The Public Employee Union Problem [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Politicians granting unsustainable government employee salaries, benefits and pensions is a problem everywhere, but the states with the strongest public-sector unions will have the hardest time correcting it. More broadly, as long as these incestuous relationships between government unions and the political class remain in place and unchallenged, the size and scope of government will continue to grow.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Eliminate armed guards for the President, Vice-President, and their families, and establish Gun Free Zones around them
Gun Free Zones are supposed to protect our children, and some politicians wish to strip us of our right to keep and bear arms.
Those same politicians and their families are currently under the protection of armed Secret Service agents.
If Gun Free Zones are sufficient protection for our children, then Gun Free Zones should be good enough for politicians.
Those same politicians and their families are currently under the protection of armed Secret Service agents.
If Gun Free Zones are sufficient protection for our children, then Gun Free Zones should be good enough for politicians.
The Right-to-Freeload myth
Sherk: The Right-to-Freeload myth | www.michiganview.com | The Michigan View
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant," President Reagan once quipped, "but that they know so much that isn't so."
He could have been talking about the opposition to right-to-work legislation proposed in Michigan.
The chief argument against right-to-work laws is factually incorrect.
Although most union members do not know it, the law does not require their union to negotiate on behalf of non-members.
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant," President Reagan once quipped, "but that they know so much that isn't so."
He could have been talking about the opposition to right-to-work legislation proposed in Michigan.
The chief argument against right-to-work laws is factually incorrect.
Although most union members do not know it, the law does not require their union to negotiate on behalf of non-members.
Hostess sells Wonder bread and five other brands to Tastykakes baker for $390m with new Twinkies owner expected in a matter of weeks
Hostess sells Wonder bread and five other brands to Tastykakes baker for $390m with new Twinkies owner expected in a matter of weeks | Mail Online
The company's demise came after years of management turmoil and turnover, with workers saying the company failed to invest its brands.
Hostess filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in less than a decade this January, citing costs associated with its unionized workforce.
The company's demise came after years of management turmoil and turnover, with workers saying the company failed to invest its brands.
Hostess filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in less than a decade this January, citing costs associated with its unionized workforce.
It had about 18,500 employees when it announced that it was shutting down after it was unable to reach a deal on a new contract with striking workers.
SkyDaddy Bloomberg Takes a liking to Playing Deity UPDATED
SkyDaddy Bloomberg Takes a liking to Playing Deity UPDATED
Yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and city officials unveiled a new initiative to limit supplies of prescription painkillers in the city’s emergency rooms as a way to combat what they described as a growing addiction problem in the region.
Some critics, as documented by The New York Times, however, felt the move would unnecessarily hurt poor and uninsured patients who use emergency rooms as their primary care doctor.
Needless to say, Mr. Bloomberg was not swayed by this line of argument.
“The city hospitals we control, so … we’re going to do it and we’re urging all of the other hospitals to do it, voluntary guidelines.
Somebody said, oh, somebody wrote, ‘Oh then maybe there won’t be enough painkillers for the poor who use the emergency rooms as their primary care doctor,’” the mayor said on his weekly radio show with John Gambling.
“Number one, there’s no evidence of that.
Number two, supposing it is really true, so you didn’t get enough painkillers and you did have to suffer a little bit.
The other side of the coin is people are dying and there’s nothing perfect …
There’s nothing that you can possibly do where somebody isn’t going to suffer, and it’s always the same group [claiming], ‘Everybody is heartless.’ Come on, this is a very big problem.”
In the same interview, Mr. Bloomberg stressed the initiative’s simple rationale is to prevent extra pills from piling up in the cabinets of New Yorkers who no longer need them, where they can pose a health risk if they’re abused.
Yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and city officials unveiled a new initiative to limit supplies of prescription painkillers in the city’s emergency rooms as a way to combat what they described as a growing addiction problem in the region.
Some critics, as documented by The New York Times, however, felt the move would unnecessarily hurt poor and uninsured patients who use emergency rooms as their primary care doctor.
Needless to say, Mr. Bloomberg was not swayed by this line of argument.
“The city hospitals we control, so … we’re going to do it and we’re urging all of the other hospitals to do it, voluntary guidelines.
