Michigan Department of Human Services doesn't live up to Gov. Snyder's transparency pledge | MLive.com
“As Governor, I will ensure that government is open, fair, and accountable to the citizens by making Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics.”
That's what Rick Snyder pledged on the campaign trail two years ago.
Yet last month, the Michigan Department of Human Services gave two completely contradictory answers to a fairly straightforward policy question:
How many former welfare recipients reapplied for cash assistance after being removed by Michigan's new welfare reforms?
When Bridge Magazine asked that question, DHS required a formal, written Freedom of Information Request.
Then DHS extended its response deadline by two weeks.
Then DHS completely denied Bridge Magazine's request, claiming it "does not possess records falling within the scope of the description provided in your request, or by another name."
In other words, DHS implied that the records Bridge wanted didn't exist.
Yet, while the DHS pleaded ignorance to us, a DHS attorney unintentionally provided all kinds of detailed answers to our questions in a legal proceeding.
DHS formally denied our information request on June 21.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Flint officials warn against scam that Obama will pay utility bills
Flint officials warn against scam that Obama will pay utility bills | MLive.com
The city of Flint issued a warning to residents today about a new scam that claims the Obama administration will pay utility bills as part of a federal government relief plan.
The scam's perpetrators call, text or email potential victims, telling them they will be given a special account number to use to pay their utility bills after an "application process" that includes divulging personal information, such as their social security number.
The city of Flint issued a warning to residents today about a new scam that claims the Obama administration will pay utility bills as part of a federal government relief plan.
The scam's perpetrators call, text or email potential victims, telling them they will be given a special account number to use to pay their utility bills after an "application process" that includes divulging personal information, such as their social security number.
GVSU leaders explain why they decided to increase average tuition bill $362 next school year
GVSU leaders explain why they decided to increase average tuition bill $362 next school year | MLive.com
Hiking the amount students pay in tuition by $362 a year – or 3.7 percent – is necessary because the university is contending with expenses related to inflation, new academic programs and increased student enrollment, said Matt McLogan, GVSU’s vice president for university relations.
Hiking the amount students pay in tuition by $362 a year – or 3.7 percent – is necessary because the university is contending with expenses related to inflation, new academic programs and increased student enrollment, said Matt McLogan, GVSU’s vice president for university relations.
Klohs: Muskegon's deep-water port critical to future ecomomic growth in West Michigan
Klohs: Muskegon's deep-water port critical to future ecomomic growth in West Michigan | MLive.com
Special state economic development incentives for specific industrial developments will be made available for five regional collaboratives around the state, Klohs said. Gov. Rick Snyder has given his support to the West Michigan partnership, she said.
The Muskegon City Commission and Muskegon County Board of Commissioners have approved the regional partnership through the NextMichigan program with special attention given to waterfront properties along the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The Muskegon harbor capabilities play to the regional effort to promote the alternative energy sector as a potential area of economic growth for the future, Klohs said.
“The Great Lakes offer a very large potential for alternative energy particularly on wind and bio fuels and to a lesser degree solar,” Klohs said.
Special state economic development incentives for specific industrial developments will be made available for five regional collaboratives around the state, Klohs said. Gov. Rick Snyder has given his support to the West Michigan partnership, she said.
The Muskegon City Commission and Muskegon County Board of Commissioners have approved the regional partnership through the NextMichigan program with special attention given to waterfront properties along the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The Muskegon harbor capabilities play to the regional effort to promote the alternative energy sector as a potential area of economic growth for the future, Klohs said.
“The Great Lakes offer a very large potential for alternative energy particularly on wind and bio fuels and to a lesser degree solar,” Klohs said.
Candidate debates for Muskegon County prosecutor, sheriff set July 17-18
Candidate debates for Muskegon County prosecutor, sheriff set July 17-18 | MLive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle and MLive are partnering with Muskegon Community College to present candidate debates at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the college.
The debates also will be broadcast several times on MCC TV later in the week.
The Muskegon Chronicle and MLive are partnering with Muskegon Community College to present candidate debates at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the college.
The debates also will be broadcast several times on MCC TV later in the week.
Muskegon planning commissioners table site plan review of scrap metal operation for Sappi site
Muskegon planning commissioners table site plan review of scrap metal operation for Sappi site | MLive.com
After some heated questioning by commissioners, the planning commission allowed citizens to address the site plan issue before unanimously voting to table the site plan review until next month.
Planning commissioners cited a lack of details, a point disputed by the company’s representatives.
After some heated questioning by commissioners, the planning commission allowed citizens to address the site plan issue before unanimously voting to table the site plan review until next month.
Planning commissioners cited a lack of details, a point disputed by the company’s representatives.
Presentation on fracking in Muskegon County produces controversy, opposition
Presentation on fracking in Muskegon County produces controversy, opposition | MLive.com
More than 50 people, many apparently opposed to the idea of fracking on the county’s 11,000-acre wastewater site to extract natural gas and oil, created a standing-room-only audience for the initial meeting on the issue.
