Kennedy family is riddled with entitled, underachieving drunks, drug addicts and cheaters, who have treated women terribly - NYPOST.com
If you were related to these people — really, would you tell anyone?
Yet somehow, Americans have continued to imbue the Kennedy name with qualities long ago revealed to be mere chimeras, as ghostly as the hoary, faux-patrician rituals to which they cling: Capture the Flag, touch football, speaking with Brahmin accents.
The day after Mary Kennedy was found hanging in her barn, her estranged husband did what his family does best: sincerely insincere damage control.
“A lot of times, I don’t know how she made it through the day,” Robert Kennedy Jr. said this week. “She was in a lot of agony for a lot of her life.”
The self-serving implication: not that he would ever know how she came to be that way.
“I remember being seated at a dinner next to Bobby around 10 years ago that she was also at,” a close friend of Mary’s told The Post last week. “It was the first time I had met either of them, and he put his hand on my thigh under the table. He was such a dog that way.”
Yesterday, the Kennedys buried Mary in Hyannisport, near the famous family compound. In life, Mary had been banned from there for years. In death, she is now the good Kennedy wife, keeping up appearances.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Half of Florida high school students fail reading test
Half of Florida high school students fail reading test - Yahoo! News Canada
Nearly half of Florida high school students failed the reading portion of the state's new toughened standardized test, education officials said on Friday.
Nearly half of Florida high school students failed the reading portion of the state's new toughened standardized test, education officials said on Friday.
When government is the looter
When government is the looter - The Washington Post
They are being persecuted by two governments eager to profit from what is antiseptically called the “equitable sharing” of the fruits of civil forfeiture, a process of government enrichment that often is indistinguishable from robbery.
They are being persecuted by two governments eager to profit from what is antiseptically called the “equitable sharing” of the fruits of civil forfeiture, a process of government enrichment that often is indistinguishable from robbery.
Allen Park considers subcontracting public safety to shore up $1.6M deficit
Allen Park considers subcontracting public safety to shore up $1.6M deficit
Allen Park — The city might consider subcontracting police and fire services with a neighboring community as it prepares its 2012-13 budget that is expected to garner the attention of state officials who have been keeping an eye on the city's financial troubles.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120520/METRO01/205200310#ixzz1vOq7JQMz
Allen Park — The city might consider subcontracting police and fire services with a neighboring community as it prepares its 2012-13 budget that is expected to garner the attention of state officials who have been keeping an eye on the city's financial troubles.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120520/METRO01/205200310#ixzz1vOq7JQMz
In Detroit's distressed areas, the neighbors left, and now services disappear
In the Davison Freeway and East McNichols area on Detroit's east side, Rosetta Newby knows the cost of living in a neighborhood marked by abandonment.
Her homeowners insurance is escalating, and no other company will insure her at an affordable rate, she said.
Her bank turned her down for a loan for new windows and other improvements to her home of 44 years on Charest.
There's no grocery store near her, and few streetlights work.
All that's left is a sprinkle of residents, shells of houses and vacant lots framed by crumbling sidewalks.
Her homeowners insurance is escalating, and no other company will insure her at an affordable rate, she said.
Her bank turned her down for a loan for new windows and other improvements to her home of 44 years on Charest.
There's no grocery store near her, and few streetlights work.
All that's left is a sprinkle of residents, shells of houses and vacant lots framed by crumbling sidewalks.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Study ranks Michigan as one of most corrupt states for state-level politicians
The State News :: Study ranks Michigan as one of most corrupt states for state-level politicians
Michigan state-level politicians can get away with some of the most corruption in the nation, according to a study released this week.
A state integrity survey argues Michigan financial disclosure regulations are too lax, allowing state lawmakers to keep hidden potential financial conflicts of interest and keep perks from lobbyists off the books.
Michigan state-level politicians can get away with some of the most corruption in the nation, according to a study released this week.
A state integrity survey argues Michigan financial disclosure regulations are too lax, allowing state lawmakers to keep hidden potential financial conflicts of interest and keep perks from lobbyists off the books.
Why was Obama a Birther until he decided to run for president?
