Detroit gets less in aid from the U.S. govt. than Colombia does | Crain's Detroit Business:
"President Barack Obama proposed giving Colombia about $323 million in aid next year, mostly to combat drug trafficking and violence.
Detroit, with an 81 percent higher homicide rate, will get $108.2 million."
Friday, August 02, 2013
Senate panel OKs Medicaid bill, 2 alternatives
Senate panel OKs Medicaid bill, 2 alternatives | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Medicaid covers roughly one in five Michigan residents, mainly low-income children, pregnant women and disabled people but also some poorer working adults.
The legislation, if the federal government signs off on it, would provide Medicaid to nearly a half-million more adults by 2022, cutting the state's uninsured nearly in half."
"Medicaid covers roughly one in five Michigan residents, mainly low-income children, pregnant women and disabled people but also some poorer working adults.
The legislation, if the federal government signs off on it, would provide Medicaid to nearly a half-million more adults by 2022, cutting the state's uninsured nearly in half."
Detroit moves quickly to outsource trash collection, recycling, Orr says
Detroit moves quickly to outsource trash collection, recycling, Orr says | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The city currently spends about $50 million per year on those services, Orr said Thursday morning during an interview with Crain's.
He said private sector companies told him they could provide better trash collection and recycling services to city residents and businesses for about $35 million, saving Detroit about $15 million per year. "
"The city currently spends about $50 million per year on those services, Orr said Thursday morning during an interview with Crain's.
He said private sector companies told him they could provide better trash collection and recycling services to city residents and businesses for about $35 million, saving Detroit about $15 million per year. "
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Detroit’s death by democracy
George F. Will: Detroit’s death by democracy - The Washington Post:
"What appalled him had fascinated entomologist William Kirby (1759-1850):
The ichneumon fly inserts an egg in a caterpillar, and the larva hatched from the egg, he said, “gnaws the inside of the caterpillar, and though at last it has devoured almost every part of it except the skin and intestines, carefully all this time avoids injuring the vital organs, as if aware that its own existence depends on that of the insect on which it preys!”
Government employees’ unions living parasitically on Detroit have been less aware than ichneumon larvae. "
"What appalled him had fascinated entomologist William Kirby (1759-1850):
The ichneumon fly inserts an egg in a caterpillar, and the larva hatched from the egg, he said, “gnaws the inside of the caterpillar, and though at last it has devoured almost every part of it except the skin and intestines, carefully all this time avoids injuring the vital organs, as if aware that its own existence depends on that of the insect on which it preys!”
Government employees’ unions living parasitically on Detroit have been less aware than ichneumon larvae. "
Photo: Marine Helps Young Boy Separated from Group Finish Race
Photo: Marine Helps Young Boy Separated from Group Finish Race | Washington Free Beacon:
"For the 5k at the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix"
"For the 5k at the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix"
Armed agents raid animal shelter for baby deer
Armed agents raid animal shelter for baby deer | News - WISN Home:
"It was like a SWAT team," shelter employee Ray Schulze said.
Two weeks ago, Schulze was working in the barn at the Society of St. Francis on the Kenosha-Illinois border when a swarm of squad cars arrived and officers unloaded with a search warrant.
"(There were) nine DNR agents and four deputy sheriffs, and they were all armed to the teeth," Schulze said.
The focus of their search was a baby fawn brought there by an Illinois family worried she had been abandoned by her mother."
"It was like a SWAT team," shelter employee Ray Schulze said.
Two weeks ago, Schulze was working in the barn at the Society of St. Francis on the Kenosha-Illinois border when a swarm of squad cars arrived and officers unloaded with a search warrant.
"(There were) nine DNR agents and four deputy sheriffs, and they were all armed to the teeth," Schulze said.
The focus of their search was a baby fawn brought there by an Illinois family worried she had been abandoned by her mother."
A new Obamacare flaw: Many could face a precipitous ‘subsidy cliff’ as income approaches certain limits
A new Obamacare flaw: Many could face a precipitous ‘subsidy cliff’ as income approaches certain limits | AEIdeas:
A new Obamacare flaw: Many could face a precipitous ‘subsidy cliff’ as income approaches certain limits
Although this won’t affect everybody, many individuals and households whose income is near 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will fall off a precipitous Obamacare “subsidy cliff” as soon as their income exceeds the 400% FPL limit by one dollar. The 400% FPL is currently about $46,000 for individuals, $62,000 for a married couple, and $78,120 for a family of three. As income approaches those limits, there may be some perverse incentives to work less, refuse overtime, etc., to avoid falling off the “Obamacare cliff.”
