Municipal
Merger Nears
The State Boundary Commission Wednesday voted
to support the merger of Saugatuck and Douglas into one city, moving one step
closer to the first merger of local governmental units in 20 years. Steve
Arwood, Acting Director of the Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
(LARA) will now review the merger, followed by a series of public votes.
Red Wings Arena Aid Addressed
Legislation permitting Detroit Downtown
Development Authority Funds to be directed to a new downtown arena for the
Detroit Red Wings received final passage in the House Thursday – barely. House
Bill 5463, introduced by Representative John Walsh (R-Livonia) passed on a
narrow 58-49 vote with members of the Democratic Caucus and the Detroit
delegation split on the issue – some not voting. The bill now moves to the
Governor for consideration.
Detroit Lighting Authority Package Passes
The Senate version of the Detroit Lighting
Authority legislation received House approval Thursday, despite opposition from
a number of Detroit lawmakers. House
Bill 5688 and House
Bill 5705 passed 60-49 and 61-48, respectively, and moved onto the
Governor’s desk. Senate
Bill 970 was also passed, 59-50, and was returned to the Senate for
enrollment.