Right-to-Work in Michigan: A Visual Time Line [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Illinois teachers go on strike because district won’t fund a 30 percent raise
Illinois teachers go on strike because district won’t fund a 30 percent raise - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
"DIXON, Ill. – The education of nearly 3,000 Illinois students came to an abrupt halt Thursday morning when Dixon teachers went on strike to protest the school board’s refusal to meet their demands for a 30 percent pay raise over a five-year span.
The strike could last awhile, as the district and union remain far apart on the issue of a pay raise, along with a host of other matters."
"DIXON, Ill. – The education of nearly 3,000 Illinois students came to an abrupt halt Thursday morning when Dixon teachers went on strike to protest the school board’s refusal to meet their demands for a 30 percent pay raise over a five-year span.
The strike could last awhile, as the district and union remain far apart on the issue of a pay raise, along with a host of other matters."
Secret money funds gun ads
The Durango Herald 02/27/2013 | Secret money funds gun ads
"Experienced Republican campaigners have entered the fight against Rep. Mike McLachlan, D-Durango, although it remains to be seen how much they will assist in an effort to recall him.
A new nonprofit group called Colorado Citizens Protecting Our Constitution took out Web ads and a full-page print ad in the Feb. 17 Durango Herald to criticize McLachlan’s votes on four gun bills.
The Web ads link to a one-page website that duplicates the print advertisement, attempting to link McLachlan to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a gun-control advocate.
Three other Democrats were targeted with nearly identical full-page ads in their hometown newspapers.
....The group’s funding and leadership remains a mystery."
"Experienced Republican campaigners have entered the fight against Rep. Mike McLachlan, D-Durango, although it remains to be seen how much they will assist in an effort to recall him.
A new nonprofit group called Colorado Citizens Protecting Our Constitution took out Web ads and a full-page print ad in the Feb. 17 Durango Herald to criticize McLachlan’s votes on four gun bills.
The Web ads link to a one-page website that duplicates the print advertisement, attempting to link McLachlan to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a gun-control advocate.
Three other Democrats were targeted with nearly identical full-page ads in their hometown newspapers.
....The group’s funding and leadership remains a mystery."
What Housework Has to Do With Waistlines
What Housework Has to Do With Waistlines - NYTimes.com:
"One reason so many American women are overweight may be that we are vacuuming and doing laundry less often, according to a new study that, while scrupulously even-handed, is likely to stir controversy and emotions."
"One reason so many American women are overweight may be that we are vacuuming and doing laundry less often, according to a new study that, while scrupulously even-handed, is likely to stir controversy and emotions."
Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee starts development work while region watches
Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee starts development work while region watches | MLive.com
"Muskegon County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley will bring in a facilitator to collect ideas and help distill them down to a few goals at a March 26 meeting, the group recently decided."
"Muskegon County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley will bring in a facilitator to collect ideas and help distill them down to a few goals at a March 26 meeting, the group recently decided."
Philadelphia-area businesses fight back against union intimidation
Philadelphia-area businesses fight back against union intimidation | Washington Free Beacon
"Several Philadelphia labor groups allegedly used feces, urine, spit, and fire to persuade businesses to hire union labor and area businesses are fighting back.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Monday ordered members of the International Board of Teamsters Local 107, Pennsylvania’s self-described “most powerful labor organization,” to stop assaulting and spitting on employees, vandalizing vehicles, and obstructing business operations at the Eureka Stone Quarry, Inc."
"Several Philadelphia labor groups allegedly used feces, urine, spit, and fire to persuade businesses to hire union labor and area businesses are fighting back.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Monday ordered members of the International Board of Teamsters Local 107, Pennsylvania’s self-described “most powerful labor organization,” to stop assaulting and spitting on employees, vandalizing vehicles, and obstructing business operations at the Eureka Stone Quarry, Inc."
Defying Courts And Congress, EPA Ups Mandate For Nonexistent Fuels
Defying Courts And Congress, EPA Ups Mandate For Nonexistent Fuels - Investors.com
"As Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner points out in Politico, 2010, the first year of the mandate, the EPA projected 5 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels would be available.
In fact, there were none.
In 2011, the EPA increased the mandate to 6.5 million gallons.
Again, the actual amount available was zero.
Undeterred, in 2012, the EPA increased the required amount to 8.5 million gallons.
The actual available amount was 25,000 gallons."
"As Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner points out in Politico, 2010, the first year of the mandate, the EPA projected 5 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels would be available.
In fact, there were none.
In 2011, the EPA increased the mandate to 6.5 million gallons.
Again, the actual amount available was zero.
Undeterred, in 2012, the EPA increased the required amount to 8.5 million gallons.