Some became vocally upset, including one yelling out, "shameful" when they learned that no public comment would be accepted during the special Board of Public Works meeting.
Public Works Board Chairman Marvin Engle, who called for a sheriff’s deputy to be in the board room, said the special meeting was held so the public could also hear the planned presentation on the topic rather than conduct it during a work session, because it “seems to be a sensitive” issue.
Several commissioners said the meeting was strictly held for informational purposes.
More than 50 people, many apparently opposed to the idea of fracking on the county’s 11,000-acre wastewater site to extract natural gas and oil, created a standing-room-only audience for the initial meeting on the issue.
Some became vocally upset, including one yelling out, "shameful" when they learned that no public comment would be accepted during the special Board of Public Works meeting.
Public Works Board Chairman Marvin Engle, who called for a sheriff’s deputy to be in the board room, said the special meeting was held so the public could also hear the planned presentation on the topic rather than conduct it during a work session, because it “seems to be a sensitive” issue.
Several commissioners said the meeting was strictly held for informational purposes.
Pete Hoekstra: No Child Left Behind has 'ruined education,' compares reform law to 'Obamacare'
Pete Hoekstra: No Child Left Behind has 'ruined education,' compares reform law to 'Obamacare'
MLive.com: Hoekstra was one of 20 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote against the bipartisan education reform in 2001 and said he fears have been confirmed over the years.
MLive.com: Hoekstra was one of 20 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote against the bipartisan education reform in 2001 and said he fears have been confirmed over the years.
Muskegon County free food truck sites for July 2012
Muskegon County free food truck sites for July 2012 | MLive.com
Local mobile pantry truck sites have been scheduled for July 2012.
The sites are part of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Inc., a regional food bank in Comstock Park, according to information provided by Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
.....The program is supported by various community groups and companies.
Local mobile pantry truck sites have been scheduled for July 2012.
The sites are part of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Inc., a regional food bank in Comstock Park, according to information provided by Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
.....The program is supported by various community groups and companies.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: Bipartisan farm bill is a win for Michigan
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: Bipartisan farm bill is a win for Michigan | MLive.com
By Debbie Stabenow
I love seeing “Made in Michigan” fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle.
Isn't "fruit" both singular ANS plural?
What's with the "fruits"?
Is Big Deb homophobic?
By Debbie Stabenow
I love seeing “Made in Michigan” fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle.
Isn't "fruit" both singular ANS plural?
What's with the "fruits"?
Is Big Deb homophobic?
Huge Numbers of Same Day Registrations for Recall
Huge Numbers of Same Day Registrations for Recall | MacIver InstituteA look at the numbers of same day registrants in Milwaukee, Madison and Racine for the recent recall elections.
We will update this chart with additional cities as the information becomes available.
Click on graphic to enlarge.
Michigan Supreme Court to decide if repeal of emergency manager law goes on ballot
Michigan Supreme Court to decide if repeal of emergency manager law goes on ballot | MLive.com
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide if a referendum of the state's emergency financial manager law goes on the November statewide ballot, settling a dispute on whether organizers' petitions had the wrong type size.
The court on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments for July 25.
Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, a group started by current and former business leaders, in late June appealed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that said the issue should proceed to voters.
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide if a referendum of the state's emergency financial manager law goes on the November statewide ballot, settling a dispute on whether organizers' petitions had the wrong type size.
The court on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments for July 25.
Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, a group started by current and former business leaders, in late June appealed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that said the issue should proceed to voters.
Visa, MasterCard in $6B settlement over card fees
My Way News - Visa, MasterCard in $6B settlement over card fees
....the settlement is a victory for small businesses across the country because it could ultimately lead to banks lowering the fees they charge stores for customers' credit card purchases.
Landis, who owns Pittsburgh-based financial services firm Basic Business Concepts, said that would be a big relief.
She's now paying 3.75 percent each time a customer pays with a credit card.
If bank card companies reduce the fees they charge her to 2.75 percent, she would save a dollar on every $100 in sales.
....the settlement is a victory for small businesses across the country because it could ultimately lead to banks lowering the fees they charge stores for customers' credit card purchases.
Landis, who owns Pittsburgh-based financial services firm Basic Business Concepts, said that would be a big relief.
She's now paying 3.75 percent each time a customer pays with a credit card.
If bank card companies reduce the fees they charge her to 2.75 percent, she would save a dollar on every $100 in sales.
Norton Shores drive-in theatre still attracting crowds
Norton Shores drive-in theatre still attracting crowds | wzzm13.com
Michigan was once home to more than 130 drive-in theatres.
Now only ten of them are still open, including The Getty 4 Drive-In Theatre in Norton Shores.
Michigan was once home to more than 130 drive-in theatres.
