Teachers decry changes to pension, retirement health care plans | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com: To make up for those lost years in his teaching career, Goff bought 10 years of credit in the public school employee pension system with plans of retiring in summer 2014 at age 54.
But Goff said he might have to work another six years at the Meridian School District if state lawmakers approve legislation overhauling the retirement system and requiring school and community college employees to be 60 to qualify for retiree health care.
The father of five said the legislation disrupts his and his wife's retirement plans.
"It fundamentally alters our plans, our hopes and our dreams," Goff said
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Judge: DTE rate increase improper
Judge: DTE rate increase improper | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
DTE Energy customers won't see refunds anytime soon despite a ruling Wednesday that the utility never should have been allowed to hike rates by $37 million for its controversial smart meter program.
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the Michigan Public Service Commission should not have permitted DTE Energy to raise rates to fund the program and that the utility failed to show the program provided any benefit to customers.
....The smart meters, already installed in more than 700,000 homes in more than 30 municipalities, allow the utility to remotely monitor and shut off electricity to customers.
DTE Energy customers won't see refunds anytime soon despite a ruling Wednesday that the utility never should have been allowed to hike rates by $37 million for its controversial smart meter program.
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the Michigan Public Service Commission should not have permitted DTE Energy to raise rates to fund the program and that the utility failed to show the program provided any benefit to customers.
....The smart meters, already installed in more than 700,000 homes in more than 30 municipalities, allow the utility to remotely monitor and shut off electricity to customers.
City workers suspended without pay in Warren
Fouts: City workers suspended without pay in Warren | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Warren— Three city workers accused of stealing thousands of dollars in city property, including a heavy-duty toilet seat, a dog run and a vinyl picket fence, have been suspended without pay
Warren— Three city workers accused of stealing thousands of dollars in city property, including a heavy-duty toilet seat, a dog run and a vinyl picket fence, have been suspended without pay
Mom walking baby shot as she fled sex assault attempt in Detroit
Mom walking baby shot as she fled sex assault attempt in Detroit | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com: Detroit — A woman is in critical condition after she was shot trying to escape with her 6-month-old baby from a man who tried to sexually assault her.
Still waiting for a call from president barry.....
Still waiting for a call from president barry.....
Aspargus picking jobs available
Aspargus picking jobs available | wzzm13.com
Migrant workers that usually do the work are still picking crops in Florida and Texas. They're not expected to return to Michigan until May.
The goal of the first ever asparagus job fair in Hart was to fill more than 200 positions.
Depending on the farm the jobs will start in the next week or two.
Pay starts at $7.40 per hour.
But employers also pay hourly bonuses based on the amount of asparagus a worker picks
Migrant workers that usually do the work are still picking crops in Florida and Texas. They're not expected to return to Michigan until May.
The goal of the first ever asparagus job fair in Hart was to fill more than 200 positions.
Depending on the farm the jobs will start in the next week or two.
Pay starts at $7.40 per hour.
But employers also pay hourly bonuses based on the amount of asparagus a worker picks
Meijer Gardens Announces Full Summer Concert Lineup
Meijer Gardens Announces Full Summer Concert Lineup - FOX 17
The popular venue has announced an ecletic 25 show lineup, Meijer's largest to date.
Presale tickets are available to members, starting April 28, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Members get the chance to save $5 a ticket.
Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., May 12, 2012.
Members save $2 per ticket purchased
WOW!
The popular venue has announced an ecletic 25 show lineup, Meijer's largest to date.
Presale tickets are available to members, starting April 28, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Members get the chance to save $5 a ticket.
Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., May 12, 2012.
Members save $2 per ticket purchased
WOW!
Study Says "Pure Michigan" Campaign Brought in $1 Billion
Study Says "Pure Michigan" Campaign Brought in $1 Billion - FOX 17
2011's summer campaign is said to have cost $14.3 million and generated nearly $5 million in taxes for each dollar spent on the campaign.
2011's summer campaign is said to have cost $14.3 million and generated nearly $5 million in taxes for each dollar spent on the campaign.
Mona Shores saves taxpayers nearly $700,000 with refinance plan
Mona Shores saves taxpayers nearly $700,000 with refinance plan | MLive.com
Mona Shores will save taxpayers nearly $683,000 with the refunding of bonds originally sold in 2002.
Mona Shores will save taxpayers nearly $683,000 with the refunding of bonds originally sold in 2002.
