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.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
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.
Michigan's graduation rate dips slightly for 2011
Michigan's graduation rate dips slightly for 2011 | MLive.com
Some had predicted the class would struggle because it was the first to come under mandatory, tougher statewide graduation requirements that include more math, science and other courses than previously mandated.
But the dire predictions didn't come true,
Some had predicted the class would struggle because it was the first to come under mandatory, tougher statewide graduation requirements that include more math, science and other courses than previously mandated.
But the dire predictions didn't come true,
Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague's decision not to run will have big political impact
Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague's decision not to run will have big political impact | MLive.com
Scolnik said. “While I have a great deal of respect for Tony and the job he did as prosecutor, I think in some instances he was too tough. … We can’t afford to keep so many people in prison and jail.”
Scolnik said. “While I have a great deal of respect for Tony and the job he did as prosecutor, I think in some instances he was too tough. … We can’t afford to keep so many people in prison and jail.”
Rep. Cleaver faces Bank of America suit, but could be bailed out by taxpayers
Rep. Cleaver faces Bank of America suit, but could be bailed out by taxpayers - The Hill's Floor Action
Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), who is facing a lawsuit for failing to pay down a 2002 Bank of America loan that he used to buy a car wash in Missouri, could have a good chunk of the $1.5 million he owes paid off by taxpayers.
Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), who is facing a lawsuit for failing to pay down a 2002 Bank of America loan that he used to buy a car wash in Missouri, could have a good chunk of the $1.5 million he owes paid off by taxpayers.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
American Universities Infected by Foreign Spies Detected by FBI
American Universities Infected by Foreign Spies Detected by FBI - Bloomberg
Michigan State University PresidentLou Anna K. Simon contacted the Central Intelligence Agency inlate 2009 with an urgent question.
The school’s campus in Dubai needed a bailout and anunlikely savior had stepped forward: a Dubai-based company thatoffered to provide money and students.
Simon was tempted.
She also worried that the company, which had investors from Iran and wanted to recruit students from there, might be a front for the Iranian government, she said.
If so, an agreement could violate federal trade sanctions and invite enemy spies.
The CIA couldn’t confirm that the company wasn’t an arm of Iran’s government.
Simon rejected the offer and shut down undergraduate programs in Dubai, at a loss of $3.7 million.
Michigan State University PresidentLou Anna K. Simon contacted the Central Intelligence Agency inlate 2009 with an urgent question.
The school’s campus in Dubai needed a bailout and anunlikely savior had stepped forward: a Dubai-based company thatoffered to provide money and students.
Simon was tempted.
She also worried that the company, which had investors from Iran and wanted to recruit students from there, might be a front for the Iranian government, she said.
If so, an agreement could violate federal trade sanctions and invite enemy spies.
The CIA couldn’t confirm that the company wasn’t an arm of Iran’s government.
Simon rejected the offer and shut down undergraduate programs in Dubai, at a loss of $3.7 million.
Muskegon blood donations remain on tentative schedule due to labor dispute
Muskegon blood donations remain on tentative schedule due to labor dispute | MLive.com
Local 459 alleges unfair labor practices by the American Red Cross, collective bargaining issues, concerns over health care negotiations and need for improvements in blood-safety practices.
Local 459 alleges unfair labor practices by the American Red Cross, collective bargaining issues, concerns over health care negotiations and need for improvements in blood-safety practices.
Muskegon blood donations remain on tentative schedule due to labor dispute
Muskegon blood donations remain on tentative schedule due to labor dispute | MLive.com
Local 459 alleges unfair labor practices by the American Red Cross, collective bargaining issues, concerns over health care negotiations and need for improvements in blood-safety practices.
Local 459 alleges unfair labor practices by the American Red Cross, collective bargaining issues, concerns over health care negotiations and need for improvements in blood-safety practices.
Governor's declaration in Muskegon Heights sets up process for emergency manager appointment
Governor's declaration in Muskegon Heights sets up process for emergency manager appointment | MLive.com
The next steps also are laid out by law:
The school board or its interim superintendent has until April 17 to request a hearing on the determination of a financial emergency.
That hearing will only consider arguments about whether the financial review team's findings "were supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence on the whole record," according to a letter Snyder sent to Muskegon Heights Interim Superintendent Dave Sipka.
If a hearing is requested, it will be held at 10 a.m. April 18 in Lansing before state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.
The next steps also are laid out by law:
The school board or its interim superintendent has until April 17 to request a hearing on the determination of a financial emergency.
That hearing will only consider arguments about whether the financial review team's findings "were supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence on the whole record," according to a letter Snyder sent to Muskegon Heights Interim Superintendent Dave Sipka.
If a hearing is requested, it will be held at 10 a.m. April 18 in Lansing before state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.
- Following the hearing, Snyder will decide whether to "confirm or revoke" his determination of a financial emergency.
- If he confirms the the financial emergency, Snyder must then declare the school district to be in receivership and appoint an emergency manager "to act for and in the place and stead of the governing body and the office of chief administrative officer." Among the manager's powers is the ability to modify collective bargaining agreements.
The school board has 10 business days to decide by at least a vote of two-thirds of its members to appeal Snyder's decision in Ingham County Circuit Court. The court can overturn his decision if it determines the decision was "not supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence on the whole record," or if it was "arbitrary, capricious, or clearly an abuse or unwarranted exercise of discretion." - Barring such a court ruling, the emergency manager has 45 days to submit to the state treasurer a financial and operating plan for the district. The plan will be "regularly reexamined" by the emergency manager and state treasurer, and can be modified by the manager.
- Within 30 days of submitting the financial and operating plan, the emergency manager must conduct a public informational meeting on the plan.
- The school district will remain in a financial emergency until the emergency manager declares, and the state treasurer and state superintendent agree, that the emergency has been rectified.
Muskegon County's dog-law oversight turned over to sheriff, treasurer
Muskegon County's dog-law oversight turned over to sheriff, treasurer | MLive.com
As part of the change, the three animal control officers and the clinic clerk will be transferred to the Sheriff’s Office, effective Oct. 1.
Dog licenses are already sold in several of the treasurers’ offices for local cities and townships.
The county Treasurer’s Office already has a working arrangement with those local treasurers’ offices. Therefore, some county officials expect the administration of the dog licensing to be more efficient to operate.
As part of the change, the three animal control officers and the clinic clerk will be transferred to the Sheriff’s Office, effective Oct. 1.
Dog licenses are already sold in several of the treasurers’ offices for local cities and townships.
The county Treasurer’s Office already has a working arrangement with those local treasurers’ offices. Therefore, some county officials expect the administration of the dog licensing to be more efficient to operate.
Governor declares financial emergency in Muskegon Heights schools
Governor declares financial emergency in Muskegon Heights schools | MLive.com
"Ensuring a quality education for the students of Muskegon Heights is our top priority," Snyder said in a press release.
"The appointment of an emergency manager is the next logical step in restoring financial stability to the troubled district and, in fact, is a step requested by members of the Muskegon Heights Board of Education."
The school board four months ago asked that an emergency manager be appointed for the district, which ended last year with an $8.5 million deficit.
"Ensuring a quality education for the students of Muskegon Heights is our top priority," Snyder said in a press release.
"The appointment of an emergency manager is the next logical step in restoring financial stability to the troubled district and, in fact, is a step requested by members of the Muskegon Heights Board of Education."
The school board four months ago asked that an emergency manager be appointed for the district, which ended last year with an $8.5 million deficit.
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