ValuePenguin does the math and finds this serious flaw in the Unaffordable Care Act:
If your income is at or below the above 400% FPL figure for your household size, the government will subsidize your healthcare so that you spend no more than 9.5% of your income. But earn one dollar above the 400% FPL threshold and the subsidies disappear completely. This obviously creates a problem! If insurance costs substantially more than the capped premium for your family, that extra dollar may actually cost your household a huge amount in actual dollars.Here’s an example for a family of three in New York:Using insurance premium data released by New York state, lets calculate the pre and post 400% FPL impact on health insurance expenses for a family of three in New York, NY. From the premium data we can see that the second lowest silver plan (this is the plan used to determine subsidies) available on the exchange costs $394.58 for an individual and will cost $1,065 for a family monthly.On an annual basis, this plan would cost $12,784 before subsidies. As long as the family above earns less than $78,120 they will only be required to spend $7,421, with the government subsidizing the rest. That’s a total savings of $5,363.$78,120 – $7,421 = $70,699 of take-home income after health insurance.What happens if the family earns one extra dollar and has income of $78,121? Suddenly they lose the entire amount of the savings and are actually worse off than they were before.$78,121 – $12,784 = $65,337 of take-home income after health insurance.Since the subsidies come in the form of tax credits, any dollar amount a household receives is essentially after taxes. Therefore to regain the $5,363 dollars in post tax dollars, the family’s income would actually have to rise greater than that amount once you account for state, federal and payroll taxes.To illustrate: For a family in this income bracket, they would be responsible for 25% in federal taxes, 6.2% in FICA and 1.45% for Medicare. This family would need to earn $7,962 additional dollars or $86,083 to end up where they were before. For the self-employed because who contribute double to FICA and Medicare they would need to earn $8,983 additional dollars.Conclusion: Americans benefiting most from subsidies, generally those facing higher insurance costs due to state regulations or age ratings, will find themselves facing peculiar economic incentives as they reach 400% of the FPL. Extra hours, a raise, or even investment income, may end up pushing a household into having less disposable income than they did when they were earning less.While this will not effect most Americans, for those that this does effect the monetary impact could be significant. The magnitude of the impact will depend on how expensive pre-subsidized insurance costs are for the household. The higher these costs, the more of a subsidy cliff the household will face. Since all Americans will be required to purchase insurance of some form, it is especially important for those people earning at or around the 400% of the FPL mark to be aware of how their income and potential subsidies may impact their actual take-home pay.
MP: Maybe this an example of what Nancy Pelosi meant when she said that “We have to pass the bill [Obamacare] so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.”
Genesee County can't find buyers for large bond sale
Genesee County can't find buyers for large bond sale | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Two weeks after Detroit filed for municipal bankruptcy, Genesee County, the area that includes Flint, has postponed a large bondissue for lack of investor interest, a Wall Street publication reports.
The Bond Buyer reported that Genesee County pulled a $54-million water and sewer bond issue Thursday after investors showed little interest in the deal."
"Two weeks after Detroit filed for municipal bankruptcy, Genesee County, the area that includes Flint, has postponed a large bondissue for lack of investor interest, a Wall Street publication reports.
The Bond Buyer reported that Genesee County pulled a $54-million water and sewer bond issue Thursday after investors showed little interest in the deal."
In Newtown, Gun Permits Surge After Shooting
In Newtown, Gun Permits Surge After Shooting - WSJ.com:
"NEWTOWN, Conn.—The number of people seeking permits to buy guns has surged in this town following the December massacre of schoolchildren by a local man, even as the parents of some victims had urged stricter weapons laws nationwide."
"NEWTOWN, Conn.—The number of people seeking permits to buy guns has surged in this town following the December massacre of schoolchildren by a local man, even as the parents of some victims had urged stricter weapons laws nationwide."
M1 awards Calif.-based firm major contract for streetcar project
M1 awards Calif.-based firm major contract for streetcar project | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Because engineering is still underway, a maximum contract price hasn't been determined. M1 believes construction of the grade-level streetcar loop itself between Hart Plaza and New Center will cost $135 million to $145 million, which could drive the total project cost closer to $187 million from a previously estimated $137 million."
"Because engineering is still underway, a maximum contract price hasn't been determined. M1 believes construction of the grade-level streetcar loop itself between Hart Plaza and New Center will cost $135 million to $145 million, which could drive the total project cost closer to $187 million from a previously estimated $137 million."
