LANSING - In six press conferences held across the state Monday, House Democrats said they will soon reintroduce their "Hire Michigan First" bills, which give preference for state and local economic development incentives to companies that hire Michigan workers. Last term in majority, Democrats failed in getting a compromise on the bills with the Republican-controlled
LANSING - The budget that Gov. Rick Snyder will propose February 17 will only ask the Legislature to pass a budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year because of constitutional issues clouding the ability to enact a two-year budget that includes the 2012-13 fiscal year, Budget Director John Nixon said Monday. Nixon said until the constitutional
WARREN - The Michigan Business and Professional Association, along with its sister association the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, strongly urge legislators to support legislation that would eliminate the State's unnecessary Item Pricing Law. Both Associations large membership represent over 20,000 small businesses, employing over 160,000 individual employees, support House Bill 4158 sponsored by Representative
LANSING - A bill repealing the requirement that price tags appear on nearly all items sold in Michigan stores will likely see some tweaks before a House committee votes on it next week. In introducing her bill (HB 4158 ), Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto) said it will not repeal the state's item-pricing law entirely,
LANSING - The Small Business Association of Michigan has named Daniel Mahoney Vice President for Membership and Development. Mahoney will be responsible for SBAM's membership growth and political and corporate development. Previously, Mahoney held senior fundraising positions with former House Speaker Andy Dillon and the Michigan House Democratic Caucus. Dillion is now state Treasurer. "I'm
LANSING - Michigan's four former governors Thursday turned up the heat on the Legislature by jointly announcing their support of a new international trade crossing to connect Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. Governor Rick Snyder announced his support for plans to build a second bridge over the Detroit River in his State of the State address
LANSING ? Gov. Rick Snyder has reappointed J.R. Richardson and John Madigan to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. "J.R. and John continue to serve the NRC and Michigan's outdoors community well," Snyder said. "Their professional backgrounds and immense respect for our state?s natural resources heritage add a valuable perspective to the commission?s decision-making." Richardson, of
LANSING ? Gov. Rick Snyder Tuesday announced appointments to the governing boards of Western Michigan University, Ferris State University and Michigan Technological University. Dana Debel and Ken Miller will serve on the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. Debel, of Ann Arbor, is the director of state and local government affairs for Delta Air Lines.
LANSING - A study commissioned by the Michigan Retailers Association showed the state's current item pricing law provides no consumer benefit, when measured against newly available technology, and costs some $2.2 billion annually. The study, by the Anderson Economic Group, showed Michigan residents are now paying about 9 percent more than similarly-situated residents in other
LANSING - The House and Senate Transportation committees could hold joint hearings on legislation to create the Detroit River International Crossing. Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said he and Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt), the House Transportation chair, have been discussing how they will handle the legislation in the wake of