PAA Government Profiles

PAA Government Profiles

For the 97^th Legislature (2013-2014), 28 new Michigan House of Representative members will be working in the Capitol. Here are four of the newest members with more to follow in the coming weeks.

District 1

Brian Banks (D)

Email: info@bankonbanks4staterep.com

Occupation: Law school graduate; ex elementary school teacher

Age: 35

Predecessor: Tim Bledsoe (D)

District 4

Rose Mary Robinson (D)

Email: (Could not find on website)

Occupation: Attorney/former Wayne County Commissioner

Age: 72

Predecessor: Maureen Stapleton (D)

Website: http://rosemaryrobinson.webs.com/

District 11

David Knezek (D)

Email: www.voteknezek.com

Occupation: Substitute teacher; Marine sergeant; Iraq War Vet.

Age: 26

Predecessor: Bob Constan (D)

District 16

Robert L. Kosowski

Email: Robert@robertkosowskiforstaterep.com

Occupation: Westland Parks & Rec. Director

Age: 48

Predecessor: Richard LeBlanc (D)

posted by PAA Online , Wednesday, November 21, 2012 10:55 AM
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K-12 Funding Proposal Released - Met With Anticipated Reactions

The product of months of work by individuals charged by Michigan Governor Snyder with re-writing K-12 funding vehicles and delivery mechanisms was released Monday for a period of review and comment. Predictably the proposal was met with alarm by advocates of traditional public schools and delivery models, while praised by those seeking greater choice.

Highlights of the proposal include:

Students would be able to take courses from any public school district in the state rather than being bound to a district for their entire education.

Rather than the traditional October student count day determining 90-percent of funding, an average daily membership system would be utilized whereby funding is based on how many days an individual student is enrolled in a particular district.

An incentive would be given for early graduation of $2,500 per semester, earlier than the usual eight.

The proposal would create the Michigan Public Education Finance Act, utilizing the existing School Aid Act as a template.

The Oxford Foundation, responsible for development of the proposal with longtime Lansing attorney Richard McLellan and Weiner & Associates attorney Peter Ruddell, will accept comment through December 14^th and will make a formal recommendation to Governor Snyder thereafter.

posted by PAA Online , 10:46 AM
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U. S. Attorney Files Complaint Against Justice Hathaway

Barbara McQuade, the U.S. District Attorney for Eastern Michigan, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court in Detroit on Monday seeking the forfeiture of a home owned by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway and her husband. United States of America v. Certain Real Property Located At 2709 Butler Bay Drive N, Windermere, Florida.

The complaint alleges that Justice Hathaway and her husband submitted a hardship claim to their bank seeking forgiveness of $600,000 on a St. Clair Shores home on a short sale of the property. The problem is, according to the complaint, Ms. Hathaway and her husband transferred assets and hid others in an attempt to make the hardship case.

Justice Hathaway or her attorney had no immediate reaction or statement related to the allegations. Both have been busy in recent days denying rumors of her resignation as reports of personal items being removed from her Lansing chambers and staff resignations made rounds in media circles.

posted by PAA Online , 10:45 AM
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U of M Economists: Michigan to Realize Modest Economic Growth

Economists with the University of Michigan’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics (RSQE) are forecasting modest and steady economic growth for the State in 2013 and 2014. With it should come improved state finances, job growth, lower unemployment numbers and a larger automotive market.

Even with such a positive outlook, it may not be enough to restore Michigan to pre-Great Recession numbers. RSQE estimates the state’s jobless at 858,000 in the 21^st Century, and calls for 276,000 to return in 2013 and 2014.

Specific to the automobile industry, the report estimates 14.3 million cars and trucks will be sold by the end of 2012, 15 million in 2013 and 15.6 million in 2014. While this represents a significant increase over the 10 million sold in 2009 (50% increase at that), it still falls 1 million short of the 1990’s numbers.

posted by PAA Online , 10:44 AM
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EFM Statute Heading to Supreme Court

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled last Friday allowing emergency financial managers in the Detroit Public Schools and other local units of government to stay in place; however, the activist bringing the case vowed continued appeal to the state’s highest Court.

In Davis v. Roberts, COA docket number 313297, The Court of Appeals denied the request of Robert Davis to have Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Roy Roberts removed. His argument is that Mr. Roberts unlawfully holds office as Public Act 72 was repealed when Public Act 4 was passed and remained repealed when Public Act 4 was suspended and, ultimately, repealed by referendum.

The Court however, held that the basis for Mr. Davis’ argument refers to laws enacted and later repealed by the Legislature, not repealed by referendum.

posted by PAA Online , 10:43 AM
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Last Week's Survey Results

The question in last week’s PAAdvisory asked if readers believe the Bush-era income tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans should be allowed to expire or should be extended.

80% of respondents indicated they thought the tax cuts should be allowed to expire, while only 20% responded they should be extended.

posted by PAA Online , 10:43 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Former First Lady Helen Milliken Passes

Helen Wallbank Milliken, 89, passed away last Friday morning at home in Traverse City. Her husband of 67 years, former Michigan Governor William Milliken, and her son William Milliken, Jr., were with her at the time of her death. Mrs. Milliken had fought a year-long battle with ovarian cancer. A memorial service will likely be held after the first of the year Mrs. Milliken, known as a tireless advocate for the environment and women’s rights, was a key advisor during her husband’s three plus terms as governor.

Browne to Blues

House Republican Communications Director Phyllis Browne is leaving her position with the Caucus to join Blue Cross Blue Shield as Communication Manager of Public Policy and Social Mission. Caucus Press Secretary Ari Adler will serve as interim Communications Director until a replacement is named.

GOP Chair Schostak to Seek Re-Election

Michigan Republican Party Chair Bobby Scholstak confirmed Monday that he will be running for re-election at the February convention. One other potential candidate has surfaced, Kent County Republican Party Chair Sam Moore had previously indicated that he is considering a run.

posted by PAA Online , 10:41 AM
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Question of the Week

posted by PAA Online , 9:38 AM
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