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
11 Things We No Longer See on Airplanes
11 Things We No Longer See on Airplanes | Mental Floss:
"11. A SEAT ASSIGNMENT IN 22I
Or any row with an “I” designation.
Watch the seat numbers the next time you’re tripping down the aisle on a wide-bodied plane—they usually run “HJK”. Why no "I"?
Blame computers.
When airlines started installing computer equipment to handle their reservations and other records, problems were often created when a letter too closely resembled a numeral.
Digital Equipment Corporation was the first company to eliminate confusing letters (in automobile VIN numbers, for example, not only the I but also O, Q, and S were nixed) and as a result such an alphanumeric system is now referred to as the DEC Alphabet. "
"11. A SEAT ASSIGNMENT IN 22I
Or any row with an “I” designation.
Watch the seat numbers the next time you’re tripping down the aisle on a wide-bodied plane—they usually run “HJK”. Why no "I"?
Blame computers.
When airlines started installing computer equipment to handle their reservations and other records, problems were often created when a letter too closely resembled a numeral.
Digital Equipment Corporation was the first company to eliminate confusing letters (in automobile VIN numbers, for example, not only the I but also O, Q, and S were nixed) and as a result such an alphanumeric system is now referred to as the DEC Alphabet. "
What Happens Next?
What Happens Next? | Zero Hedge:
"As the world waits breathless for tomorrow's preliminary (only to be revised again and again) GDP estimate for Q2 2013 (having seen expectations collapse in recent months), there remains the ever-present faith that Q3, Q4, and on and on will see the mean-reverting growth lift the US economy from its current 'Better-Bargain'-less dystopia.
So what happens next?
Well, let's look at the trajectory of GDP expectations in 2007..."
"As the world waits breathless for tomorrow's preliminary (only to be revised again and again) GDP estimate for Q2 2013 (having seen expectations collapse in recent months), there remains the ever-present faith that Q3, Q4, and on and on will see the mean-reverting growth lift the US economy from its current 'Better-Bargain'-less dystopia.
So what happens next?
Well, let's look at the trajectory of GDP expectations in 2007..."
More than 100 elections being held across Michigan next Tuesday
More than 100 elections being held across Michigan next Tuesday | MLive.com:
"City primaries. Township boards. Millage renewals. There will be more than 100 elections held in 56 Michigan counties next week.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Below is a full list from the Secretary of State's office of all the elections happening in Michigan. To make sure there is an election where you live, go to the SOS' election page and enter you address."
"City primaries. Township boards. Millage renewals. There will be more than 100 elections held in 56 Michigan counties next week.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Below is a full list from the Secretary of State's office of all the elections happening in Michigan. To make sure there is an election where you live, go to the SOS' election page and enter you address."
Explosive O'Reilly Segment: President Obama & the Race Problem
Explosive O'Reilly Segment: President Obama & the Race Problem | Independent Journal Review:
"Bill O’Reilly has created buzz on his top-rated cable news show The O’Reilly Factor with a scathing segment on President Obama and the race problem.
Although many folks are likely to be tired of hearing about it, the Democrats have been milking racial tensions for generations in this country, while glossing over or scapegoating others for the numerous plights in the black community.
Democrats have been tremendously successful at garnering the black vote: but the more progressives get power, the more conditions keep getting worse; not only for blacks, but for all Americans."
"Bill O’Reilly has created buzz on his top-rated cable news show The O’Reilly Factor with a scathing segment on President Obama and the race problem.
Although many folks are likely to be tired of hearing about it, the Democrats have been milking racial tensions for generations in this country, while glossing over or scapegoating others for the numerous plights in the black community.
Democrats have been tremendously successful at garnering the black vote: but the more progressives get power, the more conditions keep getting worse; not only for blacks, but for all Americans."
Mich. sued by prison guards over pay
Mich. sued by prison guards over pay | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The lawsuit seeks compensation for any prison officer employed during the past three years. The Corrections Department declined to comment.
More than 30 prison officers have stepped forward as plaintiffs in the case, from Marquette in the Upper Peninsula to Coldwater near the Indiana border."
"The lawsuit seeks compensation for any prison officer employed during the past three years. The Corrections Department declined to comment.
More than 30 prison officers have stepped forward as plaintiffs in the case, from Marquette in the Upper Peninsula to Coldwater near the Indiana border."
