Wayne County's troubled pension plan got more bad news Thursday when an audit analysis showed it lost an additional $113 million last year.
The losses for the year that ended Sept. 30, 2011, continue a downward trend that has shaved more than $300 million off the plan's portfolio since it peaked at about $1 billion in 2007.
The Free Press reported Thursday that the plan is only 60% funded as of its last actuarial evaluation in September 2010, one of the lowest funded of the major pension plans in Michigan.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Study: Obesity Could Lead To Depletion Of Earth’s Resources
Study: Obesity Could Lead To Depletion Of Earth’s Resources « CBS Atlanta
A recent study conducted by scientists in London found that the obese persons of the world are playing an increasingly large role in the rate at which the planet’s finite resources are used.
A recent study conducted by scientists in London found that the obese persons of the world are playing an increasingly large role in the rate at which the planet’s finite resources are used.
Wayne County taxpayers on hook for $600M as generous pensions drain fund
Wayne County taxpayers on hook for $600M as generous pensions drain fund | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Wayne County taxpayers face a mounting bill -- now more than $600 million -- to cover the deficits in a county pension plan that was fully funded when County Executive Robert Ficano took office in 2003 but has since taken a steep dive.
Wayne County taxpayers face a mounting bill -- now more than $600 million -- to cover the deficits in a county pension plan that was fully funded when County Executive Robert Ficano took office in 2003 but has since taken a steep dive.
Challenge filed to collective bargaining petition
Challenge filed to collective bargaining petition | MLive.com
Opponents say the union-backed petition language doesn't make it clear that up to 80 Michigan laws could be changed if voters approve the measure.
Opponents say the union-backed petition language doesn't make it clear that up to 80 Michigan laws could be changed if voters approve the measure.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Moroun-backed group collects enough signatures for ballot referendum on new government bridge
Moroun-backed group collects enough signatures for ballot referendum on new government bridge | MLive.com
Even if voters were to approve the referendum, it's not clear whether a constitutional amendment would undo the deal with Canada.
The Snyder administration has said that the agreement, like any other contract, is "intended to be binding and not impaired by other actions."
Even if voters were to approve the referendum, it's not clear whether a constitutional amendment would undo the deal with Canada.
The Snyder administration has said that the agreement, like any other contract, is "intended to be binding and not impaired by other actions."
Un-Fair Campaign Partners With University of Minnesota at Duluth to Spread Stereotypes About ‘White Privilege’
Un-Fair Campaign Partners With University of Minnesota at Duluth to Spread Stereotypes About ‘White Privilege’ | Video | TheBlaze.com
Here’s a pop quiz: What do we usually call unsubstantiated assumptions about someone’s class, or position in life, based upon the color of their skin?
That’s right, racism.
And that appears to be what Campus Reform has uncovered at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, which is sponsoring an ad campaign whose core message is very difficult to distinguish from undiluted racism.
Watch the ad below if you don’t believe us, and if that doesn’t convince you, keep reading:
Here’s a pop quiz: What do we usually call unsubstantiated assumptions about someone’s class, or position in life, based upon the color of their skin?
That’s right, racism.
And that appears to be what Campus Reform has uncovered at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, which is sponsoring an ad campaign whose core message is very difficult to distinguish from undiluted racism.
Watch the ad below if you don’t believe us, and if that doesn’t convince you, keep reading:
Stores clearing shelves of 'spice' after governor Snyder signs bill to make synthetic drugs illegal
Stores clearing shelves of 'spice' after governor Snyder signs bill to make synthetic drugs illegal | MLive.com
Another Saginaw County storeowner who did not want to be identified said he had sold spice at his party store for a few months.
Sales started out slow, he said, but once word got out that he was carrying spice, he was making an estimated $300 per day in profit.
Another Saginaw County storeowner who did not want to be identified said he had sold spice at his party store for a few months.
Sales started out slow, he said, but once word got out that he was carrying spice, he was making an estimated $300 per day in profit.
WHO PAYS THESE HECKLERS? “But what horrified me as I looked into this is that it turns out that the…
WHO PAYS THESE HECKLERS?
