MDOT to close lanes on Seaway Drive for bridge reconstruction project | MLive.com:
"A Michigan Department of Transportation bridge improvement project will shut down one lane in both directions of Seaway Drive between Getty Street and Grand Haven Road starting Monday, April 29.
MDOT will resurface the deck and reconstruct the approach of the bridge over Black Creek, which flows from the east end of Mona Lake through Fruitport Township.
MDOT spokesman John Richard said the agency expects the $160,000 project to last for two to three weeks, though work crews will have until June 17 to complete the job in case of weather delays and other problems."
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Bill headed to governor's desk would allow creation of local tax districts for dredging
Bill headed to governor's desk would allow creation of local tax districts for dredging | MLive.com:
"Most years, the U.S. government allocates close to $1.5 billion in shipping fees into a harbor maintenance fund, but spends less than $800 million on dredging, Hansen said.
"All they're dredging are the commercial ports," he said. "I think they're spending that money on other things."
"Most years, the U.S. government allocates close to $1.5 billion in shipping fees into a harbor maintenance fund, but spends less than $800 million on dredging, Hansen said.
"All they're dredging are the commercial ports," he said. "I think they're spending that money on other things."
Criticism
TIF districts have attracted much criticism. Some question whether TIF districts actually serve their resident populations. An organization called Municipal Officials for Redevelopment Reform (MORR) holds regular conferences on redevelopment abuse.[6]
Here are further claims made by TIF opponents:
- The process arguably leads to favoritism for politically connected developers, implementing lawyers, economic development officials and others involved in the process
- Normal inflationary increases in property values can be captured with districts in poorly written TIFs, representing money that would have gone to the public coffers even without the financed improvements.
- Districts can sometimes be drawn too large and capture value that would have been increased anyway for unrelated reasons.
- Approval of districts can sometimes capture one entity's future taxes without its official input, i.e. a school districts taxes will be frozen on action of a city.
- Capturing the full tax increment and directing it to repay the development bonds ignores the fact that the incremental increase in property value likely requires an increase in the provision of public services, which will now have to be funded from elsewhere (often from subsidies from less economically thriving areas). For example, the use of tax increment financing to create a large residential development means that public services from schools to public safety will need to be expanded, yet if the full tax increment is captured to repay the development bonds, other money will have to be used.[9]
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Gang of Eight loopholes put many illegal immigrants on fast track to citizenship
Gang of Eight loopholes put many illegal immigrants on fast track to citizenship | WashingtonExaminer.com
The bill’s supporters point out that the Gang of Eight would limit the period of time in which illegal immigrants can apply for a blue card. That’s true; the bill specifies that applications have to be filed in the year after the last of the rules enforcing the new immigration law have gone into effect. But the bill also gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the discretion to extend that period by another year and a half if she or he determines that “additional time is required” for the applications. The extension can also be granted for any other “good cause.”
The next step happens five years after the Gang of Eight bill is enacted. At that time, the legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to change the blue card holder’s status to that of permanent resident if the immigrant has worked in agriculture at least 150 days in each of three of those five years since the bill became law. A work day is defined as 5.75 hours. Also, the immigrant can qualify for permanent residence with less than three years, of 150 work days each, if he can show that he was disabled, ill, or had to deal with the “special needs of a child” during that time period. He can also shorten the requirement if “severe weather conditions” prevented him for working for a long period of time, or if he was fired from his agricultural job — provided it was not for just cause — and then couldn’t find work.
So the road to permanent resident status that Rubio said would take a decade will take only five years for currently illegal immigrants who have done some work in agriculture. How many are there? Pro-reform congressional sources suggest the number could be 700,000 on the low end and 1.1 million on the high end. Congressional sources skeptical of reform say the number would be higher. No one seems to know with any certainty.
Then there is the other fast track, for the Dreamers. The Gang of Eight bill creates a special category for immigrants who came to the United States illegally before age 16. That applies equally to illegal immigrants who today are, say, 19 years old, or those who are 49 years old, or older. The bill gives permanent resident status to them, and to their spouses and children, after five years. To get that, they have to have completed high school or earned an equivalency degree. In addition, the bill says the immigrant must have “acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has completed at least two years, in good standing for a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in the United States; or has served in the Uniformed Services for at least four years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge.”
That requirement is often cited by Dream Act supporters to show the tough standards immigrants must meet. But the very next section of the bill outlines a “hardship exception” which says the immigrant may be awarded permanent legal status if he or she has not completed college, or not completed two years of college, or not served in the military. The immigrant who has done none of those things may still be fast tracked if he can “demonstrate compelling circumstances for the inability to satisfy the requirement.” The bill does not specify what those compelling circumstances might be; the discretion for such decisions lies with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Like agricultural workers, it is not entirely clear how many currently illegal immigrants and family members would be involved in the Dream fast track, but the total number could be in the millions — a significant portion of the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally today.