Somebody said, oh, somebody wrote, ‘Oh then maybe there won’t be enough painkillers for the poor who use the emergency rooms as their primary care doctor,’” the mayor said on his weekly radio show with John Gambling.
“Number one, there’s no evidence of that.
Number two, supposing it is really true, so you didn’t get enough painkillers and you did have to suffer a little bit.
The other side of the coin is people are dying and there’s nothing perfect …
There’s nothing that you can possibly do where somebody isn’t going to suffer, and it’s always the same group [claiming], ‘Everybody is heartless.’ Come on, this is a very big problem.”
In the same interview, Mr. Bloomberg stressed the initiative’s simple rationale is to prevent extra pills from piling up in the cabinets of New Yorkers who no longer need them, where they can pose a health risk if they’re abused.
Inside the new climate row as Mystic Met Office goes cool on warming
Inside the new climate row as Mystic Met Office goes cool on warming • The Register:
If it holds true, then global temperatures will have experienced a 20-year standstill, with no statistically significant warming.
The Met didn't predict, as the BBC erroneously reported, a 0.43C increase in global temperature over the next five years........
"By putting out the information on Christmas Eve they were just burying bad news – that they have got their climate change forecast wrong," said Stringer.
The Met didn't predict, as the BBC erroneously reported, a 0.43C increase in global temperature over the next five years........
"By putting out the information on Christmas Eve they were just burying bad news – that they have got their climate change forecast wrong," said Stringer.
A twenty year period without statistically significant warming doesn't falsify the theory that manmade industrial emissions are the key driver in climate change - the oceans may be storing energy that isn't yet manifest in higher atmospheric temperatures.
But it certainly wasn't in the script, which raises questions over the validity of the models on which policy decisions have been made, as the BBC's Paul Hudson points out here.
11 of the last 12 annual Met forecasts erred on the warm side - so new and better models should be widely welcomed.
But it certainly wasn't in the script, which raises questions over the validity of the models on which policy decisions have been made, as the BBC's Paul Hudson points out here.
11 of the last 12 annual Met forecasts erred on the warm side - so new and better models should be widely welcomed.
Another claim by the Met has also drawn fire - as the criticism directly addresses the validity of the Met's science, rather than its communications strategy.
Last week the Met made a widely-reported claim that Britain is experiencing more frequent extreme rainfall.
Statistical analysis of rainfall records by the Met Office claimed to show days of heavy rainfall had become more common in England since 1960.
"The apparent trend mirrors increases in extreme rain seen in other parts of the world," wrote the BBC's Roger Harrabin.
Last week the Met made a widely-reported claim that Britain is experiencing more frequent extreme rainfall.
Statistical analysis of rainfall records by the Met Office claimed to show days of heavy rainfall had become more common in England since 1960.
"The apparent trend mirrors increases in extreme rain seen in other parts of the world," wrote the BBC's Roger Harrabin.
For Channel 4 news, the Met's statistical press release was apocalyptic.
There were "clear signals of wetter weather emerging", apparently:
There were "clear signals of wetter weather emerging", apparently:
But the claim has puzzled some observers, not least because last March the Met was predicting a continuing drought for the UK, advising last March that:
"The probability that UK precipitation for April-May-June will fall into the driest of our five categories is 20-25% whilst the probability that it will fall into the wettest of our five categories is 10-15%".
.....Comment
.....Comment
And that seems to encapsulate the problem.
Forecasting is notoriously difficult, and every scientist working in the field deserves some understanding. It's the agency executives' desire to feed the news media with alarmist and politically-motivated "stories" that's the problem - and perhaps the fact that the Met Office is dependent on global warming being a clear and present danger for much of its funding nowadays.
It's hard to imagine the shoddy rainfall press release being issued were this not the case.
Time for new management at the Met? ®
Before you file your income tax form: 6 things to know about Michigan's changes
Before you file your income tax form: 6 things to know about Michigan's changes | MLive.com
The new income tax rules impact retirement income and many different credits, such as those for certain charitable donations or for low- and medium-income families.
