Sanders Wins State Action Award

Public Affairs Associates’ Tyrone D. Sanders, Jr., Esq. received the Michigan African American Thought Leaders’ State Action Council award for 2016. Other recipients include Mayor Mike Duggan, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing), Representative Leslie Love (D-Detroit), Representative Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint), and U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson (D-Miami). A reception for the award recipients was held Thursday in Washington D.C.. Please join the PAA team in congratulating Tyrone.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 16, 2016 11:19 AM
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LGBTQ Guidance Passed

The State Board of Education approved new guidance for school districts to accommodate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students. The Board approved the measure by a vote of 6-2.

The guidance encourages schools to use the student’s chosen name and gender pronoun and provide options for gender identity appropriate restrooms and locker rooms. It also encourages parent participation in developing plans to meet students’ needs, but provides caution in situations where the student has not come out to their families. The guidance is voluntary for districts.

The board heard several hours of testimony, split between supporters and opponents of the measure. Opponents drew several concerns. Board member Eileen Weiser (R-Ann Arbor) was concerned the guidance would change little unless there were changes made to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act or other legal support. Supporters disagreed saying this guidance sends a message to students, schools, and the country that Michigan is accepting of all people.

posted by PAA Online , 11:19 AM
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Flint

On Wednesday, the first state employee was officially convicted in relation to the Flint Water Crisis.

Former state epidemiologist Corinne Miller pleaded no contest to a willful neglect of duty charge, a misdemeanor. Initially, Ms. Miller was charged with misconduct in office, conspiracy to commit misconduct in office, both punishable by up to five years in prison, and a willful neglect of duty. In a plea deal set by Attorney General Bill Schuette, Ms. Miller had the first two charges dropped in exchange for her cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

Mr. Schuette and special counsel Todd Flood have brought charges against additional employees and former employees of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environmental Quality. None of these cases are scheduled to have any hearings until March 2017.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) helped pass a proposal to provide Flint $100 million in federal funding. As part of the Water Resources Development Act, the city will be able to have access to the funds once Michigan files a plan with the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The bill also allows the state to provide up to $20 million in loan forgiveness funds to Flint.

posted by PAA Online , 11:18 AM
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Emergency Manager Law

Dismissing challenges to Michigan’s emergency manager (EM) law, the 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled there is no fundamental constitutional right for individuals to vote for local government officials.

Catherine Philips, lead plaintiff in the case of Phillips v. Snyder, charged the EM law for violating the citizen’s right to elect local officials under the Equal Protection clause, the Due Process clause and the constitutional guarantee of a republican form of government. The court responded that the U.S. Supreme Court has held states have absolute discretion in determining how local governments are to be operated, meaning the state can elect and appoint those positions. The court also ruled the emergency manager has a rational basis for existing, and this is the only condition needed to be met to uphold the law.

The court’s decision was unanimous. In response, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) commented that regardless of the decision, the emergency manager law has had disastrous consequences and needs to be changed.

posted by PAA Online , 11:14 AM
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Detroit Students Sue

A federal class action lawsuit was filed Tuesday against the state for failing the students of Detroit. The action calls for a statewide accountability system and for the state to ensure appropriate literacy education.

The lawsuit has been filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Seven students brought the suit claiming they have not been given access to appropriate literacy programs either because the programs were unavailable or the school’s condition made it impossible to learn. Governor Rick Snyder, Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Whiston, the eight members of the State Board of Education, Technology, Management and Budget Director David Behen, and School Reform/Redesign Officer Natasha Baker have all been named in the suit,

The suit argues that literacy is a civil right and the state has violated the student’s Fourteenth Amendment by not ensuring this. The suit is requesting the federal court order the state to provide evidenced-based literacy programs and universal screenings to find those needing additional assistance, as well as remedial education to all affected students in the case.

posted by PAA Online , 11:12 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Pettalia Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Representative Peter Pettalia, 61, passed away Monday following a motorcycle accident in Montmorency County. The House of Representatives postponed Tuesday’s agenda out of respect. Mr. Pettalia was serving his third and final term. A celebration of life will be held today at the new Presque Isle lighthouse. The PAA team joins the chorus of people statewide that mourn Representative Pettalia’s passing and wish comfort to his family.

Medical Marijuana Headed to Snyder

On Wednesday, the House concurred to Senate changes in HB 4209, HB 4210, and HB 4827 to expand medical marijuana regulation and usage in the state. The bills create the Medical Marijuana Licensing Board and a 3 percent excise tax, among other things. The package awaits Governor Snyder’s approval.

Tesla Prohibited from Selling New Cars in Michigan

The Department of State ruled that since Tesla Motors is a manufacturer and not a company with a contract with a manufacturer, it cannot qualify for a dealership license. The company applied for both a new car and used car dealership license. Tesla will not be able to sell new cars, but should be granted a used car license, according to an administrative law examiner Jay Todd.

posted by PAA Online , 11:11 AM
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