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Schools still losers in PPT elimination

Posted on 05/15/12 at 5:56pm

A major sticking point in SB 1072—eliminating the Personal Property Tax (PPT)—has been no plan for replacing the lost revenue for local governments and school districts. Last week the Senate approved Republican amendments that would remedy the situation—at least in part. 

Still no full replacement guarantee for personal property repeal

Posted on 04/25/12 at 8:43pm

While reforming the personal property tax (SB 1065-1072) is taking a back seat to budget debates, the Senate Tax Policy Committee continues to take testimony.

No guaranteed replacement for funding lost with PPT elimination

Posted on 04/20/12 at 8:41am

This week, the Senate Finance Committee began hearing testimony on SB 1065-1072, a package of bills that would eliminate the personal property tax (PPT) on industrial equipment collected by local governments.

Tiger supporters show their commitment to the Heights

Posted on 04/04/12 at 10:20am

The orange and black balloons and signs said it all—“I’m committed to the Heights.”

And more than a thousand students, parents, school employees and community members came out in full force to pledge their commitment to Muskegon Heights schools at Tiger Pride Day on March 31. The tiger is the school mascot—a fitting symbol for the fighting spirit evident that day.

House Democrats sue to restore voters’ voice

Posted on 03/28/12 at 2:21pm

House Democrats have sued House Republicans to force them to recognize their requests for a roll call vote on the immediate effect of bills. House Minority Leader Richard Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Twp.), House Minority Floor Leader Kate Segal (D-Battle Creek), and Reps. Stanley (D-Flint), Meadows (D-East Lansing), Lindberg (D-Marquette) and Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) are plaintiffs in the suit.

Timing for MPSERS changes and budget may coincide

Posted on 03/19/12 at 12:52pm

Look for legislation before spring break that would change retirement benefits for public school employees. An eight-member, all-Republican work group has been meeting for months looking to make reforms.

Cost of college education paid for with Democrat's proposed plan

Posted on 03/13/12 at 3:34pm

Senate Democrats have introduced legislation that will pay for a Michigan high school graduates' college education. The ultimate goal of the "Michigan 2020 Plan" is to increase the number of college graduates needed to bring job-providers to the state.

Tuition increases cost Michigan $4.2 million in federal money

Posted on 03/12/12 at 4:07pm

Because of deep cuts to college and university funding, Michigan will lose $4.2 million in federal funding this year. Congress created the penalty in 2009 to keep college tuition down. Last year, American college and tuition fees increased 8 percent while 41 states cut higher education funding.

Federal court ruling strikes down anti-worker law

Posted on 03/06/12 at 5:59pm

Last week, a federal judge ruled that the new state law banning local governments from mandating project labor agreements (PLA) on public construction projects violates federal labor law. A PLA is an agreement between municipal officials or school boards and hired contractors which defines wages and hours and sets safety standards and skills training for workers.

New call system for reporting abuse starts today

Posted on 03/05/12 at 4:26pm

Today was the first day for a new call-in system for reporting abuse and neglect of children or adults.

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