Courser to Trial, Gamrat Cleared

Lansing District Court Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. ruled on Tuesday that former Representative Todd Courser will stand trial on a charge of perjury and misconduct while in office. The charges against former Representative Cindy Gamrat have been dismissed.

The Department of the Attorney General announced it would not try and appeal Ms. Gamrat’s case, officially bringing it to a close. Judge Clarke said he could not determine if Ms. Gamrat had knowledge of the email and that she never directly asked a staffer to sign her name on a blueback. In terms of corrupt intent, Judge Clarke believes there was none present for Ms. Gamrat.

Mr. Courser, however, will be tried for perjury for allegedly lying under oath during the House select committee investigations. Judge Clarke felt he did not have enough information to determine if Mr. Courser intentionally made a false statement, and therefore believes a jury can help decide. Mr. Clarke also ruled the misconduct in office charge for ordering a staffer to sign a bill blueback also stands. The remaining two misconduct in office charges were dismissed.

The Department of the Attorney General is reviewing whether to appeal Judge Clarke’s decision; they have 21 days to do so.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 17, 2016 10:40 AM
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MISO Energy Shortfall

The Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO) released a report stating Michigan will have to rely on imports for electric supply and will have to work to address potential capacity shortfalls.

MISO, which oversees transmission of electric power to 15 states total, determined its region is projected to have resources to meet its Planning Reserve Requirement for 2017, but additional action is needed going forward. In 2017, the region needs 2.7 gigawatts, or 2.2 percent, in excess of projected resource requirements; but the announced retirements of old power plants will decrease the excess to 0.9 gigawatts, or 0.7 percent. The excess capacity will potentially address zonal deficits, such as those in Michigan.

Lower Michigan is expected to fall short in its predicted capacity against reserve requirement by 0.3 gigawatts. The region including eastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula potentially has between 0.9 and 1 gigawatts of excess. Montana is the only other state to have a shortfall in 2017 at 0.8 gigawatts. Not all projected capacity is available to serve load outside of a zone due to transfer limitations, Michigan may be able to pick up electric capacity from Indiana and Wisconsin, however to what degree has not been determined.

The increased urgency had Citizens for Michigan’s Energy Future, a coalition backed by utilities such as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, urging the Legislature to take up current energy policy.

posted by PAA Online , 10:40 AM
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May Revenue Increase

Revenue to Michigan’s General Fund and School Aid Fund came in at $1.7 billion in May 2016, a 9.5 percent increase according to the Senate Fiscal Agency.

May 2016 tax collections were around $63.5 million above the level expected for the month. The General Fund collections were $19.7 million above expectations and the Senate Fiscal Agency tax collections were $38.2 million above projections. Combined business tax collections including the Corporate Income Tax, Michigan Business Tax, and Single Business Tax was negative $.03 million for the month, however the combined business tax collections were $417 million above expected.

Net income tax revenues totaled $740.4 million, an 8.9 percent increase, and withholding payments were $21.8 million above predictions. Gross individual tax revenue is up 6.1 percent while individual income tax refunds are up 6.3 percent. Year to date sales tax collections only rose 0.3 percent.

posted by PAA Online , 10:39 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

More Pipeline Inspections

The Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act is headed to President Obama for his approval. Standards for pipelines will not change much, but pipelines will be inspected more frequently, according to Public Service Commission member Norm Saari. The Great Lakes has been designated as an Unusually Sensitive Area. In addition to more inspections, larger lines will see more attention and the Miss Dig program will see enhancements.

Dems Push Gun Reform

House Democrats on Tuesday called for action on gun control and LGBT rights in the state. This was presented in light of the mass shooting in Orlando at a gay nightclub this past weekend. House Democrats are looking for bills to limit guns in public areas, more universal background checks, and create a gun violence restraining order. In addition to the gun reforms, House Dems are also looking to expand current hate crime laws to include crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Schuette & Miller Against Waukesha Diversion

Attorney General Bill Schuette co-signed a letter with U.S. Representative Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township) in opposition of Waukesha, Wisconsin’s application to divert 8.2 million gallons of water per day out of the Great Lakes Basin. Both believe Waukesha could have reviewed other options, but only looked at diverting Great Lakes water.

Weaver Cleared Herself of Charges

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver cleared herself of accusations alleged by former City Administrator Natasha Henderson of redirecting charity money to a campaign committee, but inadvertently called some employee contracts into question. After an independent investigation, Ms. Weaver was cleared of accusations but the investigation found some employee contracts were signed by the former city administrator but not co-signed by Ms. Weaver, as required by law. Ms. Weaver commented she recently became aware of the contracts and is disappointed to learn some have been changed and signed without her knowledge.

Michigan Qualifies for Opioid Funds

Michigan could potentially receive up to $28 million in federal funds over two years to expand opioid treatment in the state, specifically in medication-assisted treatment. Stemming from the president’s budget, each state receives funding based on the severity of the epidemic and the strength of response.

posted by PAA Online , 10:39 AM
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