Now only ten of them are still open, including The Getty 4 Drive-In Theatre in Norton Shores.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Letters: David Wells best choice in Circuit judge race
Letters: David Wells best choice in Circuit judge race | MLive.com
Muskegon County citizens will vote in next month's Primary Election to select two candidates to replace the exceptional Judge James M. Graves as circuit court judge.
The winners will face off on the General Election ballot in November.
I believe the most important traits necessary in a thoughtful and fair judge are experience and temperament.
Of the six candidates running to replace Graves, David Wells has the most impressive and varied experience.
His experience as a private judge, mediator and circuit court case evaluator combined with his decades of community service also includes his appointment as one of only three non-physicians in the country to the board that monitors and accredits all U.S. osteopathic medical schools.
It is clear that Wells has respect that is acknowledged on a national scale.
But I believe those who know him would say that it is his temperament that sets Wells apart from the other candidates.
Maybe it's because he's the father of an autistic son or the fact that David and Nancy have been foster parents.
Whatever the reason, Wells has an understanding and an empathy for those in need of justice.
Judicial temperament, experience and nationally recognized respect.
If we want an able replacement to one of the most respected judges in Muskegon history, David M. Wells deserves your vote on Aug. 7
FRANCINE M. LESSARD
Muskegon
Muskegon County citizens will vote in next month's Primary Election to select two candidates to replace the exceptional Judge James M. Graves as circuit court judge.
The winners will face off on the General Election ballot in November.
I believe the most important traits necessary in a thoughtful and fair judge are experience and temperament.
Of the six candidates running to replace Graves, David Wells has the most impressive and varied experience.
His experience as a private judge, mediator and circuit court case evaluator combined with his decades of community service also includes his appointment as one of only three non-physicians in the country to the board that monitors and accredits all U.S. osteopathic medical schools.
It is clear that Wells has respect that is acknowledged on a national scale.
But I believe those who know him would say that it is his temperament that sets Wells apart from the other candidates.
Maybe it's because he's the father of an autistic son or the fact that David and Nancy have been foster parents.
Whatever the reason, Wells has an understanding and an empathy for those in need of justice.
Judicial temperament, experience and nationally recognized respect.
If we want an able replacement to one of the most respected judges in Muskegon history, David M. Wells deserves your vote on Aug. 7
FRANCINE M. LESSARD
Muskegon
Market Savior? Stocks Might Be 50% Lower Without Fed
Market Savior? Stocks Might Be 50% Lower Without Fed - CNBC
Theoretically, the S&P 500 [.SPX 1334.76 --- UNCH ] would be more than 50 percent lower—at the 600 level—if the bullish price action preceding Fed announcements was excluded, the study showed.
Theoretically, the S&P 500 [.SPX 1334.76 --- UNCH ] would be more than 50 percent lower—at the 600 level—if the bullish price action preceding Fed announcements was excluded, the study showed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
NBC And Microsoft Reportedly To Announce Split, MSNBC.com Rebranding
On Wednesday afternoon, Howard Kurtz reported that NBC and Microsoft will announce a deal to part ways, with the NBC purchasing back the remainder of MSNBC.com from the software corporation.
Reportedly, the plan entails a rebranding of MSNBC.com as NBCNews.com. The site currently ranks among the top three in online news sites.
Reportedly, the plan entails a rebranding of MSNBC.com as NBCNews.com. The site currently ranks among the top three in online news sites.
Andrea Mitchell Struggles To Respond To Claim Obama Outsourced Jobs Via Stimulus
Andrea Mitchell Struggles To Respond To Claim Obama Outsourced Jobs Via Stimulus | RealClearPolitics
Sununu: [laughing] You're struggling, Andrea. You're struggling.
Mitchell: First of all, these are competing claims and we will get back to you with all of the numbers.
Sununu: [laughing] You're struggling, Andrea. You're struggling.
Mitchell: First of all, these are competing claims and we will get back to you with all of the numbers.
CBO: Top earners pay 68 percent of tax burden
CBO: Top earners pay 68 percent of tax burden | The Daily Caller
The top 20 percent of earners — the top quintile — bore 67.9 percent of the federal tax burden in 2009. The middle quintile paid 9.4 percent, while the lowest paid .03 percent of the federal tax burden.
The top 20 percent of earners — the top quintile — bore 67.9 percent of the federal tax burden in 2009. The middle quintile paid 9.4 percent, while the lowest paid .03 percent of the federal tax burden.
Report: Thousands fled Canada for health care in 2011
Report: Thousands fled Canada for health care in 2011 | The Daily Caller
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
San Bernardino seeks bankruptcy protection
San Bernardino seeks bankruptcy protection - latimes.com
San Bernardino on Tuesday became the third California city in less than a month to seek bankruptcy protection, with officials saying the financial situation had become so dire that it could not cover payroll through the summer.
San Bernardino on Tuesday became the third California city in less than a month to seek bankruptcy protection, with officials saying the financial situation had become so dire that it could not cover payroll through the summer.
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