Land Officially Files for U.S. Senate Bid – Peters Announces $1 Million Raised

Former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced that she had officially filed paperwork for her U.S. Senate candidacy to replace retiring Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit). The announcement of her FEC filing and website launch came in an email to potential supports and donors.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate for the same seat and current U.S Representative Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield) announced that his campaign has raised more than $1 million since his May 1^st announcement, bringing his cash-on-hand total to $1.8 million (including the $800,000 transferred from his House campaign committee).

While the GOP field is yet unclear, Mr. Peters is the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party as no other Democrats are expected to enter the race.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 12, 2013 10:46 AM
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Report Shows Satisfaction with Medicaid Coverage

The Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research conducted a survey, the results of which were released in a report by the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation at the University of Michigan, which showed a high level of satisfaction among respondents who have Medicaid as their health insurance.

The report showed that 65 percent of those on Medicaid rated their coverage as either excellent or very good, while only 16 percent on Medicaid rated their coverage as poor. Further, 59 percent of those on Medicaid indicated they had had no negative experiences.

The numbers were not as good for those on Medicare, employer-provided insurance coverage, or individually purchased plans, with ratings of 54 percent, 51 percent, and 43 percent excellent, very good or good, respectively.

The release of the report indicating such high satisfaction rates with Medicaid coverage comes as the State Senate continues deliberations on the Medicaid expansion proposal already passed by the House of Representatives.

posted by PAA Online , 10:46 AM
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Senate Chamber Renovations Result in Items for Sale

A portion of the 38 Senators’ desks on the Senate floor were added in the Chamber’s renovations in the 1990s to accommodate a computer tower. Given the consistent use of laptops throughout the Chamber, that portion of the desks is no-longer necessary – and their removal will result in more room for Senate floor staff members.

The removed portions of the desks are available to Senators for purchase for $150. If declined, the Senator’s staff is then provided the option for purchasing the item. Secretary of the Senate Carol Viventi will determine what to do with any remaining sections after communicating with each office regarding intentions.

Additionally, the carpet being replaced by the ongoing renovation is also available for purchase, as it was in the 1990s. Currently, Senators, former Senators, Senate staff and Friends of the Capitol Board members have been offered carpet squares.

Carpet portions will likely remain and will then be made available to anyone for purchase. 27 inch by 27 inch squares cost $50 and 8 inch by 14 inch squares cost $25.

Plans for similar items from the House of Representatives have not-yet been determined.

posted by PAA Online , 10:45 AM
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Duggan's Mayoral Write-in Campaign Cleared

Duggan’s Mayoral Write-in Campaign Cleared

Shortly after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that former Wayne County Prosecutor and Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan’s name could not be on the August Primary ballot for City of Detroit Mayor, Mr. Duggan decided not to further challenge the Court ruling and instead to begin a write-in campaign.

Michigan Elections Director Chris Thomas issued a communication this week stating that the State of Michigan had no authority to prevent the write-in campaign of a candidate, that state election law conveys to cities the right to set qualification for candidates for office. The Detroit City Charter does not provide for any qualifications for write-in candidates outside of the requirement that the write-in candidate file a notice of their intent by a specific deadline.

This, however, has not stopped activist Robert Davis and Mayoral Candidate Tom Barrow from continuing to attempt to prevent Mr. Duggan’s candidacy. Tom Barrow has also filed a lawsuit in the Wayne County Circuit Court to attempt to prevent Mr. Duggan’s write-in candidacy.

posted by PAA Online , 10:44 AM
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June Revenue Beats Expectations – Still Down from 2012

Sales Tax, Michigan Business Tax, and Individual Income Tax revenues for June played the most significant role in bringing the month’s overall revenue in almost $100 million above the level expected based on the May consensus revenue estimating numbers. Even so, the total General Fund and School Aid Fund amounts of $1.8 billion are 0.5 percent below 2012 numbers.

General Fund revenue was roughly $74.5 million ahead of June expectations, while School Aid revenue collections were nearly $20 million ahead of pace. Another $5 million in excess revenue was directed to other funds such as revenue sharing.

Most significant for June were the Individual Income Tax and Sales and Use Tax numbers. The $795.5 million in Individual Income Tax revenue for June was $34 million higher than expected, and 7.3 percent higher than the same for June 2012. Sales Tax revenues were up 1.8 percent over June of 2012, to $586.6 million.

Also interesting were the numbers related to the now-repealed Michigan Business Tax (MBT). Revenue for June 2013 was a negative $23.2 million, but still $30.2 million above the expected level.

posted by PAA Online , 10:43 AM
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June 28th Survey Results

In the June 28^th edition of PAAdvisory, readers were asked, given the historical decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down DOMA and essentially ensure state’s the ability to make the decision, do you believe the Michigan Constitution will ultimately be amended to recognize same-sex marriage? 42 percent of respondents believe the Michigan Constitution will be amended, in 2 – 5 years. 21 percent indicated “yes,” but in 5-10 years, while another 21 percent do not believe the Michigan Constitution will be amended. 16 percent believe the change to the Constitution will take place within a year.

posted by PAA Online , 10:42 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

McMillin’s Senate Campaign Official

State Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) has, as expected, officially announced his candidacy for the 13^th State Senate District currently held by term limited Senator John Pappageorge (R-Troy). McMillin, a CPA, is serving his third and final term in the House. The GOP Primary for the 13^th Senate District promises to be crowded and competitive, with former State Representative Chuck Moss of Birmingham already campaigning as well.

Lansing MERC Office to Relocate

The Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) will be changing office locations in August, moving to the Ottawa Building within the Capitol Complex. The State currently leases space in the REO Town area of Lansing where MERC’s office is currently located. The move is part of a consolidation of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the REO Town space lease will not be renewed as a cost-saving measure.

Nursing Home Administrators Board Appointments Announced

Governor Rick Snyder appointed two members to the Board of Nursing Home Administrators, subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate. Patricia Lyden of Commerce Township was appointed to succeed Hermina Breuker to represent nursing home administrators, as was Ricky Ackerman of Ada, appointed to succeed Thomas Ensign. Both appointments are for terms expiring June 30, 2017.

posted by PAA Online , 10:42 AM
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Question of the Week 7-12-13

posted by PAA Online , 10:10 AM
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