Why was Obama a Birther until he decided to run for president? | The Daily Caller
Yesterday, Big Government reported that back in 1991, Obama’s literary agency, Acton & Dystel, put out a bio claiming he was born in Kenya:Yesterday, Big Government reported that back in 1991,
Politico Covers Up Obama Campaigns Alleged Attempt to Bribe Rev. Wright
Politico Covers Up Obama Campaigns Alleged Attempt to Bribe Rev. Wright
What Politico glaringly chose to leave out of its in-depth and oh-so detailed reporting, though, is the primary reason Reverend Wright is back in the news, but one inconvenient to President Obama's re-election chances:
According to Edward Klein in today’s New York Post, then-Senator Barack Obama’s political campaign tried, through back channels, to bribe Rev. Jeremiah Wright not to speak during the 2008 election cycle. The price: $150,000.
The bribery story broke just this week but, per the usual, not in the mainstream media -- even though John Edwards is currently on trial for a similar allegation that was uncovered by outlets other than a corrupt MSM that refused to report on a story that might have hurt the election chances of another presidential candidate with a "D" after his name.
You sensing a pattern here?
What Politico glaringly chose to leave out of its in-depth and oh-so detailed reporting, though, is the primary reason Reverend Wright is back in the news, but one inconvenient to President Obama's re-election chances:
According to Edward Klein in today’s New York Post, then-Senator Barack Obama’s political campaign tried, through back channels, to bribe Rev. Jeremiah Wright not to speak during the 2008 election cycle. The price: $150,000.
The bribery story broke just this week but, per the usual, not in the mainstream media -- even though John Edwards is currently on trial for a similar allegation that was uncovered by outlets other than a corrupt MSM that refused to report on a story that might have hurt the election chances of another presidential candidate with a "D" after his name.
You sensing a pattern here?
Snyder considering 'interlocal' Canadian bridge agreement
Snyder considering 'interlocal' Canadian bridge agreement | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com
Snyder opposes efforts by the owners of the Ambassador Bridge to build a second span. They’re fighting Snyder’s efforts to build a separate bridge.
The Michigan Campaign Finance Network reports the Detroit International Bridge Co. has spent $1.6 million this year on TV ads opposing the new bridge Snyder and Canadian officials support.
It’s also pushing a ballot proposal requiring voters’ approval to build the alternative bridge.
Snyder opposes efforts by the owners of the Ambassador Bridge to build a second span. They’re fighting Snyder’s efforts to build a separate bridge.
The Michigan Campaign Finance Network reports the Detroit International Bridge Co. has spent $1.6 million this year on TV ads opposing the new bridge Snyder and Canadian officials support.
It’s also pushing a ballot proposal requiring voters’ approval to build the alternative bridge.
Why Germany’s solar subsidies were bound to fail
News/Talk 760 WJR
One of the world’s biggest green-energy public-policy experiments is coming to a bitter end in Germany, with important lessons for policymakers elsewhere.
Germany once prided itself on being the “photovoltaic world champion”, doling out generous subsidies – totaling more than $130 billion, according to research from Germany’s Ruhr University – to citizens to invest in solar energy.
But now the German government is vowing to cut the subsidies sooner than planned, and to phase out support over the next five years.
What went wrong?
There is a fundamental problem with subsidizing inefficient green technology: it is affordable only if it is done in tiny, tokenistic amounts.
Using the government’s generous subsidies, Germans installed 7.5 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity last year, more than double what the government had deemed “acceptable.”
It is estimated that this increase alone will lead to a $260 hike in the average consumer’s annual power bill.
According to Der Spiegel, even members of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s staff are now describing the policy as a massive money pit. Philipp Rösler, Germany’s minister of economics and technology, has called the spiraling solar subsidies a “threat to the economy.”
One of the world’s biggest green-energy public-policy experiments is coming to a bitter end in Germany, with important lessons for policymakers elsewhere.
Germany once prided itself on being the “photovoltaic world champion”, doling out generous subsidies – totaling more than $130 billion, according to research from Germany’s Ruhr University – to citizens to invest in solar energy.
But now the German government is vowing to cut the subsidies sooner than planned, and to phase out support over the next five years.
What went wrong?
