Legislature Projected to Adjourn June 20

On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) announced that the Legislature will likely adjourn for the summer on June 20. It is expected that Governor Snyder and Legislative leaders will announce a fall agenda prior to the June 20^th adjournment.

Phil Phelps Announces Candidacy for 49^th House District

Phil Phelps, a former staff member for Rep. Pam Faris (D-Clio), announced his candidacy for the 49^th House District. The vacancy was created when state Representative Jim Ananich was elected to serve in the 27^th State Senate District. The election is set for an August 6 primary and a November 5 election day.

Former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land To Announce Plans for Senate Race

On Monday, former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R-Grand Rapids) will announce on Twitter whether she will run to replace Carl Levin in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Levin announced in March he would not seek a seventh Senate term. Congressman Gary Peters (D-West Bloomfield) has largely secured the Democratic nomination for the race.

House Fiscal Agency Releases Analysis on Auto No-Fault Bill

The House Fiscal Agency recently released a detailed analysis on the Governor’s proposal to reform the state’s automobile insurance system.  In particular, the report addresses the fiscal impact House Bill 4612 would have on the state budget, especially the Medicaid program, if the bill is enacted.  The analysis can be found at http://www.house.michigan.gov/hfa/PDFs/13h4612h1_passed%20committee.pdf.  

House Will Defend Itself Against Lawsuit

A former House staff member filed a lawsuit last week against Rep. Brian Banks (D-Detroit) and the State of Michigan claiming that he was sexually harassed by the lawmaker and that Rep. Banks improperly submitted mileage invoices. While Rep. Banks will be required to hire his own legal counsel for the sexual harassment component of the suit, Speaker Bolger indicated the House will use existing resources to defend itself against the mileage accusations. The Attorney General’s office will not be involved in the case.

Former Supreme Court Justice Sentenced To Prison

Former Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway was sentenced to one year and one day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for bank fraud. In January, she pleaded guilty to hiding assets during a short sale of her Grosse Pointe Park home.  Hathaway was also ordered to pay $90,000 in restitution.

Michigan Film Offices Announces Incentives

The Michigan Film Office announced incentives for a new sports-related cable television show and the second season of the Eminem-produced program Detroit Rubber. The pilot was awarded an incentive of $78,153 on $259,922 of projected in-state expenditures and is expected to hire 35 Michigan workers. Detroit Rubber Season 2 was awarded an incentive of $68,348 on $235,987 of projected in-state expenditures. The project expects to hire 20 Michigan workers.