Senate committee to vote on Medicaid expansion Wednesday
Senate committee to vote on Medicaid expansion Wednesday | Crain's Detroit Business:
"A Senate committee vote on a bill to expand Medicaid in Michigan will come Wednesday afternoon, but not before debate on two other bills that do not expand Medicaid."
"A Senate committee vote on a bill to expand Medicaid in Michigan will come Wednesday afternoon, but not before debate on two other bills that do not expand Medicaid."
Memorable quotes from the Detroit mayoral debate
Memorable quotes from the Detroit mayoral debate | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
“If sending people to prison was the answer, we’d have the safest city in the country.” — Willie Lipscomb
“I have a 167 IQ, at least I did the last time they tested me.” — John Telford
“The focus has to be on making sure the people who live here want to stay here. You can’t go to the grocery store. You don’t have confidence in the education system. You have to make sure the people who live here want to stay here.” — Herman Griffin
“There was a concert on Belle Isle on that drew 40,000 people. Where did that revenue go?” — Jean Vortkamp
“What is more important? Where did you live or what did you do?” — Mike Duggan, on why hadn’t moved in Detroit before 2012."
“If sending people to prison was the answer, we’d have the safest city in the country.” — Willie Lipscomb
“I have a 167 IQ, at least I did the last time they tested me.” — John Telford
“The focus has to be on making sure the people who live here want to stay here. You can’t go to the grocery store. You don’t have confidence in the education system. You have to make sure the people who live here want to stay here.” — Herman Griffin
“There was a concert on Belle Isle on that drew 40,000 people. Where did that revenue go?” — Jean Vortkamp
“What is more important? Where did you live or what did you do?” — Mike Duggan, on why hadn’t moved in Detroit before 2012."
North Pole refreezes, scientist says global warming not a factor
North Pole refreezes, scientist says global warming not a factor | Rare:
"The water the buoy was bobbing in last week was not a lake, but a melt pond, a common occurrence in the Arctic summer when the sun shines 24 hours a day, said Morison, principal oceanographer for the North Pole Environmental Observatory, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
While the air temperature hovers right around the freezing point, solar radiation works to melt snow and the upper layer of sea ice.
Some of the water drains through cracks down into the Arctic Ocean and the rest forms fresh-water ponds on top of the sea ice with their surfaces slightly above sea level.
“That’s just part of summer ice conditions, and as far as we know it always has been,” Morison said."
"The water the buoy was bobbing in last week was not a lake, but a melt pond, a common occurrence in the Arctic summer when the sun shines 24 hours a day, said Morison, principal oceanographer for the North Pole Environmental Observatory, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
While the air temperature hovers right around the freezing point, solar radiation works to melt snow and the upper layer of sea ice.
Some of the water drains through cracks down into the Arctic Ocean and the rest forms fresh-water ponds on top of the sea ice with their surfaces slightly above sea level.
“That’s just part of summer ice conditions, and as far as we know it always has been,” Morison said."
Sheriff: Muskegon County's new 'high-speed' boats will be 'regional assets'
Sheriff: Muskegon County's new 'high-speed' boats will be 'regional assets' | MLive.com:
"The cost of the Firehawk is $269,000.
That also is being covered by grant money."
"The cost of the Firehawk is $269,000.
That also is being covered by grant money."
Fast-food workers' strike in Flint, Detroit put on hold; other plans in place for future demonstrations
Fast-food workers' strike in Flint, Detroit put on hold; other plans in place for future demonstrations | MLive.com:
"The protests are backed by a network of community, clergy and labor groups across the country, including the SEIU.
“SEIU members, like all service-sector workers, are worse off when large fast-food and retail companies are able to hold down wages and push down benefit standards for working people,” Mary Kay Henry, SEIU president, said in a release."
"The protests are backed by a network of community, clergy and labor groups across the country, including the SEIU.
“SEIU members, like all service-sector workers, are worse off when large fast-food and retail companies are able to hold down wages and push down benefit standards for working people,” Mary Kay Henry, SEIU president, said in a release."
DETROIT IS NOT AN ANOMALY, JUST AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Chicago Is In Big Trouble.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » DETROIT IS NOT AN ANOMALY, JUST AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Chicago Is In Big Trouble.
“In addition to the pension, law enforcement, and emergency response concerns that remind us of a certain bankrupt city across the lake, the report notes that three of Chicago’s four largest private employers (JP Morgan, Accenture LLP, and Northern Trust) are in finance.
