Filing Deadline Passes – Election Candidates Finalized

With the filing deadline at 4p.m. on Tuesday, Michigan now knows who will be vying for seats in state and federal government. This week and next, PAAdvisory will take a closer look at some of the more compelling races starting with an examination of the House. Look for Senate coverage in next week’s edition, as well as federal legislative office candidates.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, April 25, 2014 10:55 AM
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Competitive State House Races

21^st District

Three Democrats and one Republican will try to replace Representative Dian Slavens in the House 21^st District seat in western Wayne County. The seat will likely be one of the most competitive races of the year. Democrats Natalie Mosher, an activist from Canton Township, and Kristy Pagan of Canton Township, who worked for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) before returning to the state will run for office. Cornell Mathis, a business owner, has also filed as a Democrat. Republicans have recruited Carol Ann Fausone of Canton Township as their candidate. Ms. Fausone retired from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in 2011.

23^rd District

Brownstown Township Supervisor Andrew Linko will take on incumbent Representative Pat Somerville (R-New Boston) for the 23^rd House District seat. Mr. Somerville’s seat has the strongest Democratic base of any seat held by a Republican. Also running are Robert Ptaszynski of Rockwood and David Haener of New Boston.

41^st District

Democrats will assist Mary Kerwin, former Troy City Councilwoman, taking on incumbent Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy). Representative Howrylak won by less than 1 percentage point against Ms. Kerwin in 2012.

56^th District

Tom Redmond, retired police officer and Democrat, has filed to run in the 56^th District, where Representative Dale Zorn (R-Ida) is forgoing re-election to run for Senate. Republicans have said they would support either Republican candidates in the district, Monroe County Commissioner Jason Sheppard or businesswoman Irma Kubiske of Ida.

71^st District

Tom Barrett, military veteran and Department of Treasury analyst, will challenge incumbent Representative Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge) for the 71^st District. Representative Abed is the first Democrat to win the seat since 1964.

76^th District

Grand Rapids comptroller Donijo DeJonge, former Grand Rapids comptroller Stan Milanowski, and small business owner and former employee of U.S. Representative Justin Amash (R-Cascade Township) Keith Allard will run in a GOP primary for the opportunity to take on incumbent Representative Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) for the 76^th.

91^st District

Incumbent Representative Colleen Lamonte (D-Montague) will face a rematch against former Representative Holly Hughes of White River Township again in the 91^st District. The 91^st seat is second most prone to flipping between parties.

posted by PAA Online , 10:54 AM
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House GOP Primary Races

38^th District

Kathy Crawford of Novi had appeared to be the nominee to succeed her husband, term limited Representative Hugh Crawford (R-Novi), but at the last minute college professor and retired pastor Dan Lauffer of Walled Lake has challenged her for the Republican nomination.

47^th District

Wendy Day of Howell, school board member and one of the founders of the Michigan Tea Party movement, will run for the 47^th House District. However, term limited Representative Cindy Denby (R-Handy Township) and Senator Joe Hune (R-Whitmore Lake), are backing Handy Township Supervisor and veterinarian Henry Vaupel. Also in the race is Howell Mayor Phil Campbell III, Harold Melton of Howell, and Theodore Ring of Howell (who has filed paperwork indicating he will spend less than $1,000 on the race).

73^rd District

Six candidates are seeking to succeed Representative Peter MacGregor (R-Cannon Township) in the 73^rd House District. MacGregor is running for the State Senate. The field is Grand Rapids Treasurer Chris Afendoulis, CPA; retired auto dealer John Decker of East Grand Rapids, attorney Brian Downs of Rockford; Tom Norton of Sand Lake; National Guard member and tea party activist Frank Pfaff Jr. of Comstock Park; and Robert Regan, a professional recruiter from East Grand Rapids.

82^nd District

Tea Party organizer Todd Courser of Lapeer has joined the race for the 82^nd House District Republican nomination. For the past nine months Lapeer County Republican Party Chair Jan Peabody has been the only candidate. Representative Kevin Daley (R-Lum) is running for the State Senate.

90^th District

Geoff Haveman of Hudsonville, a distant relative of incumbent Representative Joe Haveman, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits, is in the race for the 90^th House District along with four other Republicans. The rest of the Republicans consist of Daniela Garcia, Spectrum Health employee and former aide of U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra (R-Holland); Chair of the Ottawa County Board of commissioners Jim Holtrop of Hudsonville; and tea party leader David Kroll of Zeeland.