There is a fundamental problem with subsidizing inefficient green technology: it is affordable only if it is done in tiny, tokenistic amounts.
Using the government’s generous subsidies, Germans installed 7.5 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity last year, more than double what the government had deemed “acceptable.”
It is estimated that this increase alone will lead to a $260 hike in the average consumer’s annual power bill.
According to Der Spiegel, even members of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s staff are now describing the policy as a massive money pit. Philipp Rösler, Germany’s minister of economics and technology, has called the spiraling solar subsidies a “threat to the economy.”
Support petition to place plan to increase renewable energy on the ballot
Viewpoint: Support petition to place plan to increase renewable energy on the ballot | MLive.com
“Michigan 25 by 2025” is a bipartisan proposal to increase Michigan’s renewable energy standard to 25 percent by the year 2025.
Today our state gets just 3.6 percent of our energy from renewable sources.
The proposal also includes provisions to prevent utilities from hiking rates on consumers, and creates incentives for hiring Michigan workers and using Michigan products when companies build wind farms or solar arrays.
“Michigan 25 by 2025” is a bipartisan proposal to increase Michigan’s renewable energy standard to 25 percent by the year 2025.
Today our state gets just 3.6 percent of our energy from renewable sources.
The proposal also includes provisions to prevent utilities from hiking rates on consumers, and creates incentives for hiring Michigan workers and using Michigan products when companies build wind farms or solar arrays.
In the U.K., the Nanny-State Apocalypse Is Now
In the U.K., the Nanny-State Apocalypse Is Now | Power Line
How helpless can people become, in the grip of a relentless, cradle to grave nanny state?
Here in the U.S., we still have time to turn back; most Americans are still horrified by the Life of Julia as a dependent of the state
.
But in the United Kingdom, the Rubicon seems to have been crossed.
That is my conclusion, anyway, after seeing this piece in the Telegraph: the British government will be advising its citizens on how to change diapers, breast feed babies, and engage in “baby talk.”
New parents will be given government advice on changing nappies, breastfeeding and “baby talk” under a multi-million pound initiative to support family life.
Because family life is impossible without government programs.
David Cameron said it was “ludicrous” that parents received more training in how to drive a car than in how to raise children.
Not at all. Raising children is natural, driving a car is not.
Moreover, people do get advice: mothers get it from their mothers and grandmothers, and from sisters, cousins and friends who have had children before them.
One would think this is a whole lot better than emails from a government bureaucrat.
A £3.4million digital information service, which begins today, will provide free email alerts and text messages with NHS advice “on everything from teething to tantrums”, Mr Cameron said.
This is the same National Health Service that is storing patients on gurneys rather than in rooms because it is out of money.
How helpless can people become, in the grip of a relentless, cradle to grave nanny state?
Here in the U.S., we still have time to turn back; most Americans are still horrified by the Life of Julia as a dependent of the state
.
But in the United Kingdom, the Rubicon seems to have been crossed.
That is my conclusion, anyway, after seeing this piece in the Telegraph: the British government will be advising its citizens on how to change diapers, breast feed babies, and engage in “baby talk.”
New parents will be given government advice on changing nappies, breastfeeding and “baby talk” under a multi-million pound initiative to support family life.
Because family life is impossible without government programs.
David Cameron said it was “ludicrous” that parents received more training in how to drive a car than in how to raise children.
Not at all. Raising children is natural, driving a car is not.
Moreover, people do get advice: mothers get it from their mothers and grandmothers, and from sisters, cousins and friends who have had children before them.
One would think this is a whole lot better than emails from a government bureaucrat.
A £3.4million digital information service, which begins today, will provide free email alerts and text messages with NHS advice “on everything from teething to tantrums”, Mr Cameron said.
This is the same National Health Service that is storing patients on gurneys rather than in rooms because it is out of money.
Two Cheers for Teacher Pension Reform Bill
Two Cheers for Teacher Pension Reform Bill [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Mackinac Center analysts have been pretty tough on Senate Republicans who in recent days progressively watered down proposed school employee pension reform.
However, when the time came to stop talking and start voting, the Senate made a respectable down payment on desperately needed reforms. Referring to one major reform provision added late in the process, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, said to reporters, “Tell the Mackinac Center that, OK?”