Gov. Rick Snyder signs laws restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners
Gov. Rick Snyder signs laws restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners | MLive.com
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the asset test hurts Michigan families and that it's unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test for food assistance.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
A Senate Fiscal Agency analysis estimates the regulations could save up to $1.4 million in food assistance and another $200,000 in family independence assistance this fiscal year.
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the asset test hurts Michigan families and that it's unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test for food assistance.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
A Senate Fiscal Agency analysis estimates the regulations could save up to $1.4 million in food assistance and another $200,000 in family independence assistance this fiscal year.
Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites
Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites | MLive.com
A Citizens Review Committee also is being formed to assist in the process and help with public outreach about the county’s contention about the need for a new jail facility.
The committee members are expected to be appointed this month by the County Board of Commissioners.
A Citizens Review Committee also is being formed to assist in the process and help with public outreach about the county’s contention about the need for a new jail facility.
The committee members are expected to be appointed this month by the County Board of Commissioners.
Muskegon County still has second-highest percentage receiving cash assistance, despite 3,000-person decline
Muskegon County still has second-highest percentage receiving cash assistance, despite 3,000-person decline | MLive.com
Muskegon County had the third-highest number of cases to hit the 60-month time limit when it was instituted in October, with 599 families removed then.
That number projected to reach 733 by May, DHS spokesman Dave Akerly said.
Muskegon County had the third-highest number of cases to hit the 60-month time limit when it was instituted in October, with 599 families removed then.
That number projected to reach 733 by May, DHS spokesman Dave Akerly said.
Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites
Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites | MLive.com
The tentative project schedule, submitted last month by County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley, calls for a new Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center to open Jan. 2, 2015. Hammersley cautioned the planning committee overseeing the jail proposal that the project schedule is preliminary and some changes are expected.
Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler, who is chairman of the committee, has said his indications are that a new jail, whether a retrofit into an existing building or a newly constructed facility, would require 500-600 beds in planning for the county’s future. The current jail is rated for 370 beds, although the sheriff has said the average daily population exceeds 400.
A Citizens Review Committee also is being formed to assist in the process and help with public outreach about the county’s contention about the need for a new jail facility.
The tentative project schedule, submitted last month by County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley, calls for a new Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center to open Jan. 2, 2015. Hammersley cautioned the planning committee overseeing the jail proposal that the project schedule is preliminary and some changes are expected.
Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler, who is chairman of the committee, has said his indications are that a new jail, whether a retrofit into an existing building or a newly constructed facility, would require 500-600 beds in planning for the county’s future. The current jail is rated for 370 beds, although the sheriff has said the average daily population exceeds 400.
A Citizens Review Committee also is being formed to assist in the process and help with public outreach about the county’s contention about the need for a new jail facility.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sukhoi T-50 Competes With The F-35
Sukhoi T-50 Competes With The F-35 - Business Insider
With its twin-engine design, the T-50 closely resembles the 20-year-old F-22 Raptor prototype
With its twin-engine design, the T-50 closely resembles the 20-year-old F-22 Raptor prototype
Editgate: a one-time thing that NBC News did over and over
Editgate: a one-time thing that NBC News did over and over | The Daily Caller
NBC News made that dishonest edit, then claimed it was an innocent mistake and the perpetrator had been fired, but wouldn’t say who and wouldn’t say how everybody else at NBC News somehow missed it.
They’re hoping that will suffice, which is kind of funny. Tom Maguire has been doing the yeoman’s work on this, and here’s his latest:
NBC News made that dishonest edit, then claimed it was an innocent mistake and the perpetrator had been fired, but wouldn’t say who and wouldn’t say how everybody else at NBC News somehow missed it.
They’re hoping that will suffice, which is kind of funny. Tom Maguire has been doing the yeoman’s work on this, and here’s his latest:
Michelle Williams responds to controversial audio recording concerning Trayvon Martin case
Michelle Williams responds to controversial audio recording concerning Trayvon Martin case
Williams can be heard saying,
"Let me tell you something, the things that is about to happen to these honkeys, these crackers, these pigs, these pink people, these (beep) people, it has been long over due."
Michelle Williams is the Chief of Staff with the local chapter of the New Black Panther Party.
Williams can be heard saying,
"Let me tell you something, the things that is about to happen to these honkeys, these crackers, these pigs, these pink people, these (beep) people, it has been long over due."
Michelle Williams is the Chief of Staff with the local chapter of the New Black Panther Party.
Strong men more likely to vote Conservative
Strong men more likely to vote Conservative - Telegraph
Physically strong men are more likely to hold right wing political views because they believe society should be geared to personal struggle and self-preservation, an academic study claims.