The changes were meant to make the tax structure "fair and efficient and address structural budget deficit that plagued the state for a number of years,” said Terry Stanton, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
One of the biggest adjustments will reduce or eliminate the Homestead Property Tax Credit for some homeowners and renters.
The state treasury sent out informational postcards to about a half million taxpayers who are most likely to be affected by the new rules, Stanton said.
Seniors age 65 and older, taxpayers with household resources of more than $50,000 and homeowners whose property has a taxable value of more than $135,000 are most likely to be impacted.
That includes North Muskegon resident Sharon Clark, 62, who says she’s unhappy with the increased tax burden.
“This follows a new taxation on retired people’s pensions, so it’s like the people who are retired and on fixed incomes are the ones who are being slammed by this,” she said.
She also noted that some people who received the postcard didn’t understand it, and said she’s concerned for seniors and others who don’t have computers or Internet access to seek more information.
The homestead credit used to be a small portion of the tax return, but now requires a few pages that need to be filled out, said Michael Bozimowski, director of state and local tax services for Rehmann, an accounting, tax and financial planning firm with 12 locations in Michigan.
Bozimowski recommended people talk to their tax preparers early in order to gain a better understanding.
“The law has changed. It’s now a fact of life we have to deal with,” he said. “Communication and preparation, not just of the return, but of the impact, is going to be key on an individual basis.”
Free volunteer-based tax preparation is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Michigan State University offers free services, along with several West Michigan colleges and universities.
Information about free e-filing options is available at www.mifastfile.org.
Here are some of the key components of the tax changes with a short description. A full explanation can be found on at www.michigan.gov/taxes.
Tax rate:
Michigan reduced its income tax rate from 4.35 to 4.25 percent in October 2012. The annualized income tax rate for 2012 is 4.33 percent and applies to all income received last year.
Exemptions:
The personal exemption was increased from $3,700 to $3,763 for 2012. It will increase to $3,900 for the 2013 tax year. The following exemptions are no longer allowed: special exemption for seniors, $600 for children age 18 and younger, and unemployment compensation greater than half of adjusted gross income.
Homestead Property Tax Credit:
The maximum $1,200 credit is no longer available to homes with a taxable value greater than $135,000. That cap does not apply to rented homesteads.
Previously, taxpayers could claim a credit if their household income was $82,650 or less. Now, taxpayers with household resources (which includes more than just income) totaling more than $50,000 will no longer receive the credit. Credits are reduced for households with resources ranging from $41,001-$50,000.
Seniors can receive the full credit if their household resources are no more than $21,000. The credit would be reduced by 4 percent for each additional $1,000 in household resources up to $30,000. Senior claimants can receive 60 percent of the credit if they have resources of $30,000 to $41,000. After that, the phase out applies. A full explanation can be found here.
Retirement changes:
Pension income taxes are based on age, and joint filers go by the age of the older person.There is no change for taxpayers born before 1946. For filers born before 1946, public pensions will continue to be exempt from income taxes, and for private pensions they can subtract up to $47,309 for single filers and $94,618 for joint filers.
Taxpayers born between 1946 and 1952 receive a smaller pension tax exemption of $40,000 for joint filers and $20,000 for single filers. They can no longer exempt public pensions or subtract for interest, dividends and capital gains.
Taxpayers born after 1952 will pay taxes on all pension income, except for Social Security and military pensions. There are certain exemptions or subtractions allowed once taxpayers turn 67. See a full explanation here.
Earned Income Tax Credit:
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for low- and medium-income individuals and families is reduced from 20 percent of the federal credit to 6 percent. The average credit will drop 70 percent from $439 to $132, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy.
Other tax credits:
Non-refundable tax credits for the following expenses are no longer allowed: college tuition and fees, city income taxes, automobile donations, public contributions, donations to homeless shelters, food banks, community foundations and the Family Development Program, and contributions to medical savings accounts. Refundable credits are no longer allowed for excess adoption expenses or stillbirths.
The new income tax rules impact retirement income and many different credits, such as those for certain charitable donations or for low- and medium-income families.
The changes were meant to make the tax structure "fair and efficient and address structural budget deficit that plagued the state for a number of years,” said Terry Stanton, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
One of the biggest adjustments will reduce or eliminate the Homestead Property Tax Credit for some homeowners and renters.