Message received.
Here are the major provisions of the bill that passed the Senate, 20 to 18 (Republican Senators Tom Casperson, Mike Green, Geoff Hansen, Rick Jones, Mike Nofs and Tori Rocca joined all 12 Democrats in voting “no”):
Last year, providing this benefit to current retirees cost taxpayers $795 million.
There’s a lot of blather being reported about the “transition costs” of closing the system to new employees. It’s all bunk. For one thing, the supposed “costs” have already been incurred — they’re the amount of past pension underfunding the state must “catch up” on. Closing the system changes the rules for reporting these costs, but as the author of a recent Arnold Foundation study explained, the rules “pertain only to financial reporting and not to legislative policy.”
In other words, the state is not required to accelerate the rate at which it amortizes these liabilities. Even if legislators want to turn this financial reporting into policy, the state has options to address this underfunding.
Despite these reforms, however, Michigan’s long school pension nightmare is not yet over. Some 150,000 current school employees are already enrolled in the defined-benefit system. The bill did nothing to address the causes of persistent underfunding of contributions intended to cover their future benefits, which means unfunded liabilities may still continue to grow for some time.
But this bill passing the Senate is still a big deal. If the House doesn’t sell out to the politically potent and distinctly unreformed state teacher unions, this will represent a significant contribution to a Michigan economic and fiscal turn-around that’s showing signs of being the real deal.
Two Cheers for Teacher Pension Reform Bill
However, when the time came to stop talking and start voting, the Senate made a respectable down payment on desperately needed reforms. Referring to one major reform provision added late in the process, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, said to reporters, “Tell the Mackinac Center that, OK?”
Message received.
Here are the major provisions of the bill that passed the Senate, 20 to 18 (Republican Senators Tom Casperson, Mike Green, Geoff Hansen, Rick Jones, Mike Nofs and Tori Rocca joined all 12 Democrats in voting “no”):
- Starting in 2013, new school employees will no longer be enrolled in the current “defined- benefit” pension system, and will no longer be eligible for the (optional) post-retirement health benefits currently provided to retirees. This is a hugely important reform, putting Michigan on a clear path away from “digging a deeper hole.”
- Current and future school retirees who are still eligible for those post-employment health insurance benefits will have to contribute 20 percent toward their cost, vs. 10 percent under current law. That’s good, but celebrations may be muted given the fact that taxpayers have no obligation to provide any post-employment health benefits to school employees (who like the rest of us are all eligible for federal Medicare at age 65).
- Current school employees will have to contribute more toward their pensions, or else receive benefits calculated under a less generous formula.
Last year, providing this benefit to current retirees cost taxpayers $795 million.
There’s a lot of blather being reported about the “transition costs” of closing the system to new employees. It’s all bunk. For one thing, the supposed “costs” have already been incurred — they’re the amount of past pension underfunding the state must “catch up” on. Closing the system changes the rules for reporting these costs, but as the author of a recent Arnold Foundation study explained, the rules “pertain only to financial reporting and not to legislative policy.”
In other words, the state is not required to accelerate the rate at which it amortizes these liabilities. Even if legislators want to turn this financial reporting into policy, the state has options to address this underfunding.
Despite these reforms, however, Michigan’s long school pension nightmare is not yet over. Some 150,000 current school employees are already enrolled in the defined-benefit system. The bill did nothing to address the causes of persistent underfunding of contributions intended to cover their future benefits, which means unfunded liabilities may still continue to grow for some time.
But this bill passing the Senate is still a big deal. If the House doesn’t sell out to the politically potent and distinctly unreformed state teacher unions, this will represent a significant contribution to a Michigan economic and fiscal turn-around that’s showing signs of being the real deal.
Michigan Tea Party Scorecard - Michigan Votes
Michigan Tea Party Scorecard - Release 3 - Jan 2011 thru Mar 2012 - Michigan Votes
The Tea Party Scorecard only includes votes on core tea party issues, primarily fiscal responsibility, limited government, and private sector job creation.
Unanimous and party-line votes are largely excluded to highlight the differences between members of the same party rather than differences between the parties.
