Banks Charged With Felonies

Representative Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods) was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor on Tuesday, just five weeks before his primary in the 1^st House District.

The charges against Representative Banks are regarding a June 2010 incident in which he allegedly submitted fake pay stubs while applying for a personal loan. Mr. Banks has been convicted of several felonies involving false checks. The current charges are as follows: two counts of uttering and publishing, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/or $10,000, one felony count of false pretense to defraud or cheat and a misdemeanor for false statements/financial condition, punishable by one year in prison or $1,000. Mr. Banks also faces charges of being a four-time habitual offender, which could enhance his sentence to life in prison.

In response, Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) said he cannot comment on the charges against him, as they stem from an incident before his term, however since being elected to the Legislature Mr. Greimel feels Representative Banks has served his constituents well.

Representative Banks has pleaded not guilty and has been released on a $5,000 personal bond and ordered not to leave the state.

posted by PAA Online , Thursday, June 30, 2016 11:22 AM
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School Spending Report

A study conducted by Augenblick, Palaich and Associates of Denver, Colorado recommended Michigan spend $8,667 per student. Most generally agree this is where the state should be in funding.

The funding is to provide adequate resources for most students, with additional funding for at-risk, English language learners and special education. It also recommends a shift in funding: have the state make base payments to each district and have local taxes provide supplemental funding. This recommendation would mean a $438 increase from the foundation allowance in the newly signed budget with $1,156 more than some at the minimum foundation allowances are spending.

Most were in agreement that Michigan should be closer to this target, however not in one budget cycle. Jared Burkhart, executive director of the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers, pointed out the inequality of spending between charter schools and traditional schools. The study also emphasized the distance in equity between poor and wealthy districts, which has been growing in Michigan for years.

In the report, no capital funding was included in the recommendations. Not enough data was available statewide to know capital needs and expenditures.

posted by PAA Online , 11:08 AM
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Michigan Law Potentially Challenged by U.S. Decision

With the U.S. Supreme Court deciding to strike down a Texas law regarding more stringent standards for freestanding abortion clinics, pro-choice supporters believe a legal case against PA 449 of 2012 could be on the horizon.

Lori Carpentier, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates in Michigan, said the Michigan law and the Texas law, which the U.S. Supreme Court just struck down, are not that different. In her opinion, both were aimed at limiting the ability of women to get abortions. The Supreme Court decision specifically affects Texas, but not automatically other states. Kary Moss, president of the Michigan ACLU, commented a decision will be made based on the facts in each state.

Barbara Listing, president of Right to Life of Michigan, defended Michigan’s current law, stating the intent was to keep women safe as the state had to close two Muskegon-area clinics because of unsterilized medical equipment, among other issues. In her opinion, repealing the law could potentially subject women to unsafe abortion practices.

Currently, no suit has been filed. Attorney General Bill Schuette commented Tuesday that the ruling was still “too fresh” for a decision to be made.

posted by PAA Online , 11:07 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

State to Get $73 Million in Settlement

In the $15 billion settlement with Volkswagen regarding its diesel-fueled cars, Michigan can expect to see $73 million in environmental restitution and consumer protection violations, according to Attorney General Bill Schuette. This settlement is in addition to the individual settlements for owners and lessees of Volkswagen diesel cars.

Representative Plawecki Passed Away

Representative Julie Plawecki passed away over the weekend due to an unexpected heart attack while hiking in Oregon. She was 54 years old. Representative Plawecki served a bit more than 18 months in the Legislature, and her presence will be missed. Visitation will be held in Garden City, and the memorial service in Dearborn.

Snyder Signs Budget

Governor Rick Snyder signed the budget bill on Wednesday. It included another $114.3 million in aid to Flint with $51 million more available October 1. Healthy Kids Dental was also expanded to all children in all counties. This has the Governor and his administration six for six in completing state budgets in June, three months prior to the start of the fiscal year.

posted by PAA Online , 11:06 AM
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