Supreme Court Holds Future Of Ballot Proposals

The Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday on the four ballot proposals and is expected to rule by September 7^th when the Board of State Canvassers will be certifying the ballot for clerks.

The proposals weighing in the balance are to authorize eight new casinos throughout the state, guarantee collective bargaining rights, require a public vote for any new international bridges, and require a two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers for any tax increase.

The question before the Court is if the proposals informed voters of all the portions of law they propose to amend. The Court’s ultimate decision is being viewed as a guideline for how detailed the ballot proposal language must be in the future.

At the heart of Thursday’s debate was the definition of the word “abrogated,” and Justices spent much of the hearing in back-and-forth exchanges with attorneys as they discussed different definitions and the application of those definitions on the specific proposals.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 31, 2012 11:19 AM
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Michigan Declared Natural Disaster Area

All 83 Michigan counties were declared national disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for excessive heat and drought conditions. Among other things, that means farmers can obtain low interest emergency loans. Losses of 30 percent or more in crop yield was verified through harvest numbers.

Farmers can apply for emergency loans for eight months from the date of disaster declaration. The loans, available to cover all or part of actual loss for eligible farmers, are distributed based on the merits of the particular application, weighing repayment ability, severity of loss and available security.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency administers the emergency loan program.

posted by PAA Online , 11:18 AM
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State To Purchase Train Track

Thanks to $140 million in federal money, the State of Michigan will reportedly soon be the owner of the Norfolk Southern Railroad line connecting Chicago to Detroit. This is all part of the State’s plan to have high speed rail connecting the two cities.

Former Michigan Congressman Joe Schwarz has been working with officials from Governor Rick Snyder’s administration for over a year on the project, which also includes U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

Under the sale agreement, Norfolk Southern will reportedly maintain freight rights to the track with Amtrak doing the dispatching. New track, crossings, signaling and improved right-of-way and speed-ratings for the track will be the focus. Portions of the track are already rated for trains traveling 110 miles per hour.

posted by PAA Online , 11:17 AM
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Incumbent Justices Have Financial Edge

The two current members of the Michigan Supreme Court who will appear on the November ballot have a significant fundraising lead over other candidates seeking one of the three open seats.

Justice Stephen Markman leads all candidates by raising over $405,000 and having nearly $350,000 on hand. Justice Markman was appointed to the bench in 1999 and is seeking reelection to a full term.

Justice Brian Zahra follows closely having raised just over $402,000 and maintaining just shy of $325,000 in cash on hand. Justice Zahra was appointed to the bench in 2011 when former Justice Maura Corrigan resigned for a post in the Snyder Administration as Director of the Department of Human Services. He is now running for the term ending 2014.

The third open seat exists with Justice Marilyn Kelly’s inability to seek reelection due to age restrictions in the Constitution.

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Colleen O’Brien and Court of Appeals Judge Jane Markey are vying for the GOP’s third nomination to be determined at the Republican’s State Convention in early September.

At the Democratic State Convention, Oakland District Judge Sheila Johnson, Wayne Circuit Judge Connie Kelley and University of Michigan law Professor Bridget McCormack will be seeking the Party’s nod for the court seats.

posted by PAA Online , 11:16 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Pure Michigan Campaign Receives Awards

The U.S. Travel Association and the National Council of State Tourism Directors bestowed 5 Mercury Awards on the Pure Michigan campaign, bringing the total to 15 received since the program’s beginning in 2006. This year’s awards recognize the Pure Michigan campaign’s television and radio advertising and social media presence.

State’s Economic Condition Strongest in Years

According to the Comerica Michigan Economic Activity Index, Michigan’s economy grew two full points in June and stands at the highest rate, 105.9, it has had in seven years. Although still considerably lower than the 125 points of 2000 and 2001, the index is currently 77 percent higher than the 60 points at the deepest points in the recession in 2008 and 2009.

posted by PAA Online , 11:15 AM
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Question of the Week 8/31/12

posted by PAA Online , 10:55 AM
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