"Messy" bills with complex, competing content were also excluded as no clear "correct" vote could be assigned.
The Tea Party Scorecard only includes votes on core tea party issues, primarily fiscal responsibility, limited government, and private sector job creation.
Unanimous and party-line votes are largely excluded to highlight the differences between members of the same party rather than differences between the parties.
"Messy" bills with complex, competing content were also excluded as no clear "correct" vote could be assigned.
Michigan - Sunshine Review
Michigan - Sunshine Review
Michigan set to release public records and social media policy
Lansing, MI Michigan state government is getting ready to launch a new comprehensive social media policy this coming August. The Department of Technology, Management and Budget, which is developing the policy, has announced that it will be completed in August and plans to include posts on all social media website, including Twitter and Facebook, as public records.
Public records lawyers and activists are praising the upcoming policy.
Herschel Fink, a media law lawyer told the press,
"If government and officials are communicating on issues of government policy, using these new means of communication -- social media -- then the public has to have access to that as well." [1]
Michigan set to release public records and social media policy
Lansing, MI Michigan state government is getting ready to launch a new comprehensive social media policy this coming August. The Department of Technology, Management and Budget, which is developing the policy, has announced that it will be completed in August and plans to include posts on all social media website, including Twitter and Facebook, as public records.
Public records lawyers and activists are praising the upcoming policy.
Herschel Fink, a media law lawyer told the press,
"If government and officials are communicating on issues of government policy, using these new means of communication -- social media -- then the public has to have access to that as well." [1]
The Obama Presidency. Minute by Minute
The Obama Presidency. Minute by Minute | POLITICO 44 - POLITICO.com:
President Barack Obama, in a statement at the conclusion of the G8 Summit at Camp David, said significant progress was made, although he cautioned there is much work to be done to stabilize the global economy.
"All the leaders here today agreed growth and jobs must be our top priority," he said. "The direction the debate has taken lately should give us confidence."
President Barack Obama, in a statement at the conclusion of the G8 Summit at Camp David, said significant progress was made, although he cautioned there is much work to be done to stabilize the global economy.
"All the leaders here today agreed growth and jobs must be our top priority," he said. "The direction the debate has taken lately should give us confidence."
What Should You Believe? Government Stats or Your Own Eyes?
What Should You Believe? Government Stats or Your Own Eyes? | Heartland Institute
Price inflation is running at an annualized rate of 4.8 percent, according to official data released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That is more than double the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2 percent annual inflation.
And as millions of Americans have come to learn since the government 40 years ago began playing games with this and other economic statistics to make things look better than they really are, there is good reason to take this latest report with a shaker or two of salt. Even if we accept the figure at face value, there are good reasons to scoff.
For instance, at the American Institute for Economic Research, the economists strip out seldom-purchased big-ticket items that the Bureau of Labor Statistics leaves in its calculations.
The AIER’s Everyday Price Index studies the prices of things people buy daily, weekly, or monthly, such as groceries, prescription medicine, telephone and cable services, etc.
That’s the inflation rate that most directly affects people.
The Everyday Price Index shows inflation climbing 8.1 percent over the last year.
At an 8.1 percent rate of inflation, the purchasing power of the dollar falls by half in nine years.
On March 15 the Associated General Contractors of America reported, “The cost of construction materials accelerated dramatically in February.”
Price inflation is running at an annualized rate of 4.8 percent, according to official data released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That is more than double the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2 percent annual inflation.
And as millions of Americans have come to learn since the government 40 years ago began playing games with this and other economic statistics to make things look better than they really are, there is good reason to take this latest report with a shaker or two of salt. Even if we accept the figure at face value, there are good reasons to scoff.
For instance, at the American Institute for Economic Research, the economists strip out seldom-purchased big-ticket items that the Bureau of Labor Statistics leaves in its calculations.
The AIER’s Everyday Price Index studies the prices of things people buy daily, weekly, or monthly, such as groceries, prescription medicine, telephone and cable services, etc.
That’s the inflation rate that most directly affects people.
The Everyday Price Index shows inflation climbing 8.1 percent over the last year.
At an 8.1 percent rate of inflation, the purchasing power of the dollar falls by half in nine years.
