Becker Steps Down
The
Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy Director Tim Becker is
stepping down from his position to join the Hope Network as Executive Vice
President. Mr. Becker’s final day will be July 8. Department spokesperson
Jennifer Eisner commented there is no set time for finding Mr. Becker’s
replacement, but the department is hoping to announce a new chief deputy
director in the coming weeks.
Speed Limit Changes Passed
The
House cleared legislation to increase state speed limits on Wednesday. HB
4423, HB
4424, HB
4425, HB
4426, and HB
4427 passed to increase some stretches of road to 75 mph with 60
mph for trucking vehicles. The bills also reduce gravel road speeds to 45 mph
and extend school zone speed limit hours. A 5 mph speeding traffic violation
would also go from two points to one point on a driver’s license record. The
package goes to the Senate for consideration.
Pugsley Correctional Facility Closing
The
Pugsley Correctional Facility located in Kingsley will close in September
according to the Department of Corrections. There are 230 employed at the
facility. Department of Correction officials attributed the closure to the decline
of Michigan’s prison population, and it saves $22 million in the upcoming
2016-17 budget. It is unclear how many employees will be placed within the
department, but the Michigan Corrections Organization will create a bumping process
to minimize the impact.
Correctional Reforms Reported to Senate
The
Senate Michigan Competitiveness Committee reported an 18-bill package outlining
criminal justice reforms. Under this package, the minimum age of prisoners
placed in separate living quarters is increased to 18. Employers would be offered
up to $7,200 as an incentive to hire parolees. A criminal justice data
collection and management program would be established as well. The package will
also provide $1 million to the crime victims fund for child advocacy centers
for children who have experienced trauma or abuse as a result of a criminal
offense.
DEQ Cuts Sulfur Dioxide Emissions
The
Department of Environmental Quality cut sulfur dioxide emissions from the
Marathon Petroleum Company’s Detroit refinery. Four additional sources of the
chemical will also see emission cuts over the next two years under a plan
submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the provisions of
the plan, DTE Energy will shutter five of the six coal-fired boilers at its
power plants, U.S. Steel will reduce its emissions, and Carmeuse Lime kilns in
River Rouge will increase the height on its stacks to better disburse
emissions. The state implementation plan aims at bringing Wayne County into
compliance with federal air quality standards by the end of 2018.