LANSING - Overall government tax collections for the 50 states increased $62.1 billion to $763.7 billion in 2011, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Corporate net income tax revenue came to $40.2 billion last year, up 9.4 percent. Tax revenue on individual income amounted to $259.1 billion, up 9.8 percent, and
SAN FRANCISCO - The major film studios and music companies will soon unveil plans for a "copyright center," an organization designed to oversee the implementation of the controversial graduated-response program, CNET has learned. Last July, when some of the country's top Internet service providers, including AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, agreed to begin implementing a series
LANSING - On April 13, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will team up with regional business leaders and economic developers to host Pure Michigan Opportunity West Coast ? connecting new professionals, college students, and recent graduates with Muskegon and Grand Haven-area employers with jobs to fill. ?West Michigan is enjoying a new era of economic
LANSING - The minimum income at which Michigan residents will have to pay taxes will fall below the poverty line under the recent changes in the state's tax laws, according to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities highlighted Wednesday by the Michigan League for Human Services. With the reductions to the
LANSING - A free application to follow Michigan campaign finance records is now available through the iPhone and iPad, according to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. The application is believed to the first of its kind developed by a state elections' office, Ms. Johnson said. A similar application for Android based phones is being developed.
LANSING - If the top officials in the Department of Transportation want to be paid, they will have to complete the Gateway Project at the Ambassador Bridge by the end of the current fiscal year under the budget reported from the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee.>
LANSING - A bill that would invalidate the union home health care workers formed was reported Tuesday from the House Government Operations committee along party lines. Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) offered an amendment that would eliminate the retroactive nature of the bill so it would not impair current union contracts. It failed along party
LANSING - Legislation that would allow Michigan to join an interstate compact to suspend the operation of the controversial federal health care act was sent to the full Senate by the Health Policy Committee on Thursday. The panel reported SB 973 on a 6-1 vote with Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) the only committee member
LANSING - Corporations spending money to influence elections or political decisions would have to acknowledge and report that spending under a proposed constitutional amendment unveiled Thursday. The Corporate Accountability Amendment, co-chaired by Jocelyn Benson, the 2010 Democratic secretary of state candidate, and Melanie McElroy, executive director of Common Cause Michigan, would require any corporation spending
LANSING - Almost two months ago in his State of the State address, Governor Rick Snyder called for campaign finance reforms, but none have made it to his desk so far. Specifically, Snyder said he wanted to have better and more frequent disclosure of campaign contributions. Legislators do not have disclose fundraising or spending activity