On March 15 the Associated General Contractors of America reported, “The cost of construction materials accelerated dramatically in February.”
State expects nearly $300 million more in revenue this year
State expects nearly $300 million more in revenue this year | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The state's outlook is brightening with predictions of a $300 million surplus this year, lower unemployment and more jobs that pay better through 2014.
The extra state revenue this year sets up a fight over what to do with the money as lawmakers push to finish the budget in the next two weeks.
Democrats want to restore cuts to education and social programs, while the Snyder administration wants to earmark the money for one-time needs.
The state's outlook is brightening with predictions of a $300 million surplus this year, lower unemployment and more jobs that pay better through 2014.
The extra state revenue this year sets up a fight over what to do with the money as lawmakers push to finish the budget in the next two weeks.
Democrats want to restore cuts to education and social programs, while the Snyder administration wants to earmark the money for one-time needs.
Michigan Senate may vote today to dump pensions for new teachers
Michigan Senate may vote today to dump pensions for new teachers | MLive.com
Other provisions of the legislation would:
Make retirees pay at least 20 percent of their health care premiums. They currently pay no more than 10 percent.
Eliminate health care coverage for employees hired after July 1 of this year.
Instead, school districts would have to make a 2 percent matching contribution into an employee's 401(k) account in lieu of health coverage.
Exclude merit pay, tax-sheltered annuities and longevity pay from the definition of "compensation" for the purposes of calculating pensions.
Cap the final average compensation for new employees at $100,000, adjusted annually for inflation.
Other provisions of the legislation would:
Make retirees pay at least 20 percent of their health care premiums. They currently pay no more than 10 percent.
Eliminate health care coverage for employees hired after July 1 of this year.
Instead, school districts would have to make a 2 percent matching contribution into an employee's 401(k) account in lieu of health coverage.
Exclude merit pay, tax-sheltered annuities and longevity pay from the definition of "compensation" for the purposes of calculating pensions.
Cap the final average compensation for new employees at $100,000, adjusted annually for inflation.
Municipal, state pension reform message gaining momentum
COMMENTARY: Municipal, state pension reform message gaining momentum > Blog > State Budget Solutions
Current defined benefit plans, which guarantee pensions whether the money is there or not, put all risk for any shortfalls on taxpayers.
Right now, the deficit ranges from about $800 billion to more than $4 trillion depending on accounting assumptions.
Current defined benefit plans, which guarantee pensions whether the money is there or not, put all risk for any shortfalls on taxpayers.
Right now, the deficit ranges from about $800 billion to more than $4 trillion depending on accounting assumptions.
Biden: West Virginia voters who chose felon over Obama are frustrated, angry
Biden: West Virginia voters who chose felon over Obama are frustrated, angry - The Hill's Video
Asked what he made of a felon sitting in a Texas prison who won four out of 10 Democratic primary voters in West Virginia, Biden told Ohio television station WTOV that he doesn't blame people who are frustrated and angry over the economy.
Asked what he made of a felon sitting in a Texas prison who won four out of 10 Democratic primary voters in West Virginia, Biden told Ohio television station WTOV that he doesn't blame people who are frustrated and angry over the economy.
Michigan state police investigate election fraud claim
Michigan state police investigate election fraud claim | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Incumbent Roy Schmidt announced his switch to the Republican party just before Tuesday's filing deadline.
The move angered Democrats who were unable to recruit a replacement.
Incumbent Roy Schmidt announced his switch to the Republican party just before Tuesday's filing deadline.
The move angered Democrats who were unable to recruit a replacement.
Michigan debates 'Stand Your Ground' law
Michigan debates 'Stand Your Ground' law | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Since Michigan's law was enacted, justifiable homicides have gradually increased, according to Michigan State Police statistics.
There were no more than four justifiable homicides reported annually between 1997 and 2006.
In 2007, there were eight justifiable homicides, followed by six in 2008, 17 in 2009 and 16 in 2010.
Since Michigan's law was enacted, justifiable homicides have gradually increased, according to Michigan State Police statistics.
There were no more than four justifiable homicides reported annually between 1997 and 2006.
In 2007, there were eight justifiable homicides, followed by six in 2008, 17 in 2009 and 16 in 2010.
