LANSING - Legislation that would allow companies looking to install new wireless technology infrastructure to utility poles and towers across the state easily passed the Michigan Senate on Thursday over the objection of one member who referred to potential health risks he said are associated with the expansion of wireless technology. SB 637 passed 33-3 and SB
LANSING - A set of rules were adopted by the Public Service Commission Thursday that are meant to address potential disputes between wholesale and retail telecommunications providers in the event customers could lose their phone service. The rules are intended to allow landline customers time to find a new carrier if a dispute between providers
LANSING - A discussion on two "cheery" subjects - the state's efforts to control perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and efforts to prevent the Asian carp getting into the Great Lakes - were outlined Thursday to the House Appropriations Natural Resources Subcommittee, with members hearing how the state is trying to get control of both issues.
LANSING - Sharp rhetoric over the path to adequate road funding preceded a unanimous vote for Michigan legislation to inject an additional $175 million into state roads this fiscal year, with a few minor additions for spending priorities for other departments. HB 4321 passed 36-0 after Democratic amendments were jettisoned that would have infused even more
LANSING - The state's 13 investor-owned utilities will provide the Public Service Commission with calculations for rate reductions to pass along to ratepayers as a result of the new federal tax law and as part of a three-part process the commission rolled out Thursday. By March 30, nine of the 13 utilities will be required
LANSING - Farmers, producers and processors would be able to choose alternative energy suppliers without counting toward the 10 percent cap on electric choice under a bill discussed Tuesday in the House Energy Policy Committee. The panel took no action on HB 5387, sponsored by Rep. Gary Glenn (R-Williams Township), the committee chair. Supporters of the proposal included
LANSING - Environmental Quality Director Heidi Grether told both subcommittees overseeing her budget that finding a replacement for the Clean Michigan Initiative bonds was her top priority for the year, and heard concerns from members of both panels over the proposed increase in tipping fees. As part of the department's $494.59 million budget ($46.95 million General Fund), Governor
LANSING - Sen. Rick Jones told Senate members Thursday if the Legislature cannot pass a bill to reduce auto insurance rates for all Michigan motorists than helping reduce the financial burden for older drivers in legislation he introduced would be the right place to start. Jones (R-Grand Ledge) urged lawmakers to consider his bill, SB 787, as
LANSING - Senate Democrats said Thursday the state needs to stem the tide in what they called a decline in the number of qualified, well-paid teachers wanting to enter and remain in the classroom. Legislation introduced by Democrats would, among other things, provide incentives for teachers to work in economically disadvantaged schools, for teachers willing
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