LANSING - In what could prove to be a major step toward ending the final deadlock on the 2009-10 budget, Senate Republicans developed a proposal Thursday that would raise more than $300 million a year for the next two fiscal years, with the proviso that the money would then go to reducing the surcharge on
LANSING - On Thursday, Gov. Jennifer Granholm issued orders (E.O. 2009-44 and E.O. 2009-45) creating a new Department of Natural Resources and Environment to encompass the duties of the current departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources as well as some functions of the Department of Agriculture. Administration officials estimated the changes, which would be
LANSING - After so many years of fighting to end what he called the unfair practice of basing insurance rates on credit scores, it's about time the Supreme Court give the state the power to stop the practice that results in higher rates for many Michigan residents, said state Insurance Advocate Butch Hollowell on Wednesday
LANSING - The Michigan Senate passed bills Wednesday that would require the Department of Human Services to work with utilities to identify residents who are eligible for assistance programs. The bills (SB 553 and SB 555 ) are part of a package of bills designed to protect residents from unwarranted utility disconnection, particularly by municipal
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ca. - In a quest to woo customers from rivals, Google's Eric Schmidt and Verizon Wireless' Lowell McAdam announced Tuesday a strategic partnership to create devices based on Google's mobile platform, Android. But analysts are already questioning the competitive impact of the alliance since it is not exclusive. The agreement will produce a
SOUTHFIELD - The outlook for U.S. light vehicle sales is beginning to improve, according to a recent R. L. Polk & Co. analysis. Polk estimates new light vehicle sales in 2010 will be up 9.6 percent over 2009, to 11.2 million units, with third quarter 2010 sales estimated to be the strongest, at an anticipated
LANSING - Despite taking the step of voting on revenue increases Tuesday, legislative Democrats and the governor said House proposals do not go far enough to restore funding for critical programs including local police and fire, college scholarships and health care for senior citizens and low-income residents. "Now is the time to stand up for
LANSING - The headline projects of the state's push to build its renewable energy economic platform came close to realization Tuesday, when the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved grants to convert the former Wixom automotive plant into the largest renewable energy corporate complex in the country. MEGA also approved grants for the development of a
DETROIT - Sounds like a disaster at Chrysler. In a stunning development, Peter Fong, who had just been named as CEO of the Chrysler brand, and Mike Acavitti, who had just been named as CEO of the Dodge brand have both abruptly resigned from the company. Now Fred Diaz will become CEO of the Dodge
LANSING - Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon informed Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop on Monday of the revenue proposals he plans to pursue, a Bishop spokesperson said. Bishop's spokesperson, Matt Marsden, said Bishop (R-Rochester) did not share with him the contents of the proposals. Abby Rubley, spokesperson for Dillon (D-Redford Twp.), declined to comment. Dillon