Senate OKs school pension tweak
Senate OKs school pension tweak | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Lansing— The Michigan Senate voted Thursday to alter the fringe benefits of public school employment and eliminate pensions for new workers.
On a narrow 20-18 vote, the Senate approved legislation establishing a 401(k)-style defined contribution retirement plan for all employees hired after Jan. 1, 2013.
Senate Bill 1040 also would eliminate guaranteed lifetime health insurance coverage for newly hired public school employees.
Instead, new workers would get an additional 2 percent of salary dedicated toward their 401(k) retirement fund.
The controversial legislation now heads to the House. Speaker Jase Bolger said Thursday he hopes to deliver the legislation to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk with a new state operating budget by June 1.
The bill passed Thursday over the objection of some lawmakers, who said the Legislature should not be changing the pension and retirement benefits for thousands of employees who have worked under assumptions their costs were fixed.
In 2010, the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System had a $45 billion unfunded liability.
State budget officials estimate the liability may now be more than $50 billion, said state Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw.
Lansing— The Michigan Senate voted Thursday to alter the fringe benefits of public school employment and eliminate pensions for new workers.
On a narrow 20-18 vote, the Senate approved legislation establishing a 401(k)-style defined contribution retirement plan for all employees hired after Jan. 1, 2013.
Senate Bill 1040 also would eliminate guaranteed lifetime health insurance coverage for newly hired public school employees.
Instead, new workers would get an additional 2 percent of salary dedicated toward their 401(k) retirement fund.
The controversial legislation now heads to the House. Speaker Jase Bolger said Thursday he hopes to deliver the legislation to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk with a new state operating budget by June 1.
The bill passed Thursday over the objection of some lawmakers, who said the Legislature should not be changing the pension and retirement benefits for thousands of employees who have worked under assumptions their costs were fixed.
In 2010, the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System had a $45 billion unfunded liability.
State budget officials estimate the liability may now be more than $50 billion, said state Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw.
Richardville supports closing school pension plan to new hires
Richardville supports closing school pension plan to new hires - The Backroom - The Detroit News
Richardville’s endorsement of 401(k) plans for public school workers was the biggest development Wednesday in the Michigan Senate after several hours of closed-door negotiating over a bill to overhaul MPSERS, which faces a projected $50 billion unfunded liability for pension and health care benefits.
State Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Grand Rapids, said Tuesday he will offer an amendment on the Senate floor that would institute 401(k) employees hired after Jan. 1, 2013. MPSERS has more than 444,000 retired and active workers in public schools, community colleges, seven universities and some charter schools and public libraries.
Senators delayed voting on Senate Bill 1040 until Thursday to refine the language and get a fiscal impact of the proposed reforms, Richardville said.
Senate Republicans met in closed-door caucus meetings three times Wednesday — discussing the MPSERS bill at least twice.
“One of the members got up and said ‘You know 24 hours more to be prepared and make sure we don’t make a mistake is wisdom versus anything else,’” Richardville said.
The state of Michigan closed its employee pension plan in 1997 and instituted 401(k) retirement plans. The legislation pending before the Senate would increase pension contributions for current employees, require all retirees pay 20 percent of their health insurance premiums and eliminate retiree health care for new workers.
Pension experts have warned there may be millions in upfront costs to close the pension system because new hires would no longer being paying in to support the current retirees.
“Well, there are going to be some upfront costs, but you know like anything, it’s like closing cost on a lower-rate mortgage,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “Yeah you’ve got to suck it up a little bit now, but over the long run … everybody talks about kids and grandkids. This actually does something for the classrooms of kids and grandkids.”
Richardville’s endorsement of 401(k) plans for public school workers was the biggest development Wednesday in the Michigan Senate after several hours of closed-door negotiating over a bill to overhaul MPSERS, which faces a projected $50 billion unfunded liability for pension and health care benefits.
State Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Grand Rapids, said Tuesday he will offer an amendment on the Senate floor that would institute 401(k) employees hired after Jan. 1, 2013. MPSERS has more than 444,000 retired and active workers in public schools, community colleges, seven universities and some charter schools and public libraries.