The actual available amount was 25,000 gallons."
5 frugal habits of the rich
5 frugal habits of the rich- MSN Money:
"Michelle Obama often opts to shop at Target or H&M rather than high-end department stores."
Seriously!
Gimme a break!
"Michelle Obama often opts to shop at Target or H&M rather than high-end department stores."
Seriously!
Gimme a break!
Only 6% Rate News Media As Very Trustworthy
Only 6% Rate News Media As Very Trustworthy - Rasmussen Reports™
"Most voters still get their news from television and consider the news reported by the media generally trustworthy.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they get most of their news from TV, including 32% who get it from cable news networks and 24% who get it from traditional network news.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that another 25% use the Internet as their main source of news, while only 10% still rely on print newspapers.
Seven percent (7%) get most of their news from radio. "
"Most voters still get their news from television and consider the news reported by the media generally trustworthy.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they get most of their news from TV, including 32% who get it from cable news networks and 24% who get it from traditional network news.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that another 25% use the Internet as their main source of news, while only 10% still rely on print newspapers.
Seven percent (7%) get most of their news from radio. "
Michigan lawmaker proposes smart meter opt out
Michigan lawmaker proposes smart meter opt out | wzzm13.com
"A Republican lawmaker wants Michigan residents to be able to opt out of so-called smart meter installations.
Rep. Tom McMillin of Rochester Hills introduced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit utilities from giving discounts to customers who install the meters.
It would also limit the number of times the utility can read data from the smart meter each month.
Smart meters allow utilities to monitor electricity use without sending a reader to each house. Proponents say smart meters can alert utilities of outages and cut costs.
But McMillin says some residents have "legitimate" privacy and health concerns and should not have to pay fees for opting out.
Some have raised concerns that electric signals used in smart meters may contribute to health problems."
"A Republican lawmaker wants Michigan residents to be able to opt out of so-called smart meter installations.
Rep. Tom McMillin of Rochester Hills introduced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit utilities from giving discounts to customers who install the meters.
It would also limit the number of times the utility can read data from the smart meter each month.
Smart meters allow utilities to monitor electricity use without sending a reader to each house. Proponents say smart meters can alert utilities of outages and cut costs.
But McMillin says some residents have "legitimate" privacy and health concerns and should not have to pay fees for opting out.
Some have raised concerns that electric signals used in smart meters may contribute to health problems."
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Michigan Strategic Fund provides $1.95 million loan for HighPoint Flats, Muskegon apartment construction to begin
Michigan Strategic Fund provides $1.95 million loan for HighPoint Flats, Muskegon apartment construction to begin | MLive.com
"The redevelopment district allows for new property taxes for the apartment building to be captured in support of the project. Rooks’ Parkland Muskegon Inc. would receive up to $750,000 from the brownfield tax increment fund by 2030 to pay back the state loan, city officials have said.
“My hope is that this will spur additional development in downtown Muskegon,” Rooks said after the state approval. “And I hope that we are able to show demand for market-rate housing that we know exists in downtown Muskegon.”
The Parkland state loan for HighPoint Flats was part of a $6 million outlay approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Wednesday afternoon in Lansing. The HighPoint Flats loan came from the Michigan Community Revitalization program.
The $6 million in state assistance went to HighPoint Flats and seven other business expansions totaling $95.8 million in new capital investments that will create an estimated 789 new jobs. The Parkland development is expected to create two new jobs beyond the construction employment it will generate."
"The redevelopment district allows for new property taxes for the apartment building to be captured in support of the project. Rooks’ Parkland Muskegon Inc. would receive up to $750,000 from the brownfield tax increment fund by 2030 to pay back the state loan, city officials have said.
“My hope is that this will spur additional development in downtown Muskegon,” Rooks said after the state approval. “And I hope that we are able to show demand for market-rate housing that we know exists in downtown Muskegon.”
The Parkland state loan for HighPoint Flats was part of a $6 million outlay approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Wednesday afternoon in Lansing. The HighPoint Flats loan came from the Michigan Community Revitalization program.
The $6 million in state assistance went to HighPoint Flats and seven other business expansions totaling $95.8 million in new capital investments that will create an estimated 789 new jobs. The Parkland development is expected to create two new jobs beyond the construction employment it will generate."
The Michigan Legislature will vote TODAY on HB4111,a $30.6 million supplemental appropriation for federal funds to help implement a state-federal partnership health exchange.
Dear James,
The Michigan
Legislature will vote TODAY on HB4111,a $30.6
million supplemental appropriation for federal funds to help implement a
state-federal partnership health exchange.
Representative
Forlini (R-Harrison Township) said this morning that implementation of
exchanges is inevitable.
