House
Bill 5660, sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas (R-Midland),
is now Public Act 213 of 2012 after receiving the Governor’s signature. The
measure effectively reverses a ruling by the Department of Treasury that
alcoholic beverages sold in flexible pouch containers are subject to the
State’s 10-cent bottle deposit law. Since the statute creates a special
exemption from the law by amending the Michigan Constitution, three-quarters approval
was necessary in both chambers of the Legislature.
Phony
Candidate Appears in 11th Congressional Race
A new candidate appeared on Facebook very
early this week – appearing to be launching a new write-in campaign for the 11th
Congressional Direct. One problem – he doesn’t exist. The 62-year old “Dan
Anderson” used stock photos of a British male model and President Obama’s
“Register for Change” bus. There is no Dan Anderson of the specific age given
registered to vote in Birmingham according to the Secretary of State’s office.
The Facebook page appears to be a scam to confuse GOP Primary voters currently
faced with the choice between 11th District candidate Kerry
Bentivolio, the Tea Party-supported candidate on the ballot, and former State
Senator Nancy Cassis, running a write-in campaign.
Executive
Order Eliminates MEGA Board
Governor Rick Snyder issued an Executive
Order Tuesday (E.O.
2012-9) eliminating the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Board and
the Michigan Next Energy Authority and transferring the functions of both to
the Michigan Strategic Fund Board. The E.O. also transfers the Michigan general
corporations act, non-incorporated private educational institutions act and
prevailing age on state projects act to the Department of Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Agricultural
Disaster Bill Signed
House
Bill 5717, sponsored by State Representative Ray Franz (R-Onekama) was
signed into law Tuesday by Governor Snyder with the support of much of
Michigan’s agricultural industry. The legislation provides for loans to farmers
who suffered significant losses due to this Spring’s high temperatures and
subsequent freezes and requires a one-time $15 million appropriation for costs.
Estimates of Michigan’s loss, including apple, tart and sweet cherry, peach,
and juice grape crops are greater than $200 million.