Senators delayed voting on Senate Bill 1040 until Thursday to refine the language and get a fiscal impact of the proposed reforms, Richardville said.
Senate Republicans met in closed-door caucus meetings three times Wednesday — discussing the MPSERS bill at least twice.
“One of the members got up and said ‘You know 24 hours more to be prepared and make sure we don’t make a mistake is wisdom versus anything else,’” Richardville said.
The state of Michigan closed its employee pension plan in 1997 and instituted 401(k) retirement plans. The legislation pending before the Senate would increase pension contributions for current employees, require all retirees pay 20 percent of their health insurance premiums and eliminate retiree health care for new workers.
Pension experts have warned there may be millions in upfront costs to close the pension system because new hires would no longer being paying in to support the current retirees.
“Well, there are going to be some upfront costs, but you know like anything, it’s like closing cost on a lower-rate mortgage,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “Yeah you’ve got to suck it up a little bit now, but over the long run … everybody talks about kids and grandkids. This actually does something for the classrooms of kids and grandkids.”
Let voters decide fate of EM law, appeals court told
Let voters decide fate of EM law, appeals court told | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The effort to repeal the state's emergency manager law is now in the hands of the state Court of Appeals after opponents on Thursday urged the panel to let voters decide its fate.
The group Stand Up for Democracy asked the three-judge court to heed the more than 203,200 signatures gathered to get Public Act 4 on the November ballot — roughly 40,000 more than needed.
A group called Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility successfully challenged the petitions last month, saying the type size in the petition headline was too small.
The effort to repeal the state's emergency manager law is now in the hands of the state Court of Appeals after opponents on Thursday urged the panel to let voters decide its fate.
The group Stand Up for Democracy asked the three-judge court to heed the more than 203,200 signatures gathered to get Public Act 4 on the November ballot — roughly 40,000 more than needed.
A group called Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility successfully challenged the petitions last month, saying the type size in the petition headline was too small.
Republicans deny Anuzis, Hughes reelection to party leadership posts
Land, Agema and Michigan GOP chairman Bobby Schostak will hold the three leadership posts for Michigan Republicans to the national party.
Schostak batted down a notion Agema and Land won because they successfully positioned themselves as more conservative.
"I'm not sure that they were any more to the right," Schostak said. "I think they were all pretty much within the same bandwidth of conservative values and issues. I just think that they're incumbents, they've been in office awhile and fresh people came kind of out of nowhere."
But John Yob, a GOP strategist and Agema backer, saw the election outcome a different way.
"If Bobby doesn't understand that Dave Agema is more conservative and thinks they came out of nowhere to win then he is in far over his head in leading our party," Yob said.
Michigan will send 59 delegates to the GOP national convention in Tampa, but just 30 will vote because of penalties from the national party for moving up the primary before state rules allowed. The three party leaders will be excluded from voting.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120519/POLITICS01/205190373#ixzz1vMBEOLAf
Schostak batted down a notion Agema and Land won because they successfully positioned themselves as more conservative.
"I'm not sure that they were any more to the right," Schostak said. "I think they were all pretty much within the same bandwidth of conservative values and issues. I just think that they're incumbents, they've been in office awhile and fresh people came kind of out of nowhere."
But John Yob, a GOP strategist and Agema backer, saw the election outcome a different way.
"If Bobby doesn't understand that Dave Agema is more conservative and thinks they came out of nowhere to win then he is in far over his head in leading our party," Yob said.
Michigan will send 59 delegates to the GOP national convention in Tampa, but just 30 will vote because of penalties from the national party for moving up the primary before state rules allowed. The three party leaders will be excluded from voting.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120519/POLITICS01/205190373#ixzz1vMBEOLAf
Weather service to issue new hazards forecast along Lake Michigan shoreline
Weather service to issue new hazards forecast along Lake Michigan shoreline | MLive.com
“We have a drowning one day and the next, we have four, five foot waves and I see parents on the beach not paying attention to their kids,” said Todd Dunham, a deputy with the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department and head of the Marine Division.
“We have a drowning one day and the next, we have four, five foot waves and I see parents on the beach not paying attention to their kids,” said Todd Dunham, a deputy with the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department and head of the Marine Division.
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