“But what horrified me as I looked into this is that it turns out that the protesters are being paid with my tax dollars.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 9:34 pm
“But what horrified me as I looked into this is that it turns out that the protesters are being paid with my tax dollars.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 9:34 pm
Boeing CEO says U.S. regulatory climate worse than ever
Boeing CEO says U.S. regulatory climate worse than ever - Political Watch - MarketWatch
The 62-year-old McNerney, also chairman of the Business Roundtable, said regulatory agencies have crafted a host of new rules and enforced them more aggressively than prior administrations.
He said regulators often take a hostile approach to business and that the prevailing attitude is companies “are guilty until proven innocent.”
The 62-year-old McNerney, also chairman of the Business Roundtable, said regulatory agencies have crafted a host of new rules and enforced them more aggressively than prior administrations.
He said regulators often take a hostile approach to business and that the prevailing attitude is companies “are guilty until proven innocent.”
Gallup poll: Confidence in public schools at an all-time low
Gallup poll: Confidence in public schools at an all-time low | MLive.com
The number of people expressing “a great deal” and “quite a lot” of confidence in public education dropped 5 points to 29 percent, according to the poll released Wednesday.
The number of people expressing “a great deal” and “quite a lot” of confidence in public education dropped 5 points to 29 percent, according to the poll released Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Muskegon County seeking hefty grant to forge slimmer waistlines, combat obesity
Muskegon County seeking hefty grant to forge slimmer waistlines, combat obesity | MLive.com
Muskegon County is going after a more than $700,000 grant from the federal government as part of a community effort to address the obesity problem.
The County Board of Commissioners, meeting as the Ways and Means Committee, gave its approval Tuesday afternoon to allow staff to apply for a $720,000 grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement evidence- and practice-based wellness strategies.
The goal of the proposed project is to reduce the rate of obesity rate in Muskegon County through a variety of intervention methods during a two-year period.
The county has one of the highest obesity rates in the state.
Muskegon County is going after a more than $700,000 grant from the federal government as part of a community effort to address the obesity problem.
The County Board of Commissioners, meeting as the Ways and Means Committee, gave its approval Tuesday afternoon to allow staff to apply for a $720,000 grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement evidence- and practice-based wellness strategies.
The goal of the proposed project is to reduce the rate of obesity rate in Muskegon County through a variety of intervention methods during a two-year period.
The county has one of the highest obesity rates in the state.
Michigan gets ready to enforce bigger, broader ban on synthetic drugs such as K2
Michigan gets ready to enforce bigger, broader ban on synthetic drugs such as K2 | MLive.com
Broader state laws aimed at cracking down on synthetic drugs such as K2 and Spice have been signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder, and Michigan law enforcement officials say they will aggressively enforce the ban when it kicks in July 1.
The measures signed Tuesday list broad chemical classifications that will be banned and give law enforcement agencies more power to get the drugs off store shelves.
One measure would allow a state agency to make emergency rules to classify certain substances as controlled substances in certain situations.
Broader state laws aimed at cracking down on synthetic drugs such as K2 and Spice have been signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder, and Michigan law enforcement officials say they will aggressively enforce the ban when it kicks in July 1.
The measures signed Tuesday list broad chemical classifications that will be banned and give law enforcement agencies more power to get the drugs off store shelves.
One measure would allow a state agency to make emergency rules to classify certain substances as controlled substances in certain situations.
Harry Reid Shuts Down Reporter: ‘That’s A Clown Question Bro’
Harry Reid Shuts Down Reporter: ‘That’s A Clown Question Bro’ | Politicker
According to USA Today, Mr. Reid’s unusual response was a provoked by a reporter asking him to respond to “Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s comments on the DREAM Act.”
According to USA Today, Mr. Reid’s unusual response was a provoked by a reporter asking him to respond to “Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s comments on the DREAM Act.”
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Study: State pension shortfall ballooned in 2010
Study: State pension shortfall ballooned in 2010 - Yahoo! News
Recession-plagued states diverted scarce money away from pensions to pay for more immediate concerns, leaving a $757 billion hole in the retirement funds covering millions of public employees, according to a study released Monday.
The Pew Center on the States found 34 states failed to maintain safe levels of money in the pension funds, which most experts agree is about 80 percent of long-term obligations. Four states — Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and Rhode Island — didn't even have 55 percent of the money they'll need in the long run.
Recession-plagued states diverted scarce money away from pensions to pay for more immediate concerns, leaving a $757 billion hole in the retirement funds covering millions of public employees, according to a study released Monday.
