LANSING - Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates fell in 16 of the state's 17 major labor market areas in October. "October changes in the state's various local labor markets were typically small and seasonal," said Jason Palmer, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. "Michigan's metropolitan area payroll job levels continued to
LANSING - An agreement between the state of Michigan and Enbridge Energy Partners on the Line 5 oil pipeline calls for a series of safety measures such as moving it beneath the St. Clair River and a study into putting it underneath the Straits of Mackinac as well, but the state says shutting down the
LANSING - The Michigan Agency for Energy issued its latest Winter Energy Appraisal Thursday, which states energy use in the state is expected to increase again this year, with projections for fuel demand to also rise. Despite the projected increase in winter energy use, projected year-over-year demand for natural gas and electricity is expected to
LANSING - Telecommunications industry representatives told Michigan lawmakers Thursday legislation to cap permit fees for right-of-way access to utility poles for placement of infrastructure or for work on projects along county roads would reduce barriers to installing technology upgrades and expanding service to new customers. Sen. Joe Hune (R-Whitmore Lake) told fellow members of the Senate
LANSING - Michigan would use the U.S. Coast Guard standards for preventing introduction of invasive species through ballast water rather than its own current standards under a bill that passed the Michigan House Thursday. But HB 5095 passed 66-42. The bill would require the state stay at the current standard should the Coast Guard lessen its standard.
LANSING - More master craftsmen could teach in K-12 schools and certified teachers could count efforts to incorporate career and technical education into their classrooms under a package of bills discussed in the House Workforce and Talent Development Committee on Tuesday. All involved made clear that the bills are intended as a starting point for
LANSING - Conversations with Foxconn Technology Group over locating a plant in the state are continuing and a large incentive package is necessary to remain competitive for such large projects, Jeff Mason, the chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said this week. Michigan missed out on an initial multibillion dollar plant that's
LANSING - A business group announced a legal challenge Tuesday in the Court of Appeals over the Public Service Commission's decision to allow for a local clearing requirement for energy providers beginning in 2022. The Michigan Association of Businesses Advocating Tariff Equity filed a claim of appeal to the Court of Appeals earlier this month.
LANSING - Michigan Senate Oversight Committee members heard from the director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget during a hearing to weigh reporting a recommendation on his confirmation to the full Senate. Referring to himself as "an advocate of public service," David DeVries told lawmakers Thursday he'd accepted the appointment from Governor Rick
LANSING - Michigan had offered Foxconn Technology Group some $3.76 billion in incentives for the plant it lost to Wisconsin and another $3.06 billion for a yet-to-be-announced plan, according to letters to the company. But both of those incentives were reduced by the final language of the Good Jobs for Michigan package (SB 242, SB 243 and SB
