scott

Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) became the first Michigan lawmaker to be removed from office in a recall election in nearly 30 years after Grand Blanc voters supported the recall effort by around 200 more votes than those opposed. Two Democratic state senators were recalled in 1983 for voting to raise the state’s income tax.

Mr. Scott reportedly stated that evening that he would not seek a recount, accepting the results of the election. Wednesday, the House Education Committee hearing was cancelled when Mr. Scott, the panel’s now former Chair, indicated he would not be returning to Lansing for committee hearings or session.

The Michigan Education Association targeted Mr. Scott as the lead of the Republican Party’s agenda on education, expending considerably financial and other political resources to oust the second-term state representative.

Reaction from GOP leadership throughout the week indicated their view that the narrow election did not represent a mandate and that the reform agenda would continue moving forward.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, November 11, 2011 10:18 AM
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Bullying Measure Amended In The House, Returned To Senate

After a week of national attention being paid to the Senate-passed anti-bullying legislation, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of the measure Thursday without the controversial language.

As passed by the Senate last week, Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), required school districts to develop and implement an anti-bullying policy but provided an exemption from bullying policies for statements made based on a religious belief or moral conviction. The exemption was dubbed a “license to bully” by Democrats and ultimately became the subject of national media outlets criticizing the move.

The House version removed the exemption and was also amended to allow school districts that currently have policies to maintain those policies, simply adding any missing portions under the new law.

The issue that began as the most significant disagreement in the Senate before the exemption was added last week continued during House debate – the issues of enumerating specific characteristics in the legislation, such as race, gender, or sexual orientation. The GOP caucus position is that the enumeration of specific characteristics could risk leaving some groups out of the intended protection.

The legislation now returns to the Senate for consideration of the House changes.

posted by PAA Online , 10:17 AM
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Tuesday's Election Results Of Note

In one of the only state legislative races outside of the Scott recall vote, Oakland County Commissioner Tim Greimel has positioned himself well to win the February special election for the 29^th House seat by winning the Democratic primary over two opponents Tuesday. Bob Gray won the Republican nomination for the seat vacated by the resignation of former Representative Tim Melton.

Most requests for new or continued funding for locals in the form of millage requests were passed, despite Michigan’s still remaining economic challenges. Voters in municipalities such as Dearborn and Allen Park and school districts in Byron Center and Macomb County approved millage requests and borrowing authority measures.

Many former state lawmakers were successful in their races for local offices. Former State Senator Michael Switalski won a seat on the Roseville City Council, former Rep. Paula Zalenko will be the new Mayor of Burton and former State Representative Marty Griffin will again be the Mayor of the City of Jackson, a position he previously held.

Finally, the proposed changes to the City of Detroit Charter from the Detroit Charter Revision Commission passed.

posted by PAA Online , 10:16 AM
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Governor Declares Flint In Financial Emergency

Just hours before polls closed and Flint voters re-elected Mayor Dayne Walling, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder stated that the City’s more than $25 million in deficits represents a financial emergency. The declaration is not immediately followed by the appointment of an emergency manager as, under the reform passed earlier this year in Public Act 4, Flint has seven days to request a hearing on the Governor’s findings. If a hearing is not requested, the City can also appeal the findings to the Ingham County Circuit within 10 days.

The review team dispatched to review the City’s finances provided their report to the Governor on Tuesday, showing that the City’s revenues continued to decline and, although the City’s expenditures also declined, they repeatedly exceeded said revenues.

Flint was under the control of an emergency manager less than a decade ago. If an emergency manager is named following Tuesday’s declaration, it will represent the largest local governmental unit with an appointed manager, while speculation continues that the City of Detroit will soon follow.

posted by PAA Online , 10:15 AM
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County Road Commission Dissolution Measure Moves To House Floor

House Bills 5125 and 5126, introduced by Representatives Jon Switalski (D-Warren) and Dale Zorn (R-Ida), respectively, passed the House Transportation Committee Wednesday – marking the passage of the first two pieces coming from Governor Rick Snyder’s recent special message on infrastructure. The two-bill package provides county boards of commissioners to assume the authorities and operations of county road commissions.

The chair of the House panel, Representative Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt), had a testimony- only hearing last week, drawing criticism from Democratic members of the Committee who wanted further testimony on the measures prior to voting Wednesday.

Despite the objections, and attempts at amendments by Representative Douglas Geiss (D-Taylor) to require approval of the county’s voters rather than the county board, the panel passed the as-introduced version of the package.

House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and House Minority Leader Rick Hammel (D-Mount Morris Township) reportedly both support the reform.

posted by PAA Online , 10:13 AM
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Paadvisory Briefs

Patriotic Measures Clear Senate

The Senate passed two patriotic measures Thursday, the day before State Government is closed in recognition of Veterans Day. Senate Bill 637 requires K-12 students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance (unless parental objection exists), and Senate Bill 640 requires all American Flags flown at state and local government buildings be made in the United States.

McMillin Named House Education Chair

Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) was named interim Chair of the House Education Committee Wednesday, replacing recalled Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc). Rep. McMillin had been a member of the panel as well as Chair of the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee – which he will continue to lead.

NITC Endorsed by Ohio Senate

The Ohio State Senate passed a resolution Tuesday endorsing the New International Bridge Crossing (NITC) from Detroit to Windsor across the Detroit River. The Republican-led Ohio legislative chamber cited the more than 300,000 Ohio jobs supported by US-Canadian trade.

Governor Receives Fireworks Legislation

Legislation permitting the sale of consumer-grade fireworks in Michigan has cleared all legislative hurdles and is now awaiting approval by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Representative Harold Haugh’s (D-Roseville) legislation, House Bill 4293, obtained final passage in the House on a 97-10 vote, and in the Senate 34-1.

Film Production Incentive Debate Ongoing

Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) testified before the House Commerce Committee Thursday regarding his legislation, Senate Bill 569, that dictates how the $25 million appropriated for the 2010-2011 year will be spent on video game, film and television production projects. The measure overwhelmingly passed the Senate last week and is expected to move in the House after the Thanksgiving break.

Dettloff Joins Senate Majority Caucus

Having served in multiple staff roles, including as Chief of Staff to Senator Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell), Jennifer Dettloff is now the new Deputy Senate Majority Counsel.

posted by PAA Online , 10:12 AM
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