“The bottom line is, it’s
coming,” he stated “This at least brings some funding in, so we have some
control. This car is going down the road, so we’re either in the car driving it
(or not).”
Representative
Forlini is wrong: Implementation of this law is not inevitable and considering
more than half of the American people oppose the law, it is improbable. You and
I don’t want to be in the car when it goes off of the cliff, and that is exactly
where Obamacare is going to take us.
Health care
exchanges were created by the president’s flawed health care law and serve to
pile thousands of pages of rules and regulations while transferring control to
health care bureaucrats in Washington.These bloated bureaucracies drive up
the cost of insurance on hardworking families and raise taxes on
businesses.
Hypocrisy
on this issue in the Michigan Legislature is led by Governor Snyder who on one
hand says the feds need to get their budget under control, but then on the
other hand seizes every last dollar of federal money possible. Even worse,
the implementation of Obamacare in Michigan will hurt hardworking families.
Join us in
resisting a centralized government approach to health care reform and instead
focus on solutions that make health care more affordable and accessible for
every American.
Let’s work
to create a health care system of, for, and by the people, not government or
special interests.
In Liberty,
Scott
Hagerstrom
State
Director
AFP-Michigan
Subway 'Wouldn't Exist' If Started Today Due to Regulations: Founder Deluca
Subway 'Wouldn't Exist' If Started Today Due to Regulations: Founder Deluca
"Deluca said the environment for entrepreneurs in the U.S. has "continuously gotten worse because there are more and more regulations.
It's tough for people to get into business, especially a small business."
"Deluca said the environment for entrepreneurs in the U.S. has "continuously gotten worse because there are more and more regulations.
It's tough for people to get into business, especially a small business."
Earlie Johnson's Stolen Porn Collection Replenished By Porn Companies
Earlie Johnson's Stolen Porn Collection Replenished By Porn Companies
""He's the ultimate porn fan," Kulich told HuffPost.
"He seemed distraught by the theft.
This is a guy who bought porn DVDs a couple times a week.
He's a collector who put aside money from each paycheck to meet his financial obligation.""
""He's the ultimate porn fan," Kulich told HuffPost.
"He seemed distraught by the theft.
This is a guy who bought porn DVDs a couple times a week.
He's a collector who put aside money from each paycheck to meet his financial obligation.""
Brooming big-spending Republicans shouldn't be left to chance
Ken Braun: Brooming big-spending Republicans shouldn't be left to chance | MLive.com
"Instead, what DOES sell out the fiscal conservatives is a big SPENDING Republican. Tax hikes, Fiscal Cliffs, the sequester, and the re-election - let alone initial election - of President Obama probably doesn’t happen if the words and deeds of Republicans on the spending front had been consistent over the last 10-20 years.
That wasn’t the case, yet most people – and even most Republicans - believe what their GOP lawmaker tells them and rarely look at a politician’s votes before supporting him or her.
Thus … Welcome to the mess we’re in!"
"Instead, what DOES sell out the fiscal conservatives is a big SPENDING Republican. Tax hikes, Fiscal Cliffs, the sequester, and the re-election - let alone initial election - of President Obama probably doesn’t happen if the words and deeds of Republicans on the spending front had been consistent over the last 10-20 years.
That wasn’t the case, yet most people – and even most Republicans - believe what their GOP lawmaker tells them and rarely look at a politician’s votes before supporting him or her.
Thus … Welcome to the mess we’re in!"
Lengthy new school, university contracts latest lightning rod in Michigan right-to-work debate
Lengthy new school, university contracts latest lightning rod in Michigan right-to-work debate | MLive.com
""It's highly unusual, a ten-year deal for something like this that's clearly designed to get around a recent law," McMillin told reporters after both groups declined his invitation.
"What was the give and take? What did taxpayers get?"
""It's highly unusual, a ten-year deal for something like this that's clearly designed to get around a recent law," McMillin told reporters after both groups declined his invitation.
"What was the give and take? What did taxpayers get?"
Question of the Day: What would be a good use of the Yuba St. Farmers Market location?
Question of the Day: What would be a good use of the Yuba St. Farmers Market location? | MLive.com
"In his column, "Heard on the Street," MLive and Chronicle reporter Dave Alexander discussed the possible creation of a dog park on the current Farmers Market site in the Jackson Hill neighborhood. "
"In his column, "Heard on the Street," MLive and Chronicle reporter Dave Alexander discussed the possible creation of a dog park on the current Farmers Market site in the Jackson Hill neighborhood. "
S.S. Badger coal ash ruling expected soon as Muskegon, Ludington ferries feud
S.S. Badger coal ash ruling expected soon as Muskegon, Ludington ferries feud | MLive.com
"The EPA says it will make a tentative decision in March on whether to give the Badger a new permit. Either way, the company says it intends to sail this spring.