The Pew Center on the States found 34 states failed to maintain safe levels of money in the pension funds, which most experts agree is about 80 percent of long-term obligations. Four states — Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and Rhode Island — didn't even have 55 percent of the money they'll need in the long run.
Economic bummer: 6.9 million homes ditch cable TV
Economic bummer: 6.9 million homes ditch cable TV | WashingtonExaminer.com
An ownership survey conducted by GfK Media found that about 6.9 million homes abandoned pay TV last year, a shocking number that industry sources chalk up to the sagging economy
An ownership survey conducted by GfK Media found that about 6.9 million homes abandoned pay TV last year, a shocking number that industry sources chalk up to the sagging economy
Kan. company suspected of Medicare fraud for penis pumps
Kan. company suspected of Medicare fraud for penis pumps - Washington Times
The Health and Human Services inspector general said it sampled 100 claims made with Pos-T-Vac, the Dodge City-based penis-pump manufacturer, and found improprieties in more than half of payments for what are known as “male vacuum erection systems.”
The Health and Human Services inspector general said it sampled 100 claims made with Pos-T-Vac, the Dodge City-based penis-pump manufacturer, and found improprieties in more than half of payments for what are known as “male vacuum erection systems.”
Obama's Post-Constitutional Wingmen
The American Spectator : Obama's Post-Constitutional Wingmen
You don't interrupt the president.
So goes the media narrative in the wake of the media hysteria surrounding theDaily Caller's Neil Munro and his so-called "heckling" of President Obama.
Yeah, right. This is bunk.
You don't interrupt the president.
So goes the media narrative in the wake of the media hysteria surrounding theDaily Caller's Neil Munro and his so-called "heckling" of President Obama.
Yeah, right. This is bunk.
Monday, June 18, 2012
JP Morgan report on pension bomb
JP Morgan report on pension bomb—Charles Gasparino - NYPOST.com
The scandal isn’t simply that most public officials are misleading the public about the enormity of the problem and what steps must be taken to address the matter.
As the Morgan report notes, many of the real liabilities are located “off balance sheet,” hidden from the public’s eye, and lax accounting standards let cities and states minimize their enormity.
The scandal isn’t simply that most public officials are misleading the public about the enormity of the problem and what steps must be taken to address the matter.
As the Morgan report notes, many of the real liabilities are located “off balance sheet,” hidden from the public’s eye, and lax accounting standards let cities and states minimize their enormity.
IS MERITOCRACY failing America?
Instapundit » Blog Archive » IS MERITOCRACY failing America?
I’m not sure that what we’ve got is a meritocracy.
Our people seem to be credentialed, more than educated.
But I don’t think that affirmative action and higher taxes are likely to make things better.
I’d say shrink the playground of the “elites” — government — so that they can do less harm.
Notice that that’s never the answer to any of their failings, though?
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am
I’m not sure that what we’ve got is a meritocracy.
Our people seem to be credentialed, more than educated.
But I don’t think that affirmative action and higher taxes are likely to make things better.
I’d say shrink the playground of the “elites” — government — so that they can do less harm.
Notice that that’s never the answer to any of their failings, though?
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Muskegon health care reformers want patients to weigh costs, benefits of care
Muskegon health care reformers want patients to weigh costs, benefits of care | MLive.com
“We don’t penalize you for being unhealthy, we incentivize you to be healthy,” he said.
If most people go over budget, taxes would go up, Rice said. If most people control their expenses, taxes would go down.
The idea is that patients would make the best decisions about their care when they could weigh the benefit of a test or treatment against its price, Rice said.
“We don’t penalize you for being unhealthy, we incentivize you to be healthy,” he said.
If most people go over budget, taxes would go up, Rice said. If most people control their expenses, taxes would go down.
The idea is that patients would make the best decisions about their care when they could weigh the benefit of a test or treatment against its price, Rice said.
Rollover accident on Skyline Drive in Muskegon Township injures three
Rollover accident on Skyline Drive in Muskegon Township injures three | MLive.com
By Andrew Krietz | akrietz@mlive.com
By Andrew Krietz | akrietz@mlive.com
Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School gets young people off the streets
Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School gets young people off the streets | MLive.com
Nothing might stem incidents of urban violence more than giving young people something positive to do with their time.
That is the goal behind the third year of the Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School.
Young people from age 8 to 25 from all over the community are invited to participate in a variety of activities three nights a week all summer long.
