Flint

The water in Flint has improved significantly, but according to Virginia Tech Professor Marc Edwards, residents should continue to use filters or bottled water.

Researchers from Virginia Tech held a press conference on three studies they completed on Flint’s water: studying citizen-led water testing, water heaters, and disinfection byproducts. Kelsey Pieper, a USDA fellow at Virginia Tech announced the improvements of lead and iron in Flint’s drinking water. In March 2016, Ms. Pieper sampled 126 homes, which showed the 90^th percentile lead value was one and a half times the EPA’s lead action level. Officials at that time urged residents to use as much water as possible so the lead inhibitors could get into the system.

These encouragements somewhat worked, according to Ms. Pieper, as the most recent samples, concluded mid-July showed the 90^th percentile lead level values were 13.9 parts per billion, and federal action level is 15 parts per billion. Ms. Pieper also noted the “first draw” lead levels had also improved, with only 9 percent of sampled homes having non-detectable lead. While numbers have improved, the researches continue to encourage homeowners to use filters and/or water bottles until advised otherwise.

Researchers also found residential water heaters are not likely sources for the outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease. The initial theory was the water heaters collected inorganic sediment at the bottom of the tank, and without enough chlorine to filter the water, the sediment potentially aided in the growth of legionella. The researchers found no conclusive evidence there was a connection between these two. They further found flushing water heaters did little to eliminate or reduce incidences of legionella.

Finally, Professor Edwards addressed the concern of disinfection byproducts in the water, stating there was nothing unusual found by his team of researchers. Residents have been concerned about the disinfection byproducts in their water in the past, and because of this a third round of testing was completed. The results will be announced after reviewed by all parties involved in the study.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 12, 2016 10:58 AM
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Straight Ticket

The Attorney General asked the 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for an emergency stay within a week of a lower court striking down the law eliminating the straight-ticket voting option. Justice Drain in his ruling found the plaintiffs’ argument valid and agreed the law places a disproportionate burden on African-American voters.

The Attorney General asked to stay U.S. District Court Judge Gershwin Drain’s ruling through the November election, stating that with Mr. Drain’s schedule and the deadline for printing ballots, emergency action is necessary.

The Attorney General additionally requested an initial hearing on the case from the court en banc, meaning with all 23 sitting judges. The state disputes Justice Drain’s ruling and says there is no evidence that African-American voters would suffer any additional burden from the elimination of the straight-ticket option.

posted by PAA Online , 10:57 AM
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Revenues Up

The Senate Fiscal Agency released their monthly revenue report on Wednesday, showing an increase in several areas.

Revenue from the General Fund and School Aid Fund totaled $2 billion in July, about $85.3 million above expected levels. Higher than expected collections from the sales tax, insurance tax, and Michigan Business Tax along with the Home Heating Credit reimbursement attributed to this gain. Corporate Income Tax collections and revenue from individual tax withholdings were lower than expected.

Collections to the General Fund were $45.9 million above expectations, and collections to the School Aid Fund were $36.5 million above expected levels. Collections from the Single Business Tax, Michigan Business Tax and Corporate Income Tax totaled $30 million. Sales tax receipts totaled $665.3 million, $18.5 million above forecasted.

posted by PAA Online , 10:57 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Business Expansion in Owosso and Sparta

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced three new business expansions and two community development projects in the Owosso, Sparta areas, creating more than 100 jobs and nearly $4 million in total investment. National Composites, the successor of Owosso Composite, LLC, was awarded a $275,000 grant. The company is investing $1.6 million and creating 76 jobs. Michigan Beer Cellar in Sparta, or Cellar Brewing Company, will invest nearly $1.9 million and create 19 full-time jobs, and has been awarded a $250,940 grant.

Vet Homes

The State Administrative Board’s Finance Claims Committee approved contracts for CareerStaff Unlimited and Maxim Health Care Services to provide certified nurse assistants to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on Tuesday. These contracts will take effect October 1 after the full State Administrative Board approves them.

Snyder Appointments

Governor Rick Snyder made several appointments, all still subject to the consent of the Senate. Sheryl Blanchard has been appointed to succeed William Sullivan on the Board of Acupuncture. On the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (Children’s Trust Fund), Stanley Hannah succeeds Andra Rush and Lauren Rakolta succeeds Mark Davidoff. The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity, Kortni Campbell succeeds Kimberly Ruiz to represent low-income persons, Matthew Purcell will fill a vacancy to represent community action agencies, and Sonjalita Hulbert and Jacob Maas are reappointed. Jerry Suter succeeds Harold Neiman on the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. Finally, Donald Hicks and Ron Sabin are reappointed on the State Fire Safety

Board.

Drug Settlement Money

Michigan will receive about $3.4 million from Cephalon, a pharmaceutical manufacturer that delayed a generic version of a medicine to assist with narcolepsy and sleep apnea. The $3.4 million will go towards repaying consumers who purchased Provigil, the name brand, when they could have purchased the less costly generic drug. Eligible consumers will receive notices of how to file a claim and collect damages.

posted by PAA Online , 10:56 AM
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