It seems like blue cities have a codependent relationship with the one percenters progressives claim to hate.
It hasn’t all hit the fan quite yet, but Chicago seems perilously close to real trouble.
The city is all out of money, and with an imploding public education system and harrowing levels of violence, it is losing residents fast.”
“In addition to the pension, law enforcement, and emergency response concerns that remind us of a certain bankrupt city across the lake, the report notes that three of Chicago’s four largest private employers (JP Morgan, Accenture LLP, and Northern Trust) are in finance.
It seems like blue cities have a codependent relationship with the one percenters progressives claim to hate.
It hasn’t all hit the fan quite yet, but Chicago seems perilously close to real trouble.
The city is all out of money, and with an imploding public education system and harrowing levels of violence, it is losing residents fast.”
Julia Merfeld sentenced in Muskegon fake hit man case; husband calls her 'wonderful'
Julia Merfeld sentenced in Muskegon fake hit man case; husband calls her 'wonderful' | MLive.com:
"Julia Charlene Merfeld is “wonderful” and “godly,” said the husband she tried to have murdered less than four months ago.
For the first time publicly, intended murder victim Jacob “Jake” Merfeld, 27, of Muskegon spoke out Tuesday, July 30, about his 21-year-old wife. In court at her sentencing for solicitation to murder him, he asked for a light sentence.
“I know that my wife is a wonderful person,” Jake Merfeld said to the sentencing judge. “She is a godly woman.”"
"Julia Charlene Merfeld is “wonderful” and “godly,” said the husband she tried to have murdered less than four months ago.
For the first time publicly, intended murder victim Jacob “Jake” Merfeld, 27, of Muskegon spoke out Tuesday, July 30, about his 21-year-old wife. In court at her sentencing for solicitation to murder him, he asked for a light sentence.
“I know that my wife is a wonderful person,” Jake Merfeld said to the sentencing judge. “She is a godly woman.”"
Buena Vista School District is no more; students to attend Saginaw, Bridgeport-Spaulding, Frankenmuth schools
Buena Vista School District is no more; students to attend Saginaw, Bridgeport-Spaulding, Frankenmuth schools | MLive.com:
"Buena Vista had 433 students during the February student count day."
"Buena Vista had 433 students during the February student count day."
Oakland to Ban Hammers & Wrenches
Oakland to Ban Hammers & Wrenches - | Intellihub.com:
"So the Oakland City Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would criminalize the possession of everyday objects, including objects of professional tradesmen such as hammers, large screwdrivers, walking canes and mechanic’s tools.
The city claims these objects will be illegal to possess during a “protest,” but a protest can be defined as any two people standing around, or walking down a street, or even just talking loudly.
There is no official definition of a “protest,” meaning the police can invoke the ordinance any time they wish. That’s how these laws always go: they get interpreted and deployed far beyond their original intent."
"So the Oakland City Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would criminalize the possession of everyday objects, including objects of professional tradesmen such as hammers, large screwdrivers, walking canes and mechanic’s tools.
The city claims these objects will be illegal to possess during a “protest,” but a protest can be defined as any two people standing around, or walking down a street, or even just talking loudly.
There is no official definition of a “protest,” meaning the police can invoke the ordinance any time they wish. That’s how these laws always go: they get interpreted and deployed far beyond their original intent."
“GET DA F*CK OUT!” HAWAII OFFERS HOMELESS ONE-WAY TICKET OUT
“GET DA F*CK OUT!” HAWAII OFFERS HOMELESS ONE-WAY TICKET OUT | Black Media Scoop
"Or you could take the route lawmakers in Hawaii did: offer homeless residents a one-way ticket out of the state.
State legislators passed funding this year for a new program to offer one-way flights to any of the state’s estimated 17,000 homeless persons.
Lawmakers appropriated $100,000 over the next two years for the “return-to-home” program, but that funding could increase if the initiative is viewed as a success."
"Or you could take the route lawmakers in Hawaii did: offer homeless residents a one-way ticket out of the state.
State legislators passed funding this year for a new program to offer one-way flights to any of the state’s estimated 17,000 homeless persons.
Lawmakers appropriated $100,000 over the next two years for the “return-to-home” program, but that funding could increase if the initiative is viewed as a success."
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Stein’s Law
Stein’s Law | National Review Online:
"If there’s an iron rule in economics, it is Stein’s Law (named after Herb, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers): “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.”"
"If there’s an iron rule in economics, it is Stein’s Law (named after Herb, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers): “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.”"
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