Community health advocates work to protect funding
With just days to go before the congressional Super Committee delivers its deficit-cutting recommendations, supporters of Community Health Centers are fighting to protect funding.Nearly 600 thousand...
View ArticleGovernor, Legislature need to find $60 million
By Rick PlutaWhen the Legislature returns to the state Capitol next week, there will be another item added to its to-do list. That is coming up with millions of dollars to fill a budget gap created by...
View ArticleWorkers Comp hearings continue
By Laura WeberProposed changes to Michigan's workers compensation law drew more than a hundred workers, union representatives and business lobbyists Tuesday to the state Capitol.The proposed changes...
View ArticleGovernor signs foster care extension
By Rick PlutaGovernor Rick Snyder has signed a law to make benefits available to young adults who were raised in foster care. Several hundred children a year "age out" of Michigan's foster care system...
View ArticleThe MFB opposes EPA pesticide regulations
By John KetchumThe Michigan Farm Bureau will convene in Grand Rapids at the end of this month. One of the items on the agenda for the annual meeting are the pesticide regulations established by the...
View ArticlePensioner groups call for pension-tax repeal
By Laura WeberAdvocates for senior citizens and retirees say state lawmakers who voted for the new tax on pensions will pay a political price in next year's re-election campaigns, unless they act soon...
View ArticleDetroit finances under preliminary review by state
By Laura WeberThe state is beginning a preliminary review of Detroit's finances to determine if the city should be considered for takeover by an emergency manager.State Treasurer Andy Dillon said he...
View ArticleDefense commission told bad lawyers cost taxpayers, children
By Rick PlutaThe state commission charged with the task of ensuring adequate legal representation for criminal defendants with court-appointed lawyers heard hours of testimony Friday at a hearing in...
View ArticleCharter school expansion up for possible vote
By Laura WeberMore charter schools may soon be allowed to open in Michigan. The state House is expected to vote this week on a measure that would get rid of the cap on the number of...
View ArticleAdvocates speak out as liquor advisory board nears recommendations
By Laura WeberAdvocates for strong liquor control laws say they are upset they were left out of meetings of an advisory board preparing to make recommendations on changes to alcohol rules that will...
View ArticleComputer glitch leads to challenge before MI Supreme Court
Rick PlutaThe Michigan Supreme Court heard a case Tuesday where an African-American man claims he was denied a fair trial because of a computer error. The error caused fewer jury notices to go to...
View ArticleDebate on how to pay for heating aid continues
By Rick PlutaAt the state Capitol, House and Senate leaders said they're getting closer, but still don't have an agreement on how to help low-income families with their winter utility bills. Lawmakers...
View ArticleGov signs anti-bullying bill into law
By Laura WeberGovernor Rick Snyder has signed a measure into law that requires all school districts to adopt anti-bullying policies. Snyder said the law is a good start.Snyder said he was bullied from...
View ArticleFuneral Home Embezzlement
By Amanda HarrisonThe Michigan Attorney General brought formal charges against a funeral home manager yesterday. Erica Cederberg Kaznowski allegedly embezzled nearly a half million dollars from money...
View ArticleGovernor Snyder's approval rating
A new poll shows Governor Snyder's approval rating is at an all-time low among Michigan residents.Michigan State University's 'State of the State' poll shows only about one in five residents give the...
View ArticleSenate approves major changes to workers comp
By Laura WeberA controversial proposal to make major changes to the state's workers compensation law has cleared the state Senate. The measure would reduce an injured worker's payments by the amount an...
View ArticleBill would ban taxpayer-funded live-in partner benefits
By Rick PlutaLocal governments, school districts, community colleges, and the state could not offer benefits that cover the live-in partners of public employees, under a bill that's expected to be on...
View ArticleSenate panel approves abortion insurance rider
By Laura WeberA proposal to limit access to health care coverage for abortion procedures has cleared a state Senate panel. The proposal would require employers or individuals purchasing health care...
View ArticleLevin calls for payroll tax cut extension
The U-S Senate is racing to avert an increase in the nation's payroll taxes.Payroll taxes were cut last year, and would revert to previous rates if action isn't taken by the end of this month.That rate...
View ArticleState police dogs equipped with GPS collars
All 29 Michigan State Police dogs have now been equipped with G-P-S tracking collars.The collars come a year after a police dog was lost in Presque Isle County while searching for a missing man.The...
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