The state treasury sent out informational postcards to about a half million taxpayers who are most likely to be affected by the new rules, Stanton said.
Seniors age 65 and older, taxpayers with household resources of more than $50,000 and homeowners whose property has a taxable value of more than $135,000 are most likely to be impacted.
That includes North Muskegon resident Sharon Clark, 62, who says she’s unhappy with the increased tax burden.
“This follows a new taxation on retired people’s pensions, so it’s like the people who are retired and on fixed incomes are the ones who are being slammed by this,” she said.
She also noted that some people who received the postcard didn’t understand it, and said she’s concerned for seniors and others who don’t have computers or Internet access to seek more information.
The homestead credit used to be a small portion of the tax return, but now requires a few pages that need to be filled out, said Michael Bozimowski, director of state and local tax services for Rehmann, an accounting, tax and financial planning firm with 12 locations in Michigan.
Bozimowski recommended people talk to their tax preparers early in order to gain a better understanding.
“The law has changed. It’s now a fact of life we have to deal with,” he said. “Communication and preparation, not just of the return, but of the impact, is going to be key on an individual basis.”
Free volunteer-based tax preparation is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Michigan State University offers free services, along with several West Michigan colleges and universities.
Information about free e-filing options is available at www.mifastfile.org.
Here are some of the key components of the tax changes with a short description. A full explanation can be found on at www.michigan.gov/taxes.
Tax rate:
Michigan reduced its income tax rate from 4.35 to 4.25 percent in October 2012. The annualized income tax rate for 2012 is 4.33 percent and applies to all income received last year.
Exemptions:
The personal exemption was increased from $3,700 to $3,763 for 2012. It will increase to $3,900 for the 2013 tax year. The following exemptions are no longer allowed: special exemption for seniors, $600 for children age 18 and younger, and unemployment compensation greater than half of adjusted gross income.
Homestead Property Tax Credit:
The maximum $1,200 credit is no longer available to homes with a taxable value greater than $135,000. That cap does not apply to rented homesteads.
Previously, taxpayers could claim a credit if their household income was $82,650 or less. Now, taxpayers with household resources (which includes more than just income) totaling more than $50,000 will no longer receive the credit. Credits are reduced for households with resources ranging from $41,001-$50,000.
Seniors can receive the full credit if their household resources are no more than $21,000. The credit would be reduced by 4 percent for each additional $1,000 in household resources up to $30,000. Senior claimants can receive 60 percent of the credit if they have resources of $30,000 to $41,000. After that, the phase out applies. A full explanation can be found here.
Retirement changes:
Pension income taxes are based on age, and joint filers go by the age of the older person.There is no change for taxpayers born before 1946. For filers born before 1946, public pensions will continue to be exempt from income taxes, and for private pensions they can subtract up to $47,309 for single filers and $94,618 for joint filers.
Taxpayers born between 1946 and 1952 receive a smaller pension tax exemption of $40,000 for joint filers and $20,000 for single filers. They can no longer exempt public pensions or subtract for interest, dividends and capital gains.
Taxpayers born after 1952 will pay taxes on all pension income, except for Social Security and military pensions. There are certain exemptions or subtractions allowed once taxpayers turn 67. See a full explanation here.
Earned Income Tax Credit:
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for low- and medium-income individuals and families is reduced from 20 percent of the federal credit to 6 percent. The average credit will drop 70 percent from $439 to $132, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy.
Other tax credits:
Non-refundable tax credits for the following expenses are no longer allowed: college tuition and fees, city income taxes, automobile donations, public contributions, donations to homeless shelters, food banks, community foundations and the Family Development Program, and contributions to medical savings accounts. Refundable credits are no longer allowed for excess adoption expenses or stillbirths.
Moonlighting security official Barnett Jones will keep job at Detroit water department after resigning from Flint post
Moonlighting security official Barnett Jones will keep job at Detroit water department after resigning from Flint post | MLive.com
He'll keep the water department job, McCormick in a statement Friday afternoon.
"Barnett Jones is doing a finejob for us at DWSD," she said. "Jonescame to DWSD with extensive experience in security and emergency management,and a distinguished career in law enforcement that included internal affairswork."
