New Detroit Public School Plan Passes House

The House passed a revised plan to address the Detroit Public Schools financial dilemma.

The proposal includes $150 million in transition costs, and does not include the Detroit Education Commission (DES). However, an advisory board would be put into place to write reports on where schools are needed and potentially would explore a district-wide transportation system. The advisory board would consist of traditional and charter school representatives. The proposal maintains the splitting of the district, as well as allowing the School Reform/Redesign Office to continue to close schools with its current rankings, but having the new district transition into A-F rankings. The plan would have school board elections in November of 2016 and allow the school board to conduct collective bargaining with teachers. Teachers and school administrators will be paid based on performance.

Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) commented that he thinks he will be able to muster the 19 votes necessary to pass this proposal in the Senate. House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) maintains the proposal is inadequate, and should include more input from Detroit legislators.

Meanwhile, attendees at the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference announced strong support for SB 710 and the Senate plan. John Rakolta from Walbridge, a Detroit construction firm, commented Detroit’s redevelopment could hinge on the passage of SB 710. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also spoke saying the school issues threaten the stability of the city, and he fears citizens will begin to question why they remain in Detroit, without a solution to their problems.

Detroit Regional Chamber members encouraged participants to sign petitions urging Senators to pass SB 710, which includes the Detroit Education Commission. Sponsor of the bill Senator Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) is aiming for a bipartisan bill that is soundly structured and puts the kids first. Michigan Association of Public School Academies President Dan Quisenberry challenged the DEC as bipartisan. Several charter school supporters have opposed the DEC, stating it is a step toward closing charter schools in Detroit and further governmental control of charters across the state.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 3, 2016 10:54 AM
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Civil Service Changes Move to House Floor

The House Workforce and Talent Development Committee passed a proposed constitutional amendment on Wednesday aimed at simplifying the disciplinary procedure for civil service workers.

HJR MM and HB 5677 cleared the committee along party lines with a vote of 9-5. The resolution would amend the Constitution to allow department heads to discipline or dismiss an employee for negative conduct that affects the department’s ability to accomplish it’s duties in a professional manner. The bill outlines the same principle, described as “just cause”. The legislation additionally details the employee appeal process.

With all Democrats opposing the legislation, it is unclear how the full House will fare, as at least 10 Democrats are needed for the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Committee Democrats feel this opens the possibility for employees to become “political scapegoats”. House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant) insists the proposal is not in response to the Flint Water Crisis, and both he and Representative Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway) feel it increases accountability.

posted by PAA Online , 10:53 AM
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General Government Budget Moves from Conference Committee

The general government budget moved from committee on Wednesday and maintained statutory revenue sharing while constitutional revenue sharing fell. HB 5276 included some county increases as well.

The budget saw a 0.1 percent spending increase. The General Fund spending totals $1.14 billion, which is a 3.7 percent cut from the current year. Revenue sharing payments in the Department of Treasury were cut by $25.99 million, which leaves $757.88 million in constitutional revenue sharing. Statutory funds for locals remain at $248.84 million. Counties receive an increase of $2.57 million to $217.27 million restricted. The overall department budget is $1.89 billion, a 3.1 percent cut, with General Fund spending of $235.45 million, a 16 percent cut.

The Department of Technology, Management and Budget did not receive the $7.5 million for moving costs of offices in the Lansing area, namely the Department of Health and Human Services offices currently occupying the scheduled Senate offices. However, the department will see a 3 percent increase at $1.3 billion gross and a 1.7 percent increase at $485.52 million General Fund.

The Department of the Attorney General would see $101.49 million gross budget, a 10.2 percent increase, and $42.84 million in General Fund, a 15.7 percent increase. $3 million General Fund will go to the cost of defending state departments and officials over the Flint Water crisis with a $2.6 million in settlement proceeds. $700,000 in General Fund has been set aside for investigating juvenile life without parole cases.

The Department of Civil Rights has gross spending of $16.25 million, a 0.7 percent increase. General Fund is $13.02 million, a 0.8 percent increase. The Executive Office received $5.64 million, a 1.9 percent increase. The Legislature has $141.9 million gross, a 4 percent increase and $137.23 million General Fund, a 4.1 percent increase.

The Department of State has $248.02 million, a 7.7 percent increase and $22.11 million in General Fund, a 0.2 percent cut. Finally, the Department of Talent and Economic Development received $1.15 billion gross, a 0.6 percent cut, and $179.39 million in General Fund, a 9.6 percent cut.

posted by PAA Online , 10:53 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

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.

posted by PAA Online , 10:52 AM
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