Action Alert! Call-in day for Michigan Rail

by: yvette248

Tue Nov 30, 2010 at 12:16:50 PM EST

On the Art of Compromise

by: boehmianrhapsody

Sun Aug 22, 2010 at 14:40:17 PM EDT

So this week Governor Granholm unveiled her plans to close the deficits for the current budget year (as in, the one that is already 90% over) and for the next year. Cue Senate Republican obstructionism in 3... 2... 1...

"I've been at this for four years, and this is a lot closer" to mutual agreement than in the past, said Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop. "This is do-able."

Could it be? Did someone finally see the wizard and get a heart?

But this year, Bishop said he was "encouraged" by the governor's proposal, especially because there were no tax increases.

Oh. Wonderful. The Democrats have figured out that the easiest way to end a disagreement is to just completely give into the other side.

I got this email about Bishop holding up the stimulus $.

by: dkmich

Mon Jun 22, 2009 at 17:47:57 PM EDT

Believe it or not, State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop is playing partisan politics and refusing to bring two bills to a vote that would allow the state to use money from the American Economic and Recovery Act. It's money that has already been set aside for Michigan.

Speak out now and urge Sen. Bishop to stop playing games with people's livelihood and allow these bills to come to a vote.

http://progressmichigan.org/bi...

In these tough times, we all need to put our differences aside and come together to help Michigan move forward!

http://progressmichigan.org/bi...

Thanks for all you do, David Holtz Executive Director, Progress Michigan

Lame Duck ends with Big Losses and Small Victories

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Dec 19, 2008 at 12:35:11 PM EST

The State Legislature's Lame Duck session was beginning to sound like that annoying children's song "This is the Song that Never Ends", you know the one that never ends, just keeps going on and on and that parents and caregivers alike have all been tortured by at some point in their life?

It pretty accurately exemplifies how many legislative staffers, lobbyists, legislators and a blogger or two (wink, wink) felt after a 25+ hour session that just ended this morning just after 11am. According to one inside source, the scene this morning at the Capitol was filled with 'sleep-deprived lobbyists were running amok', and based on what I saw last night, I have no trouble imagining that. 

I was there from 8pm to midnight, and while it was great to see folks from my days entrenched on the House floor during last year's Budget Shutdown, four hours was plenty for me, and I can only imagine how miserable it was for everyone else stuck there the entire time. 

The night was filled with constant conference committees on individual bills, meetings between key lawmakers, and Governor Granholm was there meeting with both sides behind closed doors. 

Here's the most current tally I've been able to come across of major issues passed. If you know of something I've missed, please free to add it in the comments. The list starts below the fold...

Bishop Blocks Restroom Access Vote, Supporters 'Close' Capitol bathrooms

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 13:00:00 PM EST

Ahhh, lame duck, how we love thee. It's the time where legislators scurry like rats on a sinking ship to pass as many bills into legislation as they can before heading home for the holiday break. 

Among items on today's docket, the Smoking Ban, the Anti-Crime Bias Bill, and on my Christmas wish list, the Restroom Access Bill. 

Surprisingly, the bill has gotten wide bi-partisan support in both Chambers. Thanks in part to some pro-bono help by the Rossman Group, it has passed the full House, passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, chaired by Jason Allen (R-Traverse City), also thanks in part to Senators Gilda Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods), Nancy Cassis (R-Novi), and Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland). It's final stop before hitting the Governor's desk is a full vote on the Senate floor, but only if Bishop allows it.

Today, an unidentified group of supporters of the bill put up fliers on the doors to the restrooms in both the Senate's Farum Building and the Capitol Building with the following message:

CLOSED:

Pending Passage of HB 5046

Is it a problem when bathrooms are not accessible?

YES!

Please help pass the Restroom Access Bill today!

In a nutshell, the bill provides access to those of us with medical conditions that could require immediate access to bathrooms in retail establishments. There are several stipulations to protect both the business and the customer. It's such a popular bill that even the Michigan Retailer's Association is in favor of it.

As someone who lives with Crohn's Disease, and subsequently have undergone several surgeries because of it, and for the thousands of others like me out there, I ask you to contact Bishop's office, and ask him to put HB 5046 to a vote today before the bill dies, and our ability for equality of access is denied again. 

                            Sen. Mike Bishop: 517.373.2417

Some Cheese to go with the GOP's Whine and BS on Stryker

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Oct 28, 2008 at 10:41:45 AM EDT

Tell me, which number is greater -

$4 Million or $35 Million

Even if you survived the public education system under Dubya's No Child Left Behind policies, you know that $35 Million is almost ten times as much as $4 million. 

So why hasn't Nick from Right Michigan and the rest of the whiny Michigan GOP done their math?

Probably because the truth hurts. 

Nick's latest post moaning and groaning about Jon Stryker's $4 million spent on Democratic races is just absurd. 

If we want to complain about individuals spending massive amounts of money in politics, let's take a trip back down Memory Lane to Election Cycles Past and Present, shall we? 

Dick 'Amway Guy' DeVos dumped a record $35 million into his 2006 ultra-conservative gubernatorial run, and the only reason we probably know about is because of campaign finance laws. 

Most of the uber-rich Republicans make their donations courtesy of the old fashioned shell game. Stick one part into Foundation A, two parts into Trust B, and top it off with another part into Vaguely-Named Organization C. Anyone else feeling dizzy yet?

So Stryker's got money, good for him. At least he's distributing it out in the open, where the transparency process is in full bloom, and takes a step towards leveling the playing field. 

Maybe the GOP just hates the facts - when that playing field is leveled and the battle is over the issues, progressives generally win, and we all know how much Republicans hate progress! 

(Jump below for the rest of the fun!)

Fight Genocide! Tell the Senate to pass Sudan Divestment Bill NOW!

by: TomChoske

Sun Jun 22, 2008 at 13:55:01 PM EDT

Sudan Divestment: We Need Your Help Now!!

by: TomChoske

Sun Apr 13, 2008 at 00:32:05 AM EDT

Sudanese Divestment Now! Come To The Press Conference!

by: TomChoske

Wed Apr 09, 2008 at 09:36:28 AM EDT

Darfur is one of those issues that is ongoing yet seems to have fallen out of the collective consciousness. Despite a lack of interest, the violence has consistently increased, leaving these past two months the most violent and devastating yet.

We can do something to help here in Lanisng. House Bill 4854 (and its Senate complement, SB 555) would take Michigan's money out of the genocide and urge the supporters of these atrocities to change their ways. The $150 million of taxpayer money that is invested through the state public pension funds would be withdrawn from the foreign companies that give the Sudanese government its blank check to murder hundredes of thousands and inflict pain and suffering on millions more. 24 other states in the country have already done this; why haven't we?

The House of Representatives came together to pass this bill in July with a margin of 108-2, drawing the support of both Democratic and Republican leaders. The bills were sent to the Senate Appropriations committee. Due to a couple of activist Senators (i.e. Mike Bishop and Ron Jelinek), the legislation has languished for months without receiving a single vote.

We've had enough. Groups are coming together today in room 428 of the Capitol to launch a new drive to get this legislation passed. Please join Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, Rep. Marty Knollenberg, Rep. Andy Meisner, the Michigan Darfur Coalition, Sudanese Lost Boy David Chol Deng, and Spartans For Progressive Divestment at a press conference today at 12:30pm.

Even if you can't come, please blog about this issue. Let's raise awareness of the $150 million of taxpayer money that helps the companies that provide the Sudanese government with its tools of destruction.

Finally, please tell your Senator that you want your money out of genocide. Go to www.divestsudannow.com to learn how!

MichLib Exclusive: House Dems Speak Out on State of the State

by: LiberalLucy

Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 12:45:21 PM EST

After last night's uniting State of the State address by Gov. Granholm, I had the opportunity to speak with several Democratic members of the State Legislature. I asked them to name an issue that they had been working on that they heard the Governor mention in her address.

While I only got to interview just a handful of legislators, I think you might be surprised on the breadth and depth of the issues that they are at work fighting hard for you on. The issues range from protecting our natural resources, fighting for the economy, promoting alternative energy, to fighting corporate interests and promoting Michigan's film industry, and they're all located below the fold. 

Many thanks to Reps. Brown, Donigan, Meisner, Miller, Simpson and Valentine for their time and participation last evening.

The Republican Response to the State of the State

by: LiberalLucy

Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 20:21:36 PM EST

Anything out of Mike Bishop's mouth is always good fodder for a snarky post. Following that stunning speech and delivery from Governor Granholm, I have no idea how Republican Senate Majority Obstructionist could possibly pooh-pooh it, but we all know he'll certainly find a way.

This little treasure just dropped in my lap thanks to the miracles of the Intertubes, and I thought you'd all like to see it. And yes, for those of you wondering, it's classic Mike Bishop (R-Extra Hair Gel tonight)

From Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop -

State of the State Live-Blog from the Capitol

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 15:02:36 PM EST

It's that time of year again. Time for all of Lansing to gather together on the floor of the State House of Representatives and hear what Governor Jennifer Granholm has to say about the state's accomplishments in 2007 and where we're headed in 2008.

Many of you joined us last year for our State of the State open thread, and it's our hope that everyone will come back next Tuesday. as apparently I'm glutton for punishment because I'll be joining the fray again as an official credentialed member of the press and live-blogging from the Capitol. 

The Governor's laid out some hints at what she'll be talking about, and given the craziness that was 2007, expectations are high that anything could go.

What do you think she'll be discussing? What do you want her to address?

On the flip side -

Senate Majority Obstructionist Mike Bishop (R-Lifetime supply of hair gel) won't pass up an opportunity to face the cameras after her speech and I'm sure the yappy House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche (R-Still Irrelevant) has already started preening for his airtime.

Who will the Senate Republicans sacrifice for their official response? Last year Sen. Tom "Milk Toast" George wore the deer-in-headlights look very well, but I doubt that we'll see him again. Personally I'm hoping for Sen. Michelle McManus (R-We're not in Kansas anymore Toto) because if nothing else, it'd make for some entertaining TV, but they are unlikely to put a woman up there to follow Granholm.

You decide - take the poll below and if your candidate for the Republican Response isn't listed, add yours!

Mike Bishop *hearts* Grover Norquist

by: JWinston70

Fri Sep 28, 2007 at 12:48:41 PM EDT

Those leading the charge for continued cuts in the Michigan budget are the same retarded folks who have signed the the Americans for Tax Reform pledge. This is a pledge sent to all candidates running for public office in which these candidates agree to NOT represent the best interests of their constituents, but instead pledge to represent Grover Norquist... creator of the pledge and founder of Americans for Tax Reform. These Norquist representatives should be the first on the list of which seats to target in the future elections.

The Pledge states:

  I, ____________, pledge to the taxpayers of the _____ District of the State of _________ and to all the people of this state, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.

Here are the elected officials who are proudly listed on the Americans for Tax Reform website as having signed this pledge. In essence, by signing this pledge they have vowed to NOT represent the people of Michigan, but to represent the irresponsible ideals of Mr. Norquist.

Att. Gen. Mike Cox

5 Senators of 38 (13%)
Jim Barcia (S-31)
Michael Bishop (S-12)
Wayne Kuipers (S-30)
Michelle McManus (S-35)
Alan Sanborn (S-11)

8 House members of 110 (8%)
David J. Agema (H-74)
Jack Brandenburg (H-24)
John P. Garfield (H-45)
Jacob W. Hoogendyk (H-61)
Marty Knollenberg (H-41)
Kim Meltzer (H-33)
David Robertson (H-51)
Rick Shaffer (H-59)
Glenn Steil (H-72)

These are the folks who have caused the eight months of stalls and delays in the budget process.  These are the folks who should be recalled, not those who vote for a common sense tax increase!

Critque of Mike Bishop's Legislative Update Flyer

by: Gaspare

Thu Sep 27, 2007 at 21:05:01 PM EDT

http://i136.photobuc...

The letter is pretty standard.  Mike focuses on the Senate 'solving' earlier this year a $900 million deficit.  I think the house and governor were also involved in 'solving' this budget problem.  But, it also highlights that $900 million has already been cut into the budget, on top of the new pressures to cut another $1.7 Billion.  That's is one tremendous gap to try and close by cuts alone. 

Mike Bishop is Newt Gingrich

by: SoberOakland

Sun Sep 23, 2007 at 07:55:51 AM EDT

The Detroit News reports that Bishop met with Gingrich this past weekend and likes what he hears.  After Gingrich spoke, Bishop commented:

"He's talking my game," whispered Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop near the end of the talk. Bishop intended to meet privately with Gingrich later today.

Let's hope that the so-called Democratic Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon, finally realizes that his "good friend" Mike Bishop is no friend. 

Mike Bishop is Newt Gingrich.

Unintended Irony

by: kelster

Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 06:09:21 AM EDT

This morning's Detroit News features a priceless quote from State Senator Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel).  The story included coverage of  Governor Granholm's brief press conference, then went on to this little gem:

Bishop, at a press conference just minutes after the governor's, lambasted Granholm and her fellow Democrats failing to come up with a solution.

"I have no idea what to expect on any given day," Bishop said.

Oh, poor Senator Bishop!  Perhaps if he SHOWED UP more regularly, he would have a better idea of what to expect...  Heck, if he had only gone so far as to read the job description for Senate Majority Leader, we might have had a budget way back in June.

What Really Happened, or Why a Golf Outing is more Important than a State Budget

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Sep 07, 2007 at 03:34:32 AM EDT

Speaker of the House Andy Dillon is mad, really mad, and once you find out why he's so mad, well, I imagine you're going to be pretty hopped up too.

As reported here on MichLib last night, the Senate led by Republican Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel) adjourned early for the evening until next Tuesday even though he had originally struck a deal with Dillon not too. 

From MIRS (subscription only) -

Dillon told reporters on the House floor that today was a "step backward" in the budget process, and claimed Bishop's refusal to go for the plan was just the latest roadblock the Senate Majority Leader has put in the way of finding a budget compromise. The Speaker also broke away from his longstanding demeanor of refusing to attack Bishop.

"I've been chasing Mike Bishop to try to get a budget deal since February," Dillon said. "All I've asked of Mike is to 'tell me what you want.' But he'd never say anything definitive. When I offered the proposal today, he said 'I can't do that.' If there's a government shutdown, the responsibility for it is Mike Bishop's."

If you were like most of the state, you fell for the line that had Dillon and Bishop as chums. It comes now as no surprise that Bishop's been the problem child all along, despite Gov. Granholm and Dillon's best efforts to keep things moving. 

But tonight Dillon said he was breaking his silence on the alleged budget deal Bishop claims didn't happen in May.

"He (Bishop) cut a deal in May with the Governor that did include new revenues," Dillon said. "We weren't supposed to talk about so I haven't up to now. But yesterday Mike Bishop went too far when he made some remarks... about the House. He went over the line. I'm not going to keep getting punched by him."

The Speaker also remarked that the House was sill in the chamber and ready to work through the weekend if necessary, but the Senate had adjourned.

"Mike Bishop has a golf outing to raise funds," Dillon said.

After you pick your jaw up from the floor, be sure that's fact, we've had that independently confirmed here at MichLib.

We don't have a state budget, because Mike Bishop couldn't miss his donning his tweed pants for his golf outing today.  

Mike Bishop: The $440.50 per hour Man

by: SoberOakland

Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 06:18:03 AM EDT

At Mike Bishop's $105,650 annual salary, that means that he was paid more than $440.50 per hour for the Senate's work in the first six months of this year.  This does not include additional payments to Bishop for his "expense allowance".

$440.50 per hour.  That's working out pretty well for Mike Bishop, but how's that working out for you?

Mike Bishop's Senate Vacation

by: SoberOakland

Mon Jul 02, 2007 at 05:45:03 AM EDT

Number of Senate Session Days in 2007:  66.

Number of Senate Vacation Days in 2007:  117.

Number of Reforms Enacted in 2007 by Mike Bishop's Senate: ZERO!

Senate Obstructionist Leader Mike Bishop (R-Tanning Salon):  Working hard to earn that 92% Pay Raise.

Mike Bishop's 92% Pay Raise

by: SoberOakland

Fri Jun 29, 2007 at 23:59:41 PM EDT

According to the Lansing State Journal, state employees are not happy:

State workers are feeling picked on and stressed out, said Ann Lantzy, a secretary in the Attorney General's Office.

"I'm sorry the state is in such terrible condition, but we are not the ones that did it," said Lantzy, a Lansing resident who has worked for the state for 32 years. "I don't see the Legislature giving up a whole lot."

Mike Cox's secretary is right.  The Legislature isn't giving up a whole lot.  In fact, they're not giving up anything (unlike Granholm).

Take Mike Bishop, for example.  He became a member of the Michigan Legislature in 1999.  His salary at the time, according to the State Officers Compensation Commission, was $55,054 per year.  But now, just 8 years later, Bishop's salary as Senate Majority Leader is $105,650.

That's an increase in pay of $50,596, or 92%!!! -- more than 12% per year!!!

How many state employees have received a similar increase in the last 8 years? 

Mike Bishop's hypocrisy.  You're paying for it, Michigan taxpayers.  Are you getting your money's worth from Mike Bishop?