State Employees See Big Pay Day
More than $95 million in escrowed funds were returned to State of Michigan employees on Thursday in what amounted to a one-time significant pay increase. The 3-percent employee contribution to retirement was ruled unconstitutional after a year, so approximately 50,000 individuals received the refund. Employees had the option of having the amount deposited into their retirement accounts or included in their paycheck.
Governor Participates in Online Town Hall
Governor Rick Snyder answered approximately 25 questions submitted via social media outlets and other vehicles in an “online town hall meeting” as a follow-up to Wednesday’s State of the State address. Roughly 4,500 questions were submitted through the Governor’s website, Facebook, Twitter and other methods.
State Police Cruisers at Home?
During a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State Police and Military and Veterans Affairs, a State Police Department official explained that the Department is in the early stages of considering allowing troopers to take their patrol cars home at night. Other states have reportedly seen better-maintained vehicles while it also serves to increase trooper visibility in communities.
Protestors Target Snyder Residence
Approximately 700 protestors spent part of Monday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day protesting Michigan’s Emergency Financial Manager Law (Public Act 4) outside of Governor Snyder’s neighborhood in Ann Arbor. Protestors were reportedly organized by the NAACP and By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) and were protesting the EFM statute largely because of their belief that it disproportionately affects minority communities.
Hendges Promoted
Jeremy Hendges, Legislative Director for House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) since January of 2011, has been promoted to Legislative Director and Senior Strategy Coordinator. The Grand Valley State University alum and Traverse City native had previously served on the staffs of former House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, as well as former Senators Jason Allen and Alan Cropsey.
Hoogendyk Announces Candidacy
Former State Representative Jack Hoodendyk has formally announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 6th District. Congressman Fred Upton is the incumbent.
Kowall Ends Congressional Bid
State Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) has suspended his bid for the 11th District U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Livonia). Senator Kowall became a candidate for the U.S. House when Mr. McCotter decided to make a bid for the White House, an endeavor which has also been suspended.