2014
House Calendar
House Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas
(R-Midland) this week released the House of Representatives session calendar
for 2014. The House will reconvene on January 8, 2014 and have session as usual
on Tuesday and Wednesdays at 1:30PM and Thursdays at 12 Noon. Spring Break is
scheduled for the first two weeks of April with summer recess for the majority
of both July and August. Only 4 session days are tentatively scheduled for
those two months. After reconvening the second week of September, the House is
also scheduled to recess for most of October – presumably for campaign
purposes. The last two weeks of November are scheduled as recess for hunting
and Thanksgiving, as usual, and the last day of session is planned for December
18, 2014.
Snyder
Remains Opposed to Abortion Measure
With the Board of State Canvassers approving
the issue for the 2014 ballot this week, the Legislature is now in control of
the proposal to require individuals to purchase separate insurance policies to
cover elective abortions. The Governor has voiced his ongoing opposition. He
vetoed legislation last year calling for the same reform, however, this ballot
proposal is not subject to gubernatorial approval or veto.
Financial
Distress Processes Move Forward for Locals
Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment
this week of full review teams for Highland Park and Royal Oak Township after
the State had previously determined the probability of financial stress. In
addition, the Local Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board found probable
financial stress in Lincoln Park following the Department of Treasury’s
preliminary review. The review found, among other things, that 46 percent of
the General Fund revenues were necessary for covering retirement pension and
health care obligations and debt service.
Congressional Run Out
for Benson
The decision was made by Jocelyn Benson not
to run for the 11th U.S. House District seat. Benson had been
recruited very heavily by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to
run for the seat. It has been discussed that Benson could possibly run again
for the Secretary of State seat in 2014.