Flint Crisis

As the situation in Flint continues, several recommendations have been formulated. Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Doctor Eden Wells has recommended the State Board of Education make preschool more accessible and have more families enrolled in the Supplemental Assistance and Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants, and Children program.

Governor Snyder on Monday formed a new Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee to give recommendations for the crisis. Members include the director of Office of Urban Initiatives within the Executive Office of the governor, the deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security within the Department of State Police, the director of the Department of Environmental Quality or his or her designee, the director of the Department of Health and Human Services or his or her designee, the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or his or her designee, the state treasurer or his or her designee, the superintendent of public instruction or his or her designee, the Flint mayor, three additional representatives of the city of Flint, three representatives of Genesee County, and three subject matter experts.

Governor Snyder may request additional funds for the city through a supplemental appropriations bill from the Legislature. The governor has also been in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Several legislators, including U.S. Representative Dan Kildee (D-Flint), Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) and Representative Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) are unhappy with the way the governor has handled this crisis, and have requested federal assistance.

The Minority Leader outlined a possible emergency funding plan for the city. In his plan, he recommends transferring available funding in the current budget between departments that can provide filters and distribute bottled water, draft a supplemental budget bill so that existing programs could be broadened to expand health and educational programs, speed up infrastructure improvements, help provide access to healthy food, home visit programs, and the Great Start and Early On Programs; refunding the $2 million Flint paid to switch to Detroit water, and commit to long-term funding during the State of the State speech.

The Governor also announced that he is open to a federal investigation into this situation. He remains firm that he was unaware of the situation until around October 1^st.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, January 15, 2016 1:33 PM
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Talberg to Modernize Energy Infrastructure

Public Service Commission Chair Sally Talberg has two priorities in mind for her newly appointed term: modernizing Michigan’s infrastructure and supplying materials to meet energy needs.

In a comment, Ms. Talberg noted that many natural gas pipelines and electric lines are aging, some reaching near 60 years. With that, Ms. Talberg wants to ensure energy needs are fully supplied. In order to do so, the Public Service Commission Chair will need to work alongside the Legislature to modernize the 2008 energy law and meet the federal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal carbon emissions standards. One of the key ways to achieve this, according to the commission chair, is the Legislature ensuring a robust planning process.

The commission has already begun that process by doing a five-year assessment of utilities instead of the usual three years or less. Ms. Talberg finds it crucial to use the five-year assessment to better determine utilities’ needs and how to meet them long term. The Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator commented Michigan has adequate electric supply in the short term, and there are enough electric generation regionally to share and offset possible shortages. There are restrictions, however, and Michigan being in two different zones could potentially be an issue, according to Ms. Talberg.

As the Legislature continues work on the energy legislation, Ms. Talberg said the commission is “ready to support the Legislature and the governor as they work over the next year.”

posted by PAA Online , 1:32 PM
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Allen Announces Congressional Run

Former state lawmaker Jason Allen announced his candidacy for the 1^st Congressional District yesterday. The seat is currently held by Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls) who is not seeking reelection.

Mr. Allen resigned from his position as senior policy advisor with the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency. When he announced, Allen commented that he signed the American for Tax Reform Pledge and proclaimed that he wanted to undo the damage President Obama’s administration have placed on families in Upper Michigan.

Jason Allen has become the second Republican to announce, the other being Senator Tom Casperson. A conservative Tea Party candidate is likely to run as well. The winner of the GOP primary is expected to face Democrat Lon Johnson in what will likely be the most competitive Michigan congressional race.

posted by PAA Online , 1:31 PM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Apprentice Bill Passed

HB 4813, a bill to change the ratio of apprentices to master electricians on jobsites will be changed from 1:1 to 3:1, passed the House with a vote of 58-49. The sponsor of the bill, Representative Amanda Price (R-Park Twp), says the bill will allow for more jobs. HB 4552 also passed with a vote of 78-29. This legislation requires school counselors to receive at least 25 hours of professional development on college preparation and choose an additional 25 hours on career counseling.

Former Senator Joins Wayne County

Former Senator Glenn Anderson has been appointed to the Wayne County Commission. A democrat from Westland, Anderson filled Richard LeBlanc, a former legislator’s, vacancy.

Diana Farrington Creates Campaign Committee

Diana Farrington of Utica has created a campaign committee to run for the 30^th House District seat. The seat is currently occupied by her husband, Representative Jeff Farrington (R-Utica), who cannot seek reelection due to term limits. This district is predicted to be one of the potential top races in the state.

Capitol Commission to Request Additional Renovation Funds

The Capitol Commission voted to approve an official request for an additional $2 million for Capitol Building renovations. Commissioner Tim Bowlin said during the next few years more money might be required. Chair of the Commission Gary Randall said issues within the building will finally be addressed. Rob Blackshaw has been announced as the new director of facility operations.

Revenue Estimates Exceed Expectation

State fiscal analysts approved a find in additional funds for the Fiscal Year 2016 and upcoming FY 2017. The state is expected to have $918.6 million more. Credit stems from a growing economy and business tax credits being cashed in late. Despite the influx, the state budget director is warning against a spending spree. Total revenues for the 2016-2017 FY will be down slightly.

posted by PAA Online , 1:31 PM
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