Sexual assault protest cancels Dartmouth classes
Sexual assault protest cancels Dartmouth classes:
"The protest resulted largely from the fact that our efforts to speak up were boycotted during the Dimensions weekend. We felt forcibly silenced and denied voice in sharing our experiences at Dartmouth with those deciding whether they should come to Dartmouth in September," Krelinova said.
Aaron Pellowski, a sophomore at Dartmouth who is currently working as a research assistant in Berlin, speculated about a larger trend of incidents before the weekend that could have prompted the protest.
"I don't know whether we are really special in this regard, but there have been a number of incidents like this," Pellowski said.
Speaking about incidents of racism and aggression, Pellowski referred to an incidentin which racist graffiti was found on a student's whiteboard in January 2013 and to a Tumblr blog titled "Big Green Micro-Aggressions" — where students can document and discuss incidents of micro-aggression, which are brief and daily verbal and behavioral indignities which often take the form of insults against minorities.
"We, as conscious students of Dartmouth College, can no longer tolerate rampant sexual assault and acts of aggression against students of varying communities be they White, LGBTQ, Black, Asian, Native American, International, Latin/Latino, differently abled, or socioeconomically disadvantaged as part of our 'Dartmouth Experience,' " wrote the site's founders on their "About" page.
Carol Folt, Dartmouth's interim president, announced that all classes would be canceled on April 24 and replaced by alternative programming designed to foster debate in the aftermath of the protest and threats made against some of the students involved.
Milwaukee has lessons for Muskegon in developing the 'blue economy,' chamber members told
Milwaukee has lessons for Muskegon in developing the 'blue economy,' chamber members told | MLive.com
"Milwaukee specifically decided to “brand” its water a decade ago. The community used a three-prong approach: Bolstering its water-based businesses, cleaning up and providing access to its urban riverfront and developing water research through its universities, Austin said.
Muskegon is headed down the road Milwaukee has blazed, Seyferth said. It began with the operation of the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System in 1973 and the decades-long redevelopment and restoration of the Muskegon Lake shoreline. Since 2001, Muskegon has been home to the GVSU water institute, which now employs more than 50, generates $3 million in direct spending locally and is expanding with a new field research station now under construction."
"Milwaukee specifically decided to “brand” its water a decade ago. The community used a three-prong approach: Bolstering its water-based businesses, cleaning up and providing access to its urban riverfront and developing water research through its universities, Austin said.
Muskegon is headed down the road Milwaukee has blazed, Seyferth said. It began with the operation of the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System in 1973 and the decades-long redevelopment and restoration of the Muskegon Lake shoreline. Since 2001, Muskegon has been home to the GVSU water institute, which now employs more than 50, generates $3 million in direct spending locally and is expanding with a new field research station now under construction."
Suggestion to study Muskegon's image and write a community 'story' to be discussed April 29
Suggestion to study Muskegon's image and write a community 'story' to be discussed April 29 | MLive.com:
“The Northstar people like to call it the community uncovering itself,” Evans said.
Northstar – a Nashville, Tenn., community marketing consulting company – worked recently with Manistee County in a similar process. The outcome in Manistee was an image strategy based upon the lakeside community being “where life meets water.”
If the community wants to complete the first perceptions research and then the story development phase, the total cost would be in the range of $80,000, Evans said.
“There are many in the community who thinks this is valuable for tourism, economic development and recreation,” Evans said. “For us at the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, we are more than former toxic hot spot. We want to find out who we are. I think I might know but I think the process will surprise us.”
Other organizations interested in the community story project include the White Lake Public Advisory Council, Muskegon Area First, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.
The process could be more valuable than the final “story” to be told, Evans said. The project would include all of Muskegon County, she said.
Those wanting to determine if Muskegon County embarks upon developing its self-described story will gather April 29 at 920 Watermark Center, 920 Washington St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A social gathering to network will begin at 5 p.m. and the presentation and community discussion begins at 5:30 p.m.
Evans stressed that the process can be fun and enlightening, but it only works if a broad cross-section of county citizens participate.
Muskegon County Commissioners to vote on architect, construction manager for jail addition and juvenile transition center
Muskegon County Commissioners to vote on architect, construction manager for jail addition and juvenile transition center | MLive.com:
"Muskegon County Commissioners will receive a recommendation Tuesday to sign $3.5 million in contracts for an architect and construction manager to work on a jail addition and a new juvenile transition center.
