Readers Please Note:

Readers Please Note: The Public Affairs Associates office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24^th through Thursday, December 26^th and again Tuesday, December 31^st through Thursday, January 2^nd. PAAdvisory will resume publication on Friday, January 3^rd.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, December 20, 2013 12:03 PM
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PAA Holiday Cheer!

In lieu of gifts again in 2013, Public Affairs Associates made a contribution on behalf of our clients and staff to Cornerstone Schools. From all of us, to all of you, here’s wishing the best for an enjoyable holiday season and a happy and prosperous 2014!

posted by PAA Online , 12:02 PM
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Announcements from Detroit

Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr and Mayor-elect Mike Duggan made a joint announcement this week relative to the City of Detroit management. Mr. Orr will continue to oversee the City’s finances; however, the Mayor-elect will run the operations of the City. Mr. Orr will focus on bankruptcy proceedings, oversight of any federal grants, and will continue to manage the Police Department.

Mr. Duggan will have the ability to appoint deputies and other non-classified posts with Mr. Orr’s approval – with some initial cabinet announcements coming today.

Ike McKinnon, former Detroit Police Chief, will serve as Deputy Mayor, while former State Representative and former mayoral candidate Lisa Howze, CPA, will serve as Chief of Staff. Tom Lewand, Sr. will be in charge of economic development initiatives and Chief Talent Officer will be Brian Barnhill, Mr. Duggan’s campaign manager.

Meanwhile, the State’s Local Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board announced it will be meeting this Friday to debate $350 million in financing for the city.

posted by PAA Online , 12:02 PM
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Gubernatorial Appointments

The Governor’s Office announced several appointments this week to various commissions and other bodies. Of note are:

Michael Chupa of Warren was appointed to the 37^th District Court to succeed former State Representative and now Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Faunce. The appointment is through November 2014 when Chupa will have to run for re-election for a full term.

Six members of the Child Abuse, Neglect and Prevention Board were appointed for new terms expiring in December of 2016, chief among them is Lori Wortz of Okemos.

posted by PAA Online , 12:01 PM
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Unemployment Numbers Down

For the first time in eight months, the state’s unemployment rate fell in November. The .2 percent drop to 8.8 percent however, is reflective of fewer people looking for work according to the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Overall, the rate has essentially held steady for the past year. November 2012 saw a 9 percent unemployment rate. Roughly 69,000 jobs have been added this year. With the 2014 election drawing closer, the monthly announcement of employment rates is becoming increasingly political.

The Detroit-Warren-Livonia metropolitan statistical area, the state’s biggest, saw a .2 percent fall in the unemployment rate to 9.3 percent. Manufacturing saw an increase of 4,000 jobs since last month; however, the leisure and hospitality and government sectors had losses.

posted by PAA Online , 12:00 PM
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Geographic Restriction Rule Discussed, Retained by Liquor Control Commission

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission heard a request Tuesday from Holly Foods in Holly, MI to issue a declaratory ruling relative to the existing rule that retailers selling liquor through a specially designated liquor distributor license must be a half mile from another retailer with the same license.

Such a declaratory ruling would have ultimately led to the rule being rescinded.

Holly Foods had requested the Liquor Control Commission to issue a declaratory ruling, claiming that the restriction exceeded the Commission’s rulemaking authority, and was counter to competition and discriminatory.

The Commission voted to uphold the rule, rejecting Holly Food’s claim and noting that all license applicants are treated equally by the standards.

posted by PAA Online , 11:59 AM
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December 13th Survey Results

In the December 13^th edition, PAAdvisory asked, “The Holiday Season is essentially upon us, and with the Legislature adjourning, many are beginning to look towards time away. Do you plan to…”

a. Stay home through the holidays?

b. Work throughout the holidays?

c. Travel with family and/or friends?

d. I’m going to the Rose Bowl!!

36 percent of respondents will be staying home through the holidays and 27 percent will keep on working. 18 percent will do some travelling with friends and family, while another 18 percent will make the trip to Pasadena.

posted by PAA Online , 11:58 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Motorcycle Helmet Usage Down

The Office of Highway Safety released a study this week conducted this summer by the Wayne State University Transportation Research Group showing that motorcycle helmet usage had dropped from 99.4 percent in 2006 to 74.7 percent in 2013. The Michigan Legislature repealed the state’s helmet law.

Governor Puts Pen to EpiPen Legislation

Governor Snyder signed two bills at a ceremony in Rochester this week, requiring all schools to have epinephrine pens available in case a student has a severe allergic reaction. House Bills 4352 and 4353, sponsored by Representative Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto), are now Public Acts 186 and 187 of 2013 and go into effect March 14, 2014.

Speaker Talking Tax Relief

With the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference still a month away, conventional wisdom in Lansing is pointing toward a potential surplus of several hundred million dollars. House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) has already begun talking about potential tax relief as a portion of the House’s agenda upon their return in 2014.

posted by PAA Online , 11:57 AM
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Question of the Week 12/20/2013

posted by PAA Online , 11:15 AM
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