The water department doesn't prohibit additional outside employment, McCormick said.
He'll keep the water department job, McCormick in a statement Friday afternoon.
"Barnett Jones is doing a finejob for us at DWSD," she said. "Jonescame to DWSD with extensive experience in security and emergency management,and a distinguished career in law enforcement that included internal affairswork."
The water department doesn't prohibit additional outside employment, McCormick said.
GM CEO 'cautiously optimistic' about 2013; continues to defy critics
GM CEO 'cautiously optimistic' about 2013; continues to defy critics | MLive.com
In 2012, GM accomplished a number of company milestones, including reacquiring Ally Financial Inc., which helps give the company more control over lending and leasing to potential customers; de-risking its pension plan by $29 billion for salaried employees and retirees; achieving at least 11 consecutive profitable quarters; and reacquiring 200 million shares of common stock from the U.S. Treasury Department, which plans to exit the automaker by March 2014.
In 2012, GM accomplished a number of company milestones, including reacquiring Ally Financial Inc., which helps give the company more control over lending and leasing to potential customers; de-risking its pension plan by $29 billion for salaried employees and retirees; achieving at least 11 consecutive profitable quarters; and reacquiring 200 million shares of common stock from the U.S. Treasury Department, which plans to exit the automaker by March 2014.
Is the Pure Michigan brand being misused? MEDC ad outrages right-to-work opponents
Is the Pure Michigan brand being misused? MEDC ad outrages right-to-work opponents | MLive.com
Right-to-work opponents are criticizing an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal that uses the Pure Michigan logo while touting the new right-to-work law as a reason to do business in the state.
The full-page print ad, titled, ‘What happens when Michigan makes history,’ contains the following text:
“It’s a new day for business in Michigan. Michigan is the newest Right-to-Work state.
This once-in a generation transformation has Michigan poised to become a preferred place to do business.
Michigan has also redesigned incentive programs, streamlined regulatory processes, approved legislation to eliminate personal property taxes and launched a new flat 6% business tax, giving the state its most competitive position in decades.
The perfect storm of opportunity, resources and passion is Pure Michigan.”
Right-to-work opponents are criticizing an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal that uses the Pure Michigan logo while touting the new right-to-work law as a reason to do business in the state.
The full-page print ad, titled, ‘What happens when Michigan makes history,’ contains the following text:
“It’s a new day for business in Michigan. Michigan is the newest Right-to-Work state.
This once-in a generation transformation has Michigan poised to become a preferred place to do business.
Michigan has also redesigned incentive programs, streamlined regulatory processes, approved legislation to eliminate personal property taxes and launched a new flat 6% business tax, giving the state its most competitive position in decades.
The perfect storm of opportunity, resources and passion is Pure Michigan.”
Judge baffled by support for Metro Detroit teacher convicted of sex crimes against students
Judge baffled by support for Metro Detroit teacher convicted of sex crimes against students | MLive.com
A judge sentenced a substitute music teacher to five years in prison for having sex with a 17-year-old student and exchanging lewd cellphone photos and video with two other girls, and she lambasted his many supporters, saying they apparently didn't know the extent of his misdeeds.
A judge sentenced a substitute music teacher to five years in prison for having sex with a 17-year-old student and exchanging lewd cellphone photos and video with two other girls, and she lambasted his many supporters, saying they apparently didn't know the extent of his misdeeds.
Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee to discuss prevailing wage at a free public event on Monday night
Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee to discuss prevailing wage at a free public event on Monday night | MLive.com
Comments:
alaskanwolverine
Comments:
alaskanwolverine
As a former member of the Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee, I'm glad to see them being active and reaching out publicly to address the pertinent issues of the day. I was not a popular member of the committee due to my true conservatism in economic and social issues. Sounds like the committee is on the right track now.
alaskanwolverine, Please join us Monday night. You will be welcomed now.
Editorial: Spirited mayor's race is just what Muskegon needs
Editorial: Spirited mayor's race is just what Muskegon needs | MLive.com#incart_river
With the election scheduled in November, Muskegon residents will have 10 months to take a hard look at who we say we are and what we want be as a community.