Nothing might stem incidents of urban violence more than giving young people something positive to do with their time.
That is the goal behind the third year of the Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School.
Young people from age 8 to 25 from all over the community are invited to participate in a variety of activities three nights a week all summer long.
Rally held in support of Muskegon middle school employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving student
Rally held in support of Muskegon middle school employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving student | MLive.com
MUSKEGON, MI -- A rally took place Thursday in downtown Muskegon to show support for a Steele Middle School employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a student.
A group of about 30 family members, friends, co-workers and former students gathered to support Thomas Edward Lopez, who was arraigned May 10 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim at least 13 but younger than 16, a potential life felony, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
MUSKEGON, MI -- A rally took place Thursday in downtown Muskegon to show support for a Steele Middle School employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a student.
A group of about 30 family members, friends, co-workers and former students gathered to support Thomas Edward Lopez, who was arraigned May 10 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim at least 13 but younger than 16, a potential life felony, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
Muskegon County's Brookhaven nursing home: Community need vs. money pit
Muskegon County's Brookhaven nursing home: Community need vs. money pit | MLive.com
The county’s financial data show that more than $2.5 million has been appropriated to Brookhaven over the last five years to balance the nursing home’s budget.
The county’s financial contribution over that period approaches $5 million when the recent $2.325 million loan is added.
The county’s financial data show that more than $2.5 million has been appropriated to Brookhaven over the last five years to balance the nursing home’s budget.
The county’s financial contribution over that period approaches $5 million when the recent $2.325 million loan is added.
What do Muskegon County commissioners think about Brookhaven?
What do Muskegon County commissioners think about Brookhaven? | MLive.com
District 11 from Norton Shores
Bob Scolnik
“I think there is a need for a county-run nursing home,” he said, pointing out that he is convinced that there are not enough beds in the community if Brookhaven closed.
“I have some concerns about Brookhaven long term,” he said, mentioning that hospital referrals are down with Mercy Health Partners having its own nursing homes to recommend. “Just my opinion, I think they are going to have to have some specialized services for the census.”
One of the options he said he thinks is worth looking into is a specialized wing for a specific service, similar to Brookhaven’s dementia unit.
District 5 commissioner from Fruitport Township
“I haven’t found an actual tipping point,” he said of the amount when the financial contribution from the general fund may be too much. “It’s going to have to be looked at from time to time.”
He said he is hopeful that the new director’s ideas will help the financial situation and that ultimately the voters may have to make the final decision on whether to support the facility with a millage.
District 11 from Norton Shores
Bob Scolnik
“I think there is a need for a county-run nursing home,” he said, pointing out that he is convinced that there are not enough beds in the community if Brookhaven closed.
“I have some concerns about Brookhaven long term,” he said, mentioning that hospital referrals are down with Mercy Health Partners having its own nursing homes to recommend. “Just my opinion, I think they are going to have to have some specialized services for the census.”
One of the options he said he thinks is worth looking into is a specialized wing for a specific service, similar to Brookhaven’s dementia unit.
District 5 commissioner from Fruitport Township
“I haven’t found an actual tipping point,” he said of the amount when the financial contribution from the general fund may be too much. “It’s going to have to be looked at from time to time.”
He said he is hopeful that the new director’s ideas will help the financial situation and that ultimately the voters may have to make the final decision on whether to support the facility with a millage.
Containers are cool for those supporting the Shoreline Market development proposed for downtown Muskegon
Containers are cool for those supporting the Shoreline Market development proposed for downtown Muskegon | MLive.com
Planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the $12 million development at 372 Morris that also includes traditional construction of apartments, townhouses, offices and retail shops.
The proposal by Urban Renaissance Group LLC of Grand Rapids will now go to the Muskegon City Commission’s June 26 meeting for final approval....
...The first-phase marketplace would be constructed through a combination of bank financing and private investors, Dykstra said.
The market already has attracted a number of local and regional artists, food vendors and retailers, Mika said.
Planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the $12 million development at 372 Morris that also includes traditional construction of apartments, townhouses, offices and retail shops.
The proposal by Urban Renaissance Group LLC of Grand Rapids will now go to the Muskegon City Commission’s June 26 meeting for final approval....
...The first-phase marketplace would be constructed through a combination of bank financing and private investors, Dykstra said.
The market already has attracted a number of local and regional artists, food vendors and retailers, Mika said.
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