Enbridge Invests in Cleanup Equipment
Enbridge
Energy announced its plan to invest $7 million in new spill cleanup equipment
attached to the Line 5 pipeline. The new equipment should contain and skim any
oil that might reach the shore and will remove oil in deep water and under ice.
Stephen Lloyd, senior manager for emergency response, said the goal is to exceed
regulatory requirements.
Kid Count Data Released
The
Annie E. Casey Foundation 2016 Kids Count Data Book ranks Michigan 31st
in the nation overall for child well-being. States are ranked in economic well-being,
education, health, and family and community. Michigan is ranked 28th
in economic well-being, 40th in education, 14th in
health, and 29th in family and community.
Teacher Union Merger
The
Michigan Education Association and American Federation of Teachers Michigan
announced that the two unions have been discussing a merger, but have not
officially reached a decision. A potential combined union has the potential to
represent more members and the whole state. Both unions have seen a decrease in
membership as school districts have shrunk and right-to-work laws became
applicable.
Uninsured Population Falls
The
Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation found that only 5 percent of
Michigan residents reported not having health insurance in 2015, a large
decrease from 2012 when 14 percent of the population reported having no
insurance. The survey conducted did not ask respondents what type of coverage
they had, such as private or through Medicaid.