104^th District

Eight individuals have filed for the 104^th, the race to succeed term limited Representative Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City). The GOP primary race consists of Grand Traverse County Commissioner Rob Hentschel; Grand Traverse County Commissioner Larry Inman of Williamsburg; Republican activist Karen Renny; Jamie Callahan of Traverse City, aide to several legislators; Ken Hinton of Kingsley; Matt Lundy of Traverse City; Air Force veteran Beau Vore of Traverse City; and MEDC employee Isaiah Wunsch of Traverse City.

posted by PAA Online , 10:53 AM
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U.S. Supreme Court Approves Affirmative Action Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Michigan’s prohibition on consideration of race in university admissions this week. This does not bar affirmative action completely, but leaves the decision in the hands of voters. In 2003 the Court upheld the use of affirmative action, with greater restrictions, in college admissions in two cases involving the University of Michigan. After the ruling, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2006 that banned affirmative action in the state.

Opponents believe the decision would hinder the chances of minorities to gain access to a college education. Attorney General Bill Schuette, the plaintiff in the decision, hailed the ruling as a victory for the Constitution, the people of Michigan and for the rule of law.

A majority opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy noted that the ban was permissible because the proposal was not designed to harm or prevent injury, but to deal with the question of whether race-based admission policies could be continued. Justices Breyer and Scalia also wrote concurring opinions.

posted by PAA Online , 10:52 AM
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Full Senate Appropriations Committee Moves Budgets

The Senate Appropriations Committee sent multiple budget proposals to the full Senate this week, with the most significant changes proposed having to do with the Department of Education and K-12 School Aid budgets. The Education budget (SB 765) was amended to require any student assessment tool involved in the RFP process meet a long list of requirements, despite Committee Chair Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw Township) voicing his disapproval.

Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton Township) proposed the amendment, which would require the Department to create a system that measures student proficiency and growth on the current state curriculum standards, as well as be capable of measuring individual student performance in core subjects. The system must also be subject to a transparent comment and review process. It must ensure students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members are provided the reports conveying aggregate student proficiency and growth data for a given school. The program has to be implemented statewide with existing infrastructure “in a fully operational matter” no later than the 2015-2016 school year.

Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor) won an amendment requiring an individualized education program and other services offered to special education students to follow that student if he or she changes schools within the Education Achievement Authority or a state reform district.

School Aid

The Senate’s proposed School Aid Budget, SB 775, increased the foundation allowance for students and eliminates numerous categoricals in the process. The proposal also substantially increases funding for the Michigan Public Services Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) rate cap. The Senate Appropriations Committee also adopted an amendment that would allow high schools with concurrent enrollment programs to have access to incentive dollars appropriated by the Governor for dual enrollment programs. Concurrent enrollment allows students to take a college course in the high school rather than physically going to the community college. An amendment was also adopted that would provide $330,000 in grant money for professional development for teachers teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.

Licensing & Regulatory Affairs

The Senate budget proposal for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) remained largely unchanged from how it left the Subcommittee, with the exception of adopting an amendment that included $700,000 the Governor recommended for elevator inspections. Senator Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township) had removed the money at first, until he could have some more questions answered about it. Upon further review, Senator Jansen decided the money was necessary because inspectors were behind and the Office of Auditor General concluded that more money was needed. One major item included was the creation of an $800,000 line item for Detroit demolitions and the retention of boilerplate language that the Governor attempted to remove.

Insurance & Financial Services

SB 770, the proposed budget for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), was reported without amendments. The biggest difference between the Governor’s recommendation and the Senate’s proposal is the removal of $150,000 to pay for a report on Healthy Michigan, the state’s Medicaid Expansion law. The budget as written also concurs with the Governor’s recommendation to not include funding for the state’s Autism Coverage Fund in the next fiscal year due to a lack of claims so far.

Agriculture

SB 760, the budget for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, was sent to the full Senate with an amendment that removes a provision that paid for thoroughbred horses that do not get a race day. The Senate proposal for the department’s budget was slightly higher than that of the Governor, while the House proposed slightly less. Most of that increase stemmed from the Senate replacing $3.91 million from the Refined Petroleum Fund with General Fund money.

