Universities Testify on Governor’s Higher-Ed Budget
Presidents of four major Michigan universities testified Wednesday before the House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, highlighting their areas of opposition to Governor Snyder’s 2012-2013 budget proposal. Testimony was provided by Grand Valley State University, Michigan Technological University, Saginaw Valley State University and the University of Michigan. Among the issues the university presidents articulated is their collective belief that tuition decisions appropriately lie in the hands of the university boards.
Judge Issues Restraining Order to Flint Emergency Manager
Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina placed a restraining order on City of Flint Emergency Manager Michael Brown Thursday, enjoining Mr. Brown from acting on behalf of the city. Judge Aquilina ruled that the meetings of the state’s review team were in violation of the Open Meetings Act and, therefore, the appointment of Mr. Brown was also in violation of the law. A Department of Treasury official explained that the heads of the city’s departments will be in charge while the court cases continue.
Governor Europe-Bound
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is still leaving on his one week trade mission to Europe, specifically Italy and Germany. The Governor had reportedly considered delaying the trip given the fallout from the proposal City of Detroit Consent Agreement, however, will be departing tomorrow and returning Saturday, March 24th.
Oakland County Redistricting Case Headed to Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments later this month on whether it should grant leave to appeal to those challenging the law enacted in 2011 that moved the authority for county commission redistricting and overrode the already-redistricted county lines. The legal challenge is based on the theory that the law is a local act and therefore requires the approval of two-thirds of both legislative chambers.
February Casino Revenue Up
The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported that all three Detroit casinos had an increase in revenue in February – and double-digit percentage increases over February 2011 numbers. MGM led the way with a 13.9 percent increase over February 2011 revenue, followed by Greektown with 12.3 percent and MotorCity Casino with 11.2 percent increases.
Pam Posthumus Event Scheduled
May 16th will mark the date of the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction event at the Lansing Center. The event benefits the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund and their efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.