Flint Update

Governor Snyder released thousands of pages of staff emails to the public on Friday and in the wake, it has shown many top-level staff officials were aware of the severity of the Flint water situation as early as January 2015.

The emails show conversations between then chief of staff Dennis Muchmore, legislative director Dick Posthumus, then communications director Jarrod Agen, then legal director Michael Gadola, and strategy chief John Walsh. Governor Snyder’s presence in the email threads was absent until late September 2015. T.J. Bucholz of Vanguard Public Affairs does not believe this means the governor was not informed. In a statement, Mr. Bucholz expressed his disbelief that Governor Snyder’s top-ranking staffers failed to bring this to his attention.

Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) was heavily critical of the Governor upon reading the emails, however he was reluctant to call for his resignation stating “his goal is not to get rid of a governor…it’s to rid this administration of corruption and incompetence… [and] we can’t start that until Governor Snyder sits under oath and owns his failure.” Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) was less critical of the Governor and shifted his focus to the failure of the Environmental Protection Agency, siting its basis of standards as part of the problem. House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) sang a different tune and directly called for the Governor’s resignation after the emails were released.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved the state’s application to expand Medicaid coverage on Thursday. This expansion includes coverage to all children up to age 21, and pregnant women with incomes below poverty level. Roughly, an additional 15,000 children and pregnant women will see coverage with about 30,000 current beneficiaries eligible for the expanded services.

The Senate Appropriations Committee began review of SB 777, an appropriation for $126 million in supplemental aid to Flint. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell) commented that the House may be approaching supplemental appropriations differently, but that he believes the House and Senate will ultimately support similar efforts for Flint.

Meanwhile, Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant) announced Wednesday he does not intend to take up additional appropriations for the Flint situation, rather other resources being sent to the city should be considered during the overall budget process. The Speaker has received criticism from several different sources, most unsurprisingly from Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. Several legislators in leadership have commented their desire to discuss this decision with the Speaker.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, March 4, 2016 11:18 AM
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DPS Update

Retired Federal Judge Steven Rhodes was formally named the transition manager of the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) on Monday. Judge Rhodes played a key role in the Detroit bankruptcy deal back in 2013.

Currently, Rhodes is working to name an interim superintendent to oversee the academics while he manages the $515 million operational deficit. Governor Snyder commented that, while the Legislature continues to debate the best course of action for the district, Rhodes will provide structure to a city where he is “highly respected.”

The House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday continued testimony on a package of bills restructuring DPS with some Republican members looking toward bankruptcy, dissolution, or other options. The Governor’s current recommendation would appropriate $715 million toward Detroit Schools, splitting the funds between paying off debt and rebuilding a new district. The current House package, HB 5382 through HB 5387, limits collective bargaining, implements a balanced school calendar and early literacy program, moves towards merit pay, and includes other reforms.

Although bankruptcy has been brought up, several legislators and officials caution against it. House Appropriations Committee Chair Representative Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville) commented bankruptcy could cost significantly more, and suggests more information on the specifics is to come.

posted by PAA Online , 11:18 AM
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Senate Panel Clears Open Carry Bill

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday reported two bills that allow for concealed carry of weapons in traditionally gun-free zones such as schools, hospitals, and churches. This bill prohibits open carry in these same areas.

Senator Mike Green (R-Mayville) sponsors SB 442 and Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) sponsors SB 561. An amendment tie-barred these two bills to each other, with Senator Green’s making the change in the state’s handgun licensure law and Senator Meekhof’s making the change in the penal code. The law currently says a person cannot possess a firearm on the premises of a financial institution, a church or other religious house, a court, bar, theatre, sports arena or stadium, day care center and hospital.

Several persons expressed their opposition to these bills, stating it will cause more confusion for police response and would essentially bring guns into the schools, effectively putting students at risk. In response, Senator Green said this isn’t a matter of “we don’t want guns in the schools,” it’s “we’ve got guns in schools, let’s change the law,” which he said that’s exactly what he’s trying to do.

The bills were reported out of committee to the full Senate. Senator Meekhof is supportive of the legislation, but Governor Snyder has traditionally been opposed to ending gun-free zones.

posted by PAA Online , 11:16 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Permit-free Concealed Carry Package Introduced

Representatives Lee Chatfield (R-Levering), Tom Barrett (R-Potterville), Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) and Triston Cole (R-Mancelona) introduced a package of bills that allow “law abiding” citizens to carry concealed weapons without needing to obtain a permit. The bills include HB 5301 through HB 5304, and were referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Knezek and Barrett Create Veterans Institute

The two Iraq War veterans currently serving in the legislature, Senator David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) and Representative Tom Barrett (R-Potterville), have joined together to create the Michigan Veterans Institute. The legislators are aiming to improve how Michigan treats and funds veterans, with emphasis on PTSD management, reducing veteran homelessness, job opportunities, and more.

Senate Panel Approves Signature Changes

The Senate Elections panel reported SB 776 on Thursday, which removes presumptive rebuttal language in current law that signatures collected beyond the 180-day window for ballot proposals and constitutional amendments are void. The bill cleared 4-1 with Senate Minority Floor Leader Morris Hood III (D-Detroit) in opposition.

posted by PAA Online , 11:15 AM
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