They will be able to dissect the visions presented by the candidates and chose a leader.
And they will have time to figure out how to join forces behind the new leader to turn this community into the city they see when they defend it against the bashers.
Let's begin the discussion today.
With the election scheduled in November, Muskegon residents will have 10 months to take a hard look at who we say we are and what we want be as a community.
They will be able to dissect the visions presented by the candidates and chose a leader.
And they will have time to figure out how to join forces behind the new leader to turn this community into the city they see when they defend it against the bashers.
Let's begin the discussion today.
Truancy plan will work with families, not against them, officials say in live chat
Truancy plan will work with families, not against them, officials say in live chat | MLive.com
The plan calls for schools to look at students once they have five absences, whether they are excused or not.
School personnel will decide whether the absences are cause for concern and those that are will continue to be monitored.
If a student being monitored is absent four more times, they will be referred to the prosecutor’s office, which will explain to the student’s family they could lose welfare benefits if the absences continue.
The plan calls for schools to look at students once they have five absences, whether they are excused or not.
School personnel will decide whether the absences are cause for concern and those that are will continue to be monitored.
If a student being monitored is absent four more times, they will be referred to the prosecutor’s office, which will explain to the student’s family they could lose welfare benefits if the absences continue.
Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee to discuss prevailing wage at a free public event on Monday night
Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee to discuss prevailing wage at a free public event on Monday night | MLive.com#incart_river
The federal government has its own prevailing wage laws, butMonday night's meeting will likely focus on the Muskegon County's rules, whichare similar.
Vincent Vernuccio, director of labor policy at the MackinacCenter for Public Policy, will be a featured speaker.
The federal government has its own prevailing wage laws, butMonday night's meeting will likely focus on the Muskegon County's rules, whichare similar.
Vincent Vernuccio, director of labor policy at the MackinacCenter for Public Policy, will be a featured speaker.
GOP Establishment Standing in Way of Prevailing Wage Reform
GOP Establishment Standing in Way of Prevailing Wage Reform [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
“I absolutely won’t support increasing any fees or taxes (for road improvements) as long as we have prevailing wage in Michigan,” he said recently at an Independent Tea Party Patriots Meeting in Clarkston.
“I absolutely won’t support increasing any fees or taxes (for road improvements) as long as we have prevailing wage in Michigan,” he said recently at an Independent Tea Party Patriots Meeting in Clarkston.
60,000 patients put on death pathway without being told
60,000 patients put on death pathway without being told but minister still says controversial end-of-life plan is 'fantastic'
Pathway involves the sick being sedated and usually denied nutritionand fluids
Families kept in the dark when doctors withdraw lifesaving treatment
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said pathway was a 'fantastic step forward'
Anti-euthanasia group said: ‘The Pathway is designed to finish people off double quick'
Pathway involves the sick being sedated and usually denied nutritionand fluids
Families kept in the dark when doctors withdraw lifesaving treatment
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said pathway was a 'fantastic step forward'
Anti-euthanasia group said: ‘The Pathway is designed to finish people off double quick'
Sandy Relief Dwarfs Past Aid Packages
Sandy Relief Dwarfs Past Aid Packages
The measure bill includes $150 million for what the Commerce Department described as fisheries disasters in Alaska, Mississippi and the Northeast, and $50 million in subsidies for replanting trees on private land damaged by wildfires.
....Critics are taking the sharpest aim at $12.1 billion in the amendment for Department of Housing and Urban Development emergency block grants.
Any state struck by a federally declared major disaster in 2011, 2012 or this year would qualify for the grants, and that's just about all the states, said Stephen Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a budget watchdog group.
Only South Carolina, Arizona and Michigan would not qualify, he said.
The measure bill includes $150 million for what the Commerce Department described as fisheries disasters in Alaska, Mississippi and the Northeast, and $50 million in subsidies for replanting trees on private land damaged by wildfires.
....Critics are taking the sharpest aim at $12.1 billion in the amendment for Department of Housing and Urban Development emergency block grants.
Any state struck by a federally declared major disaster in 2011, 2012 or this year would qualify for the grants, and that's just about all the states, said Stephen Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a budget watchdog group.