The rival diesel-powered Lake Express ferry says the Badger should have to follow the same pollution rules as other Great Lakes vessels."
"The EPA says it will make a tentative decision in March on whether to give the Badger a new permit. Either way, the company says it intends to sail this spring.
The rival diesel-powered Lake Express ferry says the Badger should have to follow the same pollution rules as other Great Lakes vessels."
Local officials: Closing Muskegon County Airport's control tower wouldn't stop flights
Local officials: Closing Muskegon County Airport's control tower wouldn't stop flights | MLive.com
"If the air control tower is shut down, pilots will have to coordinate landings and takeoffs themselves, via radio – the same operating procedure they currently use when the Muskegon tower shuts down for the night.
“Operationally, it won’t have an impact,” said Airport Manager Marty Piette.
“I don’t think it would hurt the airport.”"
"If the air control tower is shut down, pilots will have to coordinate landings and takeoffs themselves, via radio – the same operating procedure they currently use when the Muskegon tower shuts down for the night.
“Operationally, it won’t have an impact,” said Airport Manager Marty Piette.
“I don’t think it would hurt the airport.”"
Muskegon City Commission unanimously approves the $14 million, 70-lot Terrace Point Landing
Muskegon City Commission unanimously approves the $14 million, 70-lot Terrace Point Landing | MLive.com
"Work on putting in the public roadway and utilities could begin in the coming six months but it is unlikely that home will be under construction on the site until 2014, he indicated."
"Work on putting in the public roadway and utilities could begin in the coming six months but it is unlikely that home will be under construction on the site until 2014, he indicated."
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. selects downtown Muskegon location with plans for the Noble Building
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. selects downtown Muskegon location with plans for the Noble Building | MLive.com
"The owners of Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. have announced that they will lease space in the Noble Building, 500 W. Western Ave.
Construction on the first-level brew pub could begin within a month and the business could open yet in 2013, according to co-owner Joel Kamp.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. will join Unruly Brewing Co. on West Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. Construction is under way in the Russell Block Market at 360 W. Western Ave., where Unruly plans to open in the spring."
"The owners of Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. have announced that they will lease space in the Noble Building, 500 W. Western Ave.
Construction on the first-level brew pub could begin within a month and the business could open yet in 2013, according to co-owner Joel Kamp.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co. will join Unruly Brewing Co. on West Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. Construction is under way in the Russell Block Market at 360 W. Western Ave., where Unruly plans to open in the spring."
City Wants Power to “Disarm Individuals” During Crisis
» City Wants Power to “Disarm Individuals” During Crisis Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!
"The new rule would allow authorities to confiscate guns of “unruly” people during an extreme weather event such as the April 2011 tornadoes or any other emergency.
“The ordinance states officers could disarm individuals, if necessary, reports ABC 31.
“Dollar says the proposal is just way to give officers more authority to protect themselves.”
"The new rule would allow authorities to confiscate guns of “unruly” people during an extreme weather event such as the April 2011 tornadoes or any other emergency.
“The ordinance states officers could disarm individuals, if necessary, reports ABC 31.
“Dollar says the proposal is just way to give officers more authority to protect themselves.”
Civil Rights and the Collapse of Birmingham, Ala.
Articles: Civil Rights and the Collapse of Birmingham, Ala.
"Much more important was a program through which Mayor Langford provided laptops to children, in all government schools, in first through fifth grade.
An MIT study found that the results of this social policy were "disappointing." Ownership of the free government laptops "did not increase use of computers for academic or content-creation purposes."
The MIT study further found that school-related laptop use somehow unbelievably actually decreased after students were given the free laptops:
"The frequency with which students used a computer to create or listen to podcasts, do research, or do homework all decreased slightly from the pretest survey (before [free laptop] ownership) to the posttest survey (after [free laptop] ownership)."
An army of sociology professors and community leaders could start a cottage industry simply trying to come to grips with the causes of this social engineering farce, and the subculture underlying it."
"Much more important was a program through which Mayor Langford provided laptops to children, in all government schools, in first through fifth grade.
An MIT study found that the results of this social policy were "disappointing." Ownership of the free government laptops "did not increase use of computers for academic or content-creation purposes."
The MIT study further found that school-related laptop use somehow unbelievably actually decreased after students were given the free laptops:
"The frequency with which students used a computer to create or listen to podcasts, do research, or do homework all decreased slightly from the pretest survey (before [free laptop] ownership) to the posttest survey (after [free laptop] ownership)."
An army of sociology professors and community leaders could start a cottage industry simply trying to come to grips with the causes of this social engineering farce, and the subculture underlying it."
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