Snyder Signs Bills

Governor Rick Snyder signed several bills this week, including the third grade reading bill. HB 4822 requires students not reading at third grade level to be held back a year, but also requires the schools to implement reading assistance programs to avoid students having to be retained. The bill also allows parents to request a waiver for the child to move onward in their schooling. Governor Snyder signed the bills in a small ceremony with fourth grade students in attendance.

Governor Snyder also signed legislation granting limited exemption from prosecution to people reporting a possible drug overdose, regardless of age. HB 5649 and HB 5650 builds on a law exempting individuals under 21 from certain prescription drug-related criminal charges if they are reporting life-threatening overdoses. The bill takes effect January 4.

Governor Snyder additionally signed bills relating to autism coverage fund, state financing and management, and education budget boilerplate, among others.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 7, 2016 9:58 AM
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DEQ Approves Supports for Straits Pipeline

The Department of Environmental Quality approved a permit for Enbridge Energy to add additional helical anchoring support structures to the Line 5 pipeline.

Enbridge applied for the permit after inspections showed support shifts in the pipeline and insufficient supports to meet the requirement of its easement requirements under the Straits of Mackinac, where the pipe is located. Initially the company requested a permit for at least 18 additional supports, but DEQ officials are deferring a decision on additional supports past the initial four given.

A spokesperson for Enbridge commented the company is pleased with the Department’s decision to grant their proposal, and is hopeful the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will approve its application to place another 18 anchors on the pipeline.

posted by PAA Online , 9:58 AM
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U of M Diversity Efforts

The University of Michigan announced a new diversity program on Thursday that would spend $85 million over the next five years to attract more minorities to the school.

The plan, announced by Rob Sellers, the vice provost for Diversity, Equity and Academic Affairs, includes efforts to recruit a more diverse student body and to make campus more welcoming once the students arrive. For example, incoming freshman will attend a program to help students navigate the differences among their fellow students. Additionally, the Wolverine Pathways program that has been attracting students from the Southfield and Ypsilanti area will now expand to Detroit in the coming year. The university is also constructing a $10 million multicultural center on campus.

The University of Michigan has historically taken measures to increase student diversity since its foundation. The university is planning a survey of students and faculty later this month to gauge a baseline of the current racial and ethnic climate at the university.

posted by PAA Online , 9:57 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Hertel Leaving DHHS

Elizabeth Hertel, director of policy and legislative relations for the Department of Health and Human Services is leaving the department to join Trinity Health. Ms. Hertel succeeds former Representative Marc Corriveau in the position and will begin October 31. Ms. Hertel has previously worked as a senior advisor on health policy in the House Republican Caucus and been a consultant with Public Sector Consultants and at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Flint Hires Pugh

The City of Flint hired Dr. Pamela Pugh to serve as the city’s chief public health advisor. Dr. Pugh is the owner of Urban Regeneration LLC, a business which serves as a catalyst for economically sustainable and health urban communities by partnering with organization and businesses. She also has worked in the Saginaw County Department of Public Health for 14 years. Dr. Pugh currently also served on the state’s Board of Education.

Flint Homes Get Pipe Replacement

Workers are moving to complete the goal of 200 homes in Flint receiving pipe replacement by the end of the week. This marks the completion of the second phase of Flint Mayor Karen Weaver’s FAST Start initiative. Workers are eager to begin the next phase, which entails the replacement of service lines in about 1,000 homes this fall.

Women Veterans Board

The Michigan Veteran Affairs Administration (MVAA) has named a five member Women Veterans Advisory Board to advise the agency on women veteran issues. Board members include Heather Byington, Yulanda Curtis, Dr. Tamara Hullender, Dr. Sylvia Rafels, Sarah Robb, and Kari Smith. MVAA Director James Redford commented the administration sought experts in business, health care, higher education, criminal justice, technology, and government to participate on this board. The first scheduled meeting is October 11.

posted by PAA Online , 9:57 AM
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