Transportation

Senator Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) won an amendment to SB 777 requiring the Department of Transportation to draft a report detailing the feasibility of a pedestrian-only crossing in Petoskey. Senator Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) won an amendment intended to clarify the language of the Senate’s position to not use state or federal money for the Detroit River International Crossing bridge.

The Senate proposal includes $117 million from the General Fund for transportation projects, with $115 million being allocated generally among the Department and local governments according to PA 51. The other $2 million will go to the Regional Transit Authority. The $115 million was redirected from Governor Snyder’s proposal to use that money strictly for bridge construction and the state trunkline system.

Human Services

The Department of Human Services budget proposal, SB 769, was reported with 10 amendments, most of which either renamed programs or clarified provisions already in the budget. The primary point of difference between the Senate and the Governor’s recommendation is the appropriation of about $18.8 million in supplemental payments for adopted children with special needs. The payments can be claimed after an adoption is finalized. Also included was a prohibition on negotiating adoption assistance rates below the foster care rate.

The Senate proposal also funds a Juvenile Justice Vision 20/20 database for courts, the Department, and private agencies. The Senate increased funding for medical and psychological exams for children and foster parent travel reimbursement.

Also included was an appropriation of more than $14 million for Michigan Rehabilitative services and the Swift-and-Sure Program for probationers.

Higher Ed

Senator Darwin Booher (R-Evart) won an amendment that would require universities to issue a report on what opportunities they provide high school students seeking to receive college credit, something he had included in his community colleges budget. The bill, SB 768, made headlines in March because of a provision that penalizes Michigan State University $500,000 for having involvement with union courses. The issue did not come up during the hearing, however.

One highlight of the higher education budget specific to the Senate is a $15 million appropriation from the School Aid Fund to provide funding assistance to universities that have employees in MPSERS. The amount is the same as what Senator Booher replaced with General Fund money from his community colleges budget.

Community Colleges

SB 762 was reported without amendments. The budget does not include a 3.2 percent cap on tuition and fees increases to qualify for additional funds, contrary to the Governor’s recommendation.

Military and Veterans Affairs

The only change in SB 773 from its Subcommittee version was an amendment won by Senator Colbeck (R-Canton Township) that would remove some money for armory maintenance that was already included in a recently-enacted supplemental.

Judiciary

SB 771, the Judiciary budget, was sent to the full Senate with an amendment by Senator John Proos (R-St. Joseph). The amendment clarifies that current General Fund money being allocated to the State Court Administrator’s Office would fully fund a juvenile justice database. The other part of the amendment cuts an additional $50,000 out of the Governor’s recommended increase in mental health courts, instead funding the courts according to their original request.

State Police

The State Police budget SB 776, was amended by Senator Mike Green (R-Mayville) to include a report by the Department on how much revenue it receives from concealed pistol license applications and renewals.

Environmental Quality

The DEQ budget, SB 766 was sent to the Senate floor with no changes from subcommittee.

posted by PAA Online , 10:51 AM
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April 18th Survey Results

Last week’s PAAdvisory asked, do you believe the Legislature will pass a measure to aid the City of Detroit?

57 percent of respondents believe the Legislature will do just that. 29 percent believe the Legislature will provide some aid, however, not the full $350 million. 14 percent answered “no.”

posted by PAA Online , 10:50 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Lambert Edwards Purchases Sterling Corporation

Lambert, Edwards and Associates (LEA) has purchased Sterling Corporation, making it the largest public relations firm in the state. LEA has stated it estimates a 20 percent increase in revenues and staff from the acquisition. Sterling Corporation will continue to operate under its existing brand as a subsidiary of LEA.

Royal Oak, State Sign Consent Agreement

Royal Oak Township and the State have signed a consent agreement that avoids an emergency manager in the township. The agreement stipulates that the township will have to submit regular, monthly financial reports to the state.

Financial Emergency Confirmed in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is in a financial emergency according to Governor Snyder’s administration. The City declined to request a hearing on the findings last week, and the City Council now has seven days to enter a consent agreement, request an emergency manager, request an impartial financial evaluation, or enter Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

posted by PAA Online , 10:49 AM
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Question of the Week 4/25/2014

posted by PAA Online , 9:52 AM
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