The project, estimated to cost as much as $41 million, has been discussed in Muskegon for decades. Construction could begin before the end of 2013.
"Muskegon County Commissioners will receive a recommendation Tuesday to sign $3.5 million in contracts for an architect and construction manager to work on a jail addition and a new juvenile transition center.
The project, estimated to cost as much as $41 million, has been discussed in Muskegon for decades. Construction could begin before the end of 2013.
Dems propose minimum 45 percent tax rate on income above $1 million
Dems propose minimum 45 percent tax rate on income above $1 million - The Hill's Floor Action:
"Several House Democrats on Thursday introduced legislation that would impose a minimum 45 percent tax rate on taxable income above $1 million, and would set a 49 percent rate on income above $1 billion."
"Several House Democrats on Thursday introduced legislation that would impose a minimum 45 percent tax rate on taxable income above $1 million, and would set a 49 percent rate on income above $1 billion."
COMPASSIONATE GOVERNMENT
Instapundit » Blog Archive »
"COMPASSIONATE GOVERNMENT: Reader David Craig emails:
My wife suffers from chronic pain as a result of a serious back injury, and while surgery helped, she still requires daily narcotic pain medication to manage her pain. Because of prescription drug abuse, the states and DEA have been changing regulations almost monthly for narcotic medications. In the past we could fill her prescriptions at midnight of the day written on the prescription, but now they can only be filled during “business hours,” you know, cause pain apparently only happens 8-5 Monday through Friday. This morning a new paperwork regulation required the pharmacist to spend more than 30 minutes filling one prescription for my wife. The pharmacist was as frustrated as my wife and her doctor, and the pharmacist told me it’s only going to get worse with more regulations.
My wife is not the criminal. Colorado and the DEA are forcing her to live in pain as they restrict her legal access to pain relief. No one should have to watch the person they love suffer in unimaginable pain just because of bureaucratic hurdles put in place to slow illegal drug use.I had to get that off my chest, and you were the only outlet that I had.
Yeah, all these hurdles mostly affect honest people. Junkies and dealers know how to get around them."
Holder Calls Amnesty a 'Civil Right'
Holder Calls Amnesty a 'Civil Right' | Amnesty | Fox Nation:
"During a April 24th speech to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Attorney General Eric Holder said that creating a "pathway to earned citizenship" was a "civil right.”
"Creating a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in this country is essential. The way we treat our friends and neighbors who are undocumented – by creating a mechanism for them to earn citizenship and move out of the shadows – transcends the issue of immigration status.
This is a matter of civil and human rights.
It is about who we are as a nation.
And it goes to the core of our treasured American principle of equal opportunity."
"During a April 24th speech to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Attorney General Eric Holder said that creating a "pathway to earned citizenship" was a "civil right.”
"Creating a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in this country is essential. The way we treat our friends and neighbors who are undocumented – by creating a mechanism for them to earn citizenship and move out of the shadows – transcends the issue of immigration status.
This is a matter of civil and human rights.
It is about who we are as a nation.
And it goes to the core of our treasured American principle of equal opportunity."
Nine Michigan cities sharing $4.5M in infrastructure grants
Nine Michigan cities sharing $4.5M in infrastructure grants | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has announced that nine cities will share $4.5 million in Downtown Infrastructure Grant funds for public infrastructure improvements.
Gov. Rick Snyder touted the distribution, saying the funding would "help ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses."
The nine communities will provide a total of $3.4 million in matching funds for the projects, which will all be located in traditional downtowns.
The funding also requires that projects be completed within one year and will incorporate innovative design elements.
The communities chosen for awards are the cities of Croswell, Grand Haven, Hart, Imlay City, Iron River, South Haven, Tawas City and the villages of Fowlerville and Lyons.
Funding projects include:
Grand Haven: $711,449 for Washington Avenue linkage project. Match: $237,150.
Hart: $294,000 for streetscape and parking improvements. Match: $196,000.
DIG, a Community Development Block Grant program, provides public infrastructure improvement funding to projects located in a traditional downtown.
The program is intended for Michigan nonentitlement communities, specifically low- to moderate-income communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Projects must benefit the entire community to be eligible for the funding.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has announced that nine cities will share $4.5 million in Downtown Infrastructure Grant funds for public infrastructure improvements.
Gov. Rick Snyder touted the distribution, saying the funding would "help ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses."
The nine communities will provide a total of $3.4 million in matching funds for the projects, which will all be located in traditional downtowns.
The funding also requires that projects be completed within one year and will incorporate innovative design elements.
The communities chosen for awards are the cities of Croswell, