As some of you eagle-eyed readers may know, Matt hasn't posted on this site, his former baby, since 2008. There are myriad reasons for this that I can't go into here, but, as his wife, I can tell you that recently, I have noticed a troubling change.
As some of you also may know, yesterday was Matt's birthday. (He has declared 21 his best birthday yet.) He received many nice gifts from many nice friends and family, but one in particular has been singled out as a favorite:
Kim Russell thought she could get away with using Chinese-made American Flags at Debate
Sometimes it's the small things that tell voters what they need to know about a candidate. At the debate hosted by LISTEN (Legislative Initiatives Strengthening the Environment) Kim Russell, candidate for the 12th Senate District distributed some great campaign trinkets. A full-color business card was on every seat, along with a plastic American flag with two neatly punched holes and the flag inserted through the holes in the card.Click here for the full story.
(This definitely strengthens Dillon's position as candidate, and is more evidence of Virg Bernero's poor relationship with labor. - promoted by Eric B.)
It's time for Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, both of whom are increasingly distracted by campaigns for statewide office, to relinquish their critical leadership posts to legislators who are not so encumbered.
This week's candidate filing deadline seems an appropriate time for both leaders either to withdraw from their races or hand the ball to others who can focus full-time on the already critically delinquent work of fiscal reform.
Under Dillon and Bishop's leadership, the Legislature has already blown several important opportunities to reduce spending. Last month's legal deadline for rescinding a budget-busting 3% pay increase for state employees passed while lawmakers were on spring vacation. They've also failed to act on Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposal to lure about 35,000 teachers and state employees into early retirement, diminishing the savings the state might have realized by finalizing the terms of a retirement deal in a more timely way.
Dillon and Bishop like to say they have a good working relationship, but so far all they have to show for it is a bipartisan nothing-burger.
Each man has made notable efforts to jump-start the budget negotiation process. But neither has been able to rally his caucus behind what virtually everyone outside the Legislature agrees will be needed to fix Michigan's structural budget imbalance: a combination of spending cuts and the elimination of loopholes that currently exempt much of Michigan's economic activity from taxation.
Every day the standoff lingers is a day Michigan goes deeper into the hole. Taxpayers deserve a new legislative leadership team that is focused fully on the budgetary crisis at hand.
Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) issued an angry denunciation Friday of a new blog, which takes issue with his environmental record. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group focused on educating voters, lobbying and issue advocacy, unveiled the blog called MI Eye on Bishop this week. It purports to show Bishop’s statements and votes cast on various environmental issues, from Asian carp to more general issues related to natural resource protection.
Bishop said he hadn’t seen the blog and, therefore, didn’t address specific issues. But he characterized the effort as “an attack ad.” Your thoughts Should Mike Bishop Respond to Hypocrisy in His Record Rather Than Criticize the Michigan League of Conservation Voters? Yes, the charges deserve a response No, it's good enough to say he's never heard of them View Poll Report “I have never heard of them. They have never participated in any policy discussions” which he attended, Bishop said. “Just because the word environment or conservation is in their title does not mean they are,” he said. “There are people out there who are desperate, and I am so sick and tired of it.”
MCLV will be canvassing in downtown Rochester this morning. Look for more on this story later today. Click here for the rest of the story on The Rochester Citizen.
Rochester Hills, MI – Casandra Ulbrich, longtime advocate for education and a member of the State Board of Education, announced her Democratic candidacy for the State Senate seat in Oakland County’s highly coveted 12th District.
“I’m running for the State Senate because Michigan is at a pivotal point, and I believe new leadership can guide our state into an era of new results and renewed prosperity,” said Ulbrich. “I can no longer watch partisan bickering flourish while our state withers on the vine. “The State Board of Education is a partisan board, and yet works as a cohesive group for the benefit of Michigan’s students. I’ll bring that same philosophy to the State Senate. We can restore the voice of all Michigan citizens if we elect public servants who are less concerned about their own political future, and more concerned about the collective future of our state.”
Ulbrich’s campaign platform underscores three critical issues facing the state:
• Revitalizing Michigan’s economy and restoring jobs and prosperity • Reshaping education and responding to the needs of a 21st century workforce • Rethinking government and reforming Michigan’s tax structure
Ulbrich is receiving support from local leaders, including Oakland County Treasurer, Andy Meisner. “Casandra Ulbrich will bring legislative leadership to Lansing that will make Oakland County proud, and her experience in education will be key to Michigan moving to a knowledge-based economy,” said Meisner.
Ulbrich has served on the State Board of Education since January, 2007, where she has worked across party lines to enact tough policies to improve and enhance public education in Michigan. She also serves on the National Association of State Boards of Education Government Affairs Committee, which advises Congress on National Education policy. In addition, Ulbrich has worked in higher education for the past nine years, currently serving as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Wayne State University. Prior to joining WSU in 2001, Ulbrich was a Press Secretary to former House Democratic Whip David Bonior. As a State Senator, Ulbrich will focus on creating jobs and strengthening public education in Michigan. “Job creation must be our first priority,” said Ulbrich. “This includes attracting new and high paying jobs, retaining talented workers and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.” The first in her family to attend college, Ulbrich earned an Associates Degree from St. Clair County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and a Masters Degree in Communication from Wayne State University. She is currently completing a PhD in Communication, also from Wayne State University.
“I know first hand the benefits of education,” said Ulbrich. “A quality education is the foundation of a lifetime of success, it’s an investment that has guaranteed returns. The state needs to invest in early childhood education, and ensure that higher education is affordable and accessible.” Casandra Ulbrich and her husband, David Williams, live in Rochester Hills.
The 12th District includes Addison Twp., Auburn Hills, Independence Twp., Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Oakland Twp., Orion Twp., Oxford Twp., Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sylvan Lake, and Clarkston.
All I have to say is: What the hell, Mike? What. The. Hell.
Today, MDOT had to cut over 243 road funding projects, projects to put Michigan workers to work, make commutes for the rest of us to and from our jobs/leisure spots safer, and save us from having to buy new tires and suspension setups every time our cars hit a huge pothole.
What, pray-tell, would cause our state government, staring down the barrel of 15% unemployment and worsening roads, to do such a thing?
From the Detroit News: "The commission was forced to cut the projects due to continued declines in state gas tax revenues and the state's inability to match federal dollars beginning in 2011."
In other words, the state had to cut these projects because they weren't able to raise enough internal money to receive a free grant from the federal government. Chief reason for this? Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, whose dogged determination to cut taxes and government services has just cost Michigan free money and hundreds of jobs. By refusing bi-partisan proposals to restructure our state road funding system, we weren't able to raise the revenues necessary to qualify for federal funds needed to make these projects a reality in our cash-strapped state.
This isn't a new problem. For a long time, Michigan has known its gas tax funding system, which last saw a rate increase over a decade an a half ago, was inadequate to deal with the changing structure of our state's finances. In 2008, Michigan lost out on road repair revenue when gas was topping $4- a time when other states with percentage excise taxes were solvent despite the decrease in gas consumption. 2009 saw no improvement, and with the general fund continuing to decrease, road groups tried to lobby to maintain the funding needed to keep our infrastructure afloat.
Of course, this fell on deaf ears. The Senate's majority caucus's slavish adherence to the mythic "Read My Lips: No New Taxes" mantra has cost Michigan thousands of jobs and will continue to for years to come. The canceled projects would have created jobs through 2014.
For a caucus that talks about 'running government like a business', you'd think they would know a thing or two about investing in your future. Successful business owners know that you have to be willing to spend a buck to make two- maybe not tomorrow, but a month or a year down the road. Businesses that don't know how to do this quickly fold. By refusing to make the relatively small investment needed to keep our vital lifelines, our roads, safe and smooth, the Senate leadership has proven it is determined to drive Michigan to the point of collapse.
This column has been written about already here, but Jack Lessenberry completely misses the point in faulting Governor Granholm for signing a bad budget to prevent a government shutdown. The only thing worse than a bad budget would be a complete shutdown of Michigan government.
Think of the consequences -- and imagine what people like Lessenberry would be saying had the Governor refused to sign a budget and let the state shut down, in the ultimate Halloween nightmare. No Medicaid reimbursement. No inspections of Michigan agriculture. No pay for tens of thousands of state employees, who count on a regular paycheck to take care of their bills and families. Doing more damage to Michigan's credit rating. Adding uncertainty for businesses looking to locate here or that do business with the state. Limited state police protection (just imagine if something awful were to happen as a result).
Does Lessenberry really think these were viable options for the Governor? There's wide-spread agreement that we need to make long-term changes to the way Michigan does business. Lessenberry inaccurately states that the Governor "didn't make the faintest effort to move this state to a graduated income tax." However, just this March the Governor floated a graduated income tax to replace the Senate Republican-designed MBT surcharge - an idea Lessenberry wrote about at the time and supported!
Lessenberry's missing the point. Andy Dillon and Mike Bishop spawned this terrible budget, and left the Governor and the people of Michigan with no options with their eleventh hour nonsense. Lessenberry quotes Dillon as calling this year's budget "child's play" - with the damage they've done to our state already, we can only be thankful for one sane leader in Lansing... Jennifer Granholm.
He is right about one thing, though. Citizens should get vocal about this year's budget, and should contact their legislators (particularly obstinate Senate Republicans) to demand a budget that protects Michigan's future.
It's far past time to stand up and fight - and to place the blame squarely where it belongs, on Bishop and Dillon's "deal".
Until Friday at noon, consider this post just a teaser, but a tasty one at that. Once it goes live, you can watch it online here or check your local PBS listings.
The dapper Tim Skubick was kind enough to have us back, and I was joined by Mitchell Rivard from the MSU College Dems who blogs both here and occasionally at BFM, while Wes Thorp and our very own frequent commenter, Republican Michigander represented the Right.
We discussed the underage drinking by College Republicans provided by the Mike Cox, Mike Bouchard, and Bill Schuette campaigns up at their latest conference on Mackinac Island, and Republican Michigander was able to provide us with a first-hand account since he was in attendance. It also brought up an interesting discussion about the role of bloggers vs. journalists in reporting information, which I'm sure Eric B. would have a thing or two to say about it, given his career.
Other fodder included the budget currently being held hostage by Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel) and it inspired a lively debate about the legislative process, and the legitimacy (or not) of what Bishop was doing, and the roles that Governor Granholm and Andy Dillon play in it all.
We ended the segment with a talk about the upcoming gubernatorial race. Personally, my favorite part was the mention by both Republican Michigander and Wes that the leading Republican candidates are just one giant mess. Wes mentioned Mike Cox's well-known martial infidelities, and the problems Bouchard (and the rest of the lot) has on name identification, and Hoekstra, well he didn't even really come up.
Either way, we all had fun with the lively debate, and I hope that it entertains and informs those who watch. Many thanks to Tim Skubick for having us on once again!
Last night in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Mike Bishop, Senate Majority Leader and candidate for Attorney General was on a panel regarding the possibility of bringing Guantanamo detainees to Standish, MI.
A question came up about states rights. Apparently Mike Bishop believes states ought to be able to opt out of federal programs they don't like.
(I always did love hearing a little truth to power! - promoted by LiberalLucy)
So Mikey-of-the-aquamarine-eyes Bishop spouts, "What Betsy said!" and impugns the value of Michigan's workforce, claiming workers here are paid too much.
You know, for once I agree -- kind of, in a very, very narrow way -- with Mikey.
When are you going to take a solid cut in pay, Mikey?
How about taking a haircut like the UAW did with Delphi? If memory serves, they took cuts from $27 an hour to a range between $14 to 18.50 an hour.
That's a 31 to 48% pay reduction.
Would you be willing to make less money than a fast food service manager earns?
As your employer, we don't even require you to have a four-year degree, continuing education credits, training in ISO or Six Sigma quality systems, either, nor operate using any special tools or procedures on the job to protect others' safety.
We only require that you do your damned job, and frankly, we've not even enforced that requirement -- witness the lack of a budget.
Received the following missive from Henry Yanez by email today, passing it along in case you've not already read it elsewhere. (Follow below the jump.)
Death panel, indeed; perhaps the Dynamic Duo of Dillon and Bishop are beginning to realize they've gone too far. But don't assume they've clued in; make sure your state reps and senators hear from you about the potential havoc cuts may post to our state's welfare and security.
As I'm sure all of you know, California has had a bit of a budget crisis. A deal has finally been reached, but the consequences are going to be devastating. I hope Michigan can find solutions that don't cause what is depicted in this video.
Encouraging and interesting news comes to the state courtesy of a new white-paper from an interesting group of Republican strategists - the GOP just can't win in 2010. The article from MIRS (subscription only) is quite revealing. For instance -
A new white paper by MDJ&R Strategy Consultants takes a look at why the GOP went from controlling the governor's mansion and both houses of the Legislature before the last redistricting in 2000 to having a Democratic governor and House today. Their study of election data trends predicts neither will change hands in the 2010 election and Republicans will drop to a 20-18 majority in the Senate.
"The numbers aren't there to be successful in 2010," said Dennis DARNOI, former chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader Mike BISHOP(R-Rochester). "It's clear that the message the top-of-the-ticket candidates have been using isn't resonating. It hasn't been successful for six years."
Darnoi said the GOP has lost suburban and independent voters, particularly from the five biggest counties -- Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and Grand Traverse. Only 32 percent of Michigan voters identify as Republicans, even though 40 percent say they're conservative. Republicans need an 83-county strategy, he said.
Hmm, an 83-county strategy, eh? Sounds a little familiar, kind of like a 50-state strategy implemented by the Democratic National Party in 2008? You betcha! (wink)
LANSING - Rep. Brenda Clack, D-Flint, Chair of the Conference Committee on House Bill 4163 that bans smoking in all workplaces, announced the committee will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, in room 424 of the State Capitol.
The six-person committee - consisting of Clack, Rep. Andy Meisner, D-Ferndale; Rep. Dave Hildenbrand, R- Lowell, Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor; Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt; and Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond Township - will be taking testimony from the public, and the meeting is open to the public.
This may be the last opportunity to voice your support for this important public health issue. Conference committees consist of three members from each legislative body to work out the differences in the version passed by the House and the one passed by the Senate. The committee works out a compromise, and their respective bodies give it an up or down vote, and no amendments or substitutes are allowed.
The House passed a version of HB 4163 that exempts casinos, tobacco retailers, bingo halls, horse racing tracks, cigar bars and private residences where a business is run with the owner being the only employee. The Senate passed version has no exceptions. The task will be to work out a compromise between those versions. Republicans have also floated a ridiculous compromise known as "pay to play" that should be called the more accurate name of "pay to kill." It allows the bar or restaurant owner to purchase a permit, and he can then continue to poison his workers and non-smoking patrons.
Some of the problems facing getting this done are all three Republican members - as well as Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R- Rochester - voted against the bill. There is also apparently only one Senate session left in the session before all bills die.
Although the Democratically-controlled House met all three days this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the Senate only met on Wednesday of this week, and they will not come back again until next Thursday Dec. 18. Apparently, Bishop needs more vacation time. However, in fairness, the Senate did meet until 3 a.m. on Wednesday/Thursday. I wonder what great policy can come out of a 3 a.m. session?
We need to be out in force if possible on Monday to show our support for this important public health issue.
Time is running out for the Michigan workplace smoking ban, including bars and restaurants, despite action in the House on Wednesday, but the person dragging his heels is the person who has done so all along, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop.
On Wednesday in the Lame Duck session, the House moved to send House Bill 4163 to a conference committee to work out the differences in the version passed by the House and the one passed by the Senate. You may recall that in December 2007 the House passed a version that excluded casinos, tobacco retailers, bingo halls, horse racing tracks, cigar bars and private residences where a business is run with the owner being the only employee. But Bishop sat on the bill and refused to allow a vote.
"This is just amazing to me that we would be doing this without giving these restaurants and bars some mechanism whereby they can cater to people who wish to smoke, especially in areas where there is going to be very severe competition for their food dollars and for their cigarette dollar," Senate Majority Leader Michael Bishop said on the Senate floor.
For their cigarette dollar? One hates to break this down into name calling, but why is it always a Republican who wishes to do something like catering to cancer-causing addictions in hopes of better competing for their dollars?
Bishop said he is frustrated by the state's inability to get the teachers union to help bring down the cost of public employee health care.
"There is nothing more frustrating in the area of schools," he said. "We've got to make sure we get them to comply."
Yes, the number one source of frustration when it comes to education are the unions. Not graduation rates in the city of Detroit, not lack of early education for all children, not making sure that kids in high schools are graduating with the requisite skills in things like basic English to compentently engage college standards.
It can't be said often or loud enough ... this isn't even a state-level issue. The state doesn't save a dime through the product of local contract negotiations, unless it cuts the foundation grant in anticipation that allllll of the state's districts will negotiate less generous health care benefits. And, there are plenty of school districts where this was already happening before this became the big sticking point in agreeing to a budget last year. But, like with many things, you get the sense that Bishop is less frustrated by teacher health care benefits than he is in the political power wielded by the teachers' union (I wonder if that's something shared by the governor these days).
Unsurprisingly, Bishop's comments came in a story about the broader issue of health care. One wonders how the conversation between the reporter and Bishop played out -- and who was the first to bring teachers' unions into it.
In the same article, mind you, Joe Knollenberg blamed higher health care costs on frivilous lawsuits.
