CONTROVERSIAL UNION REFORM MEASURES MOVE TO HOUSE FLOOR

The House Oversight and Reform Committee moved a package of bills to the House floor Tuesday in a union member-packed hearing room. The package, House Bill 5023, HB 5024, HB 5025 and HB 5026 were introduced in September 2011.

The hearing was contentious, as previous meetings on the legislative package have been, with Committee Chair Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester) originally planning not to permit questions of those who testified. Ultimately, the Chair permitted questioning.

HB 5023 imposes a fine on public employees and their bargaining representatives for illegally striking. The employees would be fined a day’s pay for each day striking, while the bargaining representatives would be fined $5,000 per day. The measure is sponsored by Representative Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto).

HB 5024 prohibits the picketing of a private residence and provides that picketing cannot block the entrance to a place of business or a roadway. The measure is sponsored by Representative McMillin.

HB 5025 would require employees to provide written consent for union dues to be deducted from wages by employers. The measure is sponsored by Representative Earl Poleski (R-Jackson).

HB 5026 would eliminate the requirement that an employer include language in an advertisement that jobs being advertised are to replace workers involved in a labor dispute. The measure is sponsored by Representative Amanda Price (R-Park Township).

All four of the measures passed the Committee on party-line votes of 4 yeas to 2 nays.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, February 3, 2012 9:55 AM
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VOTE EXPECTED ON CYBERSCHOOL EXPANSION

House Education Committee Chairman Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester) has indicated that he believes the committee will be ready next week to vote on Senate Bill 619, legislation to lift the current cap on cyber schools. The Committee has deliberated on the legislation for weeks, including two hours of testimony this week.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton), removes the 1,000-pupil maximum enrollment at the currently two permitted Michigan cyber schools. Additionally, the measure would remove the cap of two total cyber schools and expand the scope of the schools beyond only at-risk and urban populations. They originally made the move as a portion of the 2009 application for Federal “Race to the Top” funding.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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HOUSE DEMS RELEASE ETHICS AND CAMPAIGN REFORM PACKAGE

Members of the House Democratic Caucus introduced a package of reforms this week, including 16 bills and one Constitutional amendment. The measures, aimed at Michigan’s ethics and campaign finance laws, were part of a Caucus press conference Thursday.

Some of the measures are familiar reforms that have been previously introduced and passed in the House of Representatives, such as a required two year “cooling-off” period before an office holder can become a lobbyist once they leave office. The larger portion of the package has raised Republicans’ eyebrows as half of the bills create tougher regulations on corporations.

House Democratic Leader Rick Hammel (D-Mount Morris Township) stated that the Caucus agreed with what Governor Rick Snyder had called for in his State of the State address; however, after two weeks of inaction by Republicans, his Caucus decided to move forward.

The measure includes HJR NN, HB 4236, HB 4461, HB 5348, HB 5349, HB 5350, HB 5351, HB 5352, HB 5353, HB 5354, HB 5355, HB 5356, HB 5357, HB 5358, HB 5359, HB 5360, and HB 5361.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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CITY OF DETROIT MAKES PROGRESS WITH UNION NEGOTIATIONS

State Treasurer Andy Dillon had provided the City of Detroit until early February to develop a plan to avoid a cash shortage expected in April following the completion of the financial review by the State – and today the City of Detroit took a perceived step in the right direction by announcing that an agreement has been reached with the union representing the largest portion of non-uniform city employees.

In a joint statement released by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25 representative, the two sides called the negotiations “challenging,” as observers noted the progress.

Details of the agreement were not publicly released and must still be ratified by union members. Some sources have reported the agreement includes 10-percent pay reductions, elimination of overtime, and a move to a defined contribution retirement system for new hires.

posted by PAA Online , 9:53 AM
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MUSKEGON HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Department of Treasury has announced that a financial review team had been appointed to review the finances of the Muskegon Heights School District, the third review team appointed (Detroit Public Schools and the City of Inkster) over the last six months.

The Committee, which has 60 days to complete its review, includes:

Fredrick Headen, Director of the Department of Treasury Local Government Services Bureau
David Martell, Executive Director of the Michigan School Business Officials Association
Dale Nesbary, President of Muskegon Community College
Doug Ringler, Director of the Office of Internal Audit in the Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Tom Saxton, Deputy State Treasurer
Brom Stibitz, Senior Policy Adviser at the Department of Treasury
John VanWyck, retired Public Affairs Officer for GTE/Verizon
Carol Wolenberg, Deputy Superintendent in the Department of Education

The review team was appointed after the preliminary review showed evidence of financial distress, including a $8.5 million deficit.

posted by PAA Online , 9:52 AM
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PAADVISORY BRIEFS

Mr. Snyder Goes to Washington

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder joined Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy in testifying before the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee in Washington, DC this week. In addition to touting Michigan’s efforts in talent development and urging the Federal government to consider his proposal for green cards to foreign nationals who have obtained advanced degrees, Governor Snyder stated that the Federal government’s bailout of General Motors and Chrysler were the right move.

VerHeulen to Run in 74^th House District

Meijer Foundation General Counsel and Walker Mayor Rob VerHeulen has announced his intentions to run for the 74^th House seat. The Republican is running for a seat currently held by Representative Dave Agema (R-Grandville) who will be term limited at the end of this term.

Indiana Country’s First “Right-to-Work” State

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed legislation this week making his state the first to pass the so-called “right-to-work” legislation. State Representative Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), one of the biggest proponents of similar reform in Michigan, stated that Indiana’s move makes it even more urgent that Michigan follow suit, given the now perceived advantage of a neighboring state.

Hoekstra Buys Superbowl Spot

Following in the footsteps that many think ultimately lead to now Governor Rick Snyder’s victory in the Republican Primary of 2010, former U.S. Representative and U.S. Senate candidate Peter Hoekstra has reportedly secured a television advertisement during the Superbowl. Mr. Hoekstra is currently favored to win the Republican Primary to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing).

Judge to Rule on Open Meetings Act Application to Financial Review Teams

Ingham County Circuit Court Judge William Collette met with attorneys this week regarding a suit filed to force a financial review teams appointed under Public Act 4 to adhere to the Open Meetings Act. The Court is expected to hold a show cause hearing and potentially rule next week.

posted by PAA Online , 9:51 AM
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