Physically strong men are more likely to hold right wing political views because they believe society should be geared to personal struggle and self-preservation, an academic study claims.
X-Rite Inc. to be sold in a $625 million takeover
X-Rite Inc. to be sold in a $625 million takeover | MLive.com
Color products maker X-Rite Inc. announced today it will be acquired by Danaher Corp., an industrial and healthcare conglomerate based in Washington, D.C. for $625 million.
Color products maker X-Rite Inc. announced today it will be acquired by Danaher Corp., an industrial and healthcare conglomerate based in Washington, D.C. for $625 million.
Experts: Ousting Gov. Snyder might not be true goal of recall effort
Experts: Ousting Gov. Snyder might not be true goal of recall effort | MLive.com
Politicos said Michigan Rising and its backers instead are likely using petitions to collect names and addresses of potential voters – and donors – as it targets state House races and even boosting President Obama’s re-election bid.
Politicos said Michigan Rising and its backers instead are likely using petitions to collect names and addresses of potential voters – and donors – as it targets state House races and even boosting President Obama’s re-election bid.
America's Debt Is Greater than Entire Eurozone's (and U.K.'s) Combined Debt
As the chart shows, America's debt is currently $15.1 trillion, while the Eurozone (which includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and others) has a combined debt of $12.7 trillion. (All dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars, and the data refers to closing 2011 numbers.)
The Eurozone is larger than the United States, so America's debt per capita also exceeds the Eurozone's.
Illinois Is Pension Basket Case You Forgot About
Illinois Is Pension Basket Case You Forgot About - Bloomberg“If the General Assembly does not continue to provide allof the funding called for in state law, calculations done by TRSactuaries show that the System could become insolvent as soon as 2030....
Will state pension crisis be the tipping point?
Will state pension crisis be the tipping point? - The Hill's Congress Blog
This crisis that has been a long time coming and we are just beginning to grasp the magnitude of the state pension debt tsunami that’s going to hit us within the next decade.
Because virtually all states have some type of balanced budget requirement, it has been relatively easy to ignore the fact that unfunded pension obligations have been purposefully left off state balance sheets.
In truth, those obligations in most states far exceed the total of outstanding state debt, spending, and tax revenues combined.
This crisis that has been a long time coming and we are just beginning to grasp the magnitude of the state pension debt tsunami that’s going to hit us within the next decade.
Because virtually all states have some type of balanced budget requirement, it has been relatively easy to ignore the fact that unfunded pension obligations have been purposefully left off state balance sheets.
In truth, those obligations in most states far exceed the total of outstanding state debt, spending, and tax revenues combined.
Swedish Study Finds Laws Banning Texting, Talking On Phones While Driving Are Ineffective
Swedish Study Finds Laws Banning Texting, Talking On Phones While Driving Are Ineffective | Fox News:
...a VTI study found that there was no long-term traffic safety impact for countries that allowed cell phone use with hands-free equipment.
...a VTI study found that there was no long-term traffic safety impact for countries that allowed cell phone use with hands-free equipment.
Study: Road deaths up on Tax Day
Study: Road deaths up on Tax Day | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Drivers recklessly racing to the post office to meet the deadline might be one reason.
Or it could be that stressing over taxes distracts motorists and contributes to human error, researchers said.
"Researchers"?
Drivers recklessly racing to the post office to meet the deadline might be one reason.
Or it could be that stressing over taxes distracts motorists and contributes to human error, researchers said.
"Researchers"?
$28M Dearborn rail project moves ahead
$28M Dearborn rail project moves ahead | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Hope.....and change........
Maybe this Dearborn gal COULD use a choo choo train: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120410/METRO/204100427/1409/metro/Dearborn-s-former-Miss-USA-faces-drunken-driving-trial
The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Hope.....and change........
Maybe this Dearborn gal COULD use a choo choo train: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120410/METRO/204100427/1409/metro/Dearborn-s-former-Miss-USA-faces-drunken-driving-trial
Amendment to postal service law could guarantee the public a chance for appeal building closures
Amendment to postal service law could guarantee the public a chance for appeal building closures | MLive.com
The amendment “would prevent the closing of any postal facility unless there is an opportunity for the public to appeal the closing to the Postal Regulatory Commission and for that appeal to be considered,” Sen. Levin said in an email message today.
The amendment “would prevent the closing of any postal facility unless there is an opportunity for the public to appeal the closing to the Postal Regulatory Commission and for that appeal to be considered,” Sen. Levin said in an email message today.
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