Only South Carolina, Arizona and Michigan would not qualify, he said.
Detroit Water’s security chief Barnett Jones resigns 2nd job in Flint amid questions
Detroit Water’s security chief Barnett Jones resigns 2nd job in Flint amid questions | Michigan news | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Flint’s administrator of public safety resigned this morning after the Free Press raised questions about how he could work there while also working as the head of security for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
Barnett Jones, a longtime lawman in southeast Michigan, was earning $273,750 at the two jobs, which are almost 70 miles apart.
He had been working both since May.
Flint’s administrator of public safety resigned this morning after the Free Press raised questions about how he could work there while also working as the head of security for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
Barnett Jones, a longtime lawman in southeast Michigan, was earning $273,750 at the two jobs, which are almost 70 miles apart.
He had been working both since May.
Revealed: Civil servant secretly working two full time public jobs, 70 miles apart - netting a salary higher than the Vice President's
Revealed: Civil servant secretly working two full time public jobs, 70 miles apart - netting a salary higher than the Vice President's | Mail Online
Flint City Administrator, Michael Brown, told the Press he wasn't aware of Jones' other role.
'We didn’t know that he was working at Detroit water and sewer,' Brown said. 'I was surprised and to be honest, disappointed'.
Jones' salary broke down as $135,000 a year from Flint and $138,750 from Detroit.
It gave him a total salary higher than a senator, Supreme Court judge or even Vice President Joe Biden.
Jones told the Free Press on Wednesday that he was doing justice to both jobs, when the newspaper asked him if he could juggle the two.
'Absolutely,' Jones said.
'There are some days I go to both, some days I go to one.
Sometimes I leave out at 8, 9, 10 o’clock at night, Saturdays.
I’m a workaholic.'
Flint City Administrator, Michael Brown, told the Press he wasn't aware of Jones' other role.
'We didn’t know that he was working at Detroit water and sewer,' Brown said. 'I was surprised and to be honest, disappointed'.
Jones' salary broke down as $135,000 a year from Flint and $138,750 from Detroit.
It gave him a total salary higher than a senator, Supreme Court judge or even Vice President Joe Biden.
Jones told the Free Press on Wednesday that he was doing justice to both jobs, when the newspaper asked him if he could juggle the two.
'Absolutely,' Jones said.
'There are some days I go to both, some days I go to one.
Sometimes I leave out at 8, 9, 10 o’clock at night, Saturdays.
I’m a workaholic.'
Sunspot unleashes intense solar flare
Sunspot unleashes intense solar flare - Technology & science - Space - Space.com | NBC News
"AR1654 is getting bigger as it turns toward Earth," the website reported.
"Not only is the chance of flares increasing, but also the chance of an Earth-directed eruption.
This could be the sunspot that breaks the recent lengthy spell of calm space weather around our planet."
The sun is in an active phase of its current 11-year weather cycle, which scientists call Solar Cycle 24. The sun's activity cycle is expected to reach its peak (or "solar maximum") in 2013, astronomers have said.
The most powerful solar flares, X-class flares, have the most significant effect on Earth.
They can cause long-lasting radiation storms in our planet's upper atmosphere and trigger radio blackouts.
Medium-size M-class flares can cause brief radio blackouts in the polar regions and occasional minor radiation storms.
C-class flares, the weakest in scientists' three-tiered classification system, have few noticeable consequences.
"AR1654 is getting bigger as it turns toward Earth," the website reported.
"Not only is the chance of flares increasing, but also the chance of an Earth-directed eruption.
This could be the sunspot that breaks the recent lengthy spell of calm space weather around our planet."
The sun is in an active phase of its current 11-year weather cycle, which scientists call Solar Cycle 24. The sun's activity cycle is expected to reach its peak (or "solar maximum") in 2013, astronomers have said.
The most powerful solar flares, X-class flares, have the most significant effect on Earth.
They can cause long-lasting radiation storms in our planet's upper atmosphere and trigger radio blackouts.
Medium-size M-class flares can cause brief radio blackouts in the polar regions and occasional minor radiation storms.
C-class flares, the weakest in scientists' three-tiered classification system, have few noticeable consequences.
Hillary Clinton Rescued By Iranians from Near Fatal Plane Crash
Hillary Clinton Rescued By Iranians from Near Fatal Plane Crash | Stuart Wilde | The Official Author Website
A new Foreign Military Intelligence (GRU) report circulating in the Kremlin today is saying that United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton [photo 2nd left] was injured, and a top US Navy Seal Commander killed when their C-12 Huron military passenger and transport aircraft crash landed nearly 3 weeks ago in the Iranian city of Ahvaz near the Iraqi border.
Iranian intelligence agents quoted in this GRU report confirm that the C-12 Huron aircraft is still in their possession in Ahvaz, but will only admit that the plane was “forced to land because of technical problems.”
The US Navy Seal member reported killed in this bizarre incident, this report says, was indentified as Commander Job W. Price [photo 3rd left] who as a leader of this highly specialized American Special Forces unit protects high-ranking diplomats traveling in Middle Eastern and Asian combat zones.
Curiously, US media reports on Commander Price’s death say it being investigated as a possible suicide as he died from what the American Defense Department describes as “a non-combat related injury.”
A new Foreign Military Intelligence (GRU) report circulating in the Kremlin today is saying that United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton [photo 2nd left] was injured, and a top US Navy Seal Commander killed when their C-12 Huron military passenger and transport aircraft crash landed nearly 3 weeks ago in the Iranian city of Ahvaz near the Iraqi border.
Iranian intelligence agents quoted in this GRU report confirm that the C-12 Huron aircraft is still in their possession in Ahvaz, but will only admit that the plane was “forced to land because of technical problems.”
The US Navy Seal member reported killed in this bizarre incident, this report says, was indentified as Commander Job W. Price [photo 3rd left] who as a leader of this highly specialized American Special Forces unit protects high-ranking diplomats traveling in Middle Eastern and Asian combat zones.
Curiously, US media reports on Commander Price’s death say it being investigated as a possible suicide as he died from what the American Defense Department describes as “a non-combat related injury.”
MILTON FRIEDMAN: Why we don’t need to throw the bums out. “It’s nice to elect the right people, bu…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MILTON FRIEDMAN: Why we don’t need to throw the bums out.
MILTON FRIEDMAN:
Why we don’t need to throw the bums out.
“It’s nice to elect the right people, but that’s not the way you solve things.
They way you solve things is by making it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right things.”
Politicians are at best semi-autonomous.
They mostly respond to external forces.
If you want them to behave differently, change the correlation of forces.
That can be done by taking over state parties, by primarying people, by changing the culture and all sorts of other ways.
MILTON FRIEDMAN:
Why we don’t need to throw the bums out.
“It’s nice to elect the right people, but that’s not the way you solve things.
They way you solve things is by making it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right things.”
Politicians are at best semi-autonomous.
They mostly respond to external forces.
If you want them to behave differently, change the correlation of forces.
That can be done by taking over state parties, by primarying people, by changing the culture and all sorts of other ways.
How Michigan Supreme Court opening will be filled in wake of Diane Hathaway departure
#incart_river
Hathaway’s attorney said the justice served notice in late December she would retire.
But news of her plan didn’t become public until Monday -- shortly after the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission filed a formal complaint and called for her interim suspension in light of a federal lawsuit alleging bank fraud and money laundering.
Hathaway’s attorney said the justice served notice in late December she would retire.
But news of her plan didn’t become public until Monday -- shortly after the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission filed a formal complaint and called for her interim suspension in light of a federal lawsuit alleging bank fraud and money laundering.
Mike Lee pushes for changes to union exemption from Hobbs Act
Mike Lee pushes for changes to union exemption from Hobbs Act | Washington Free Beacon
"Labor groups are immune from prosecution under the Hobbs Act, a 1946 provision that criminalized extortion and robbery using the threat or fear of force.
Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah) attempted to close that loophole last year with the Freedom from Union Violence Act (FUVA)."
"Labor groups are immune from prosecution under the Hobbs Act, a 1946 provision that criminalized extortion and robbery using the threat or fear of force.
Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah) attempted to close that loophole last year with the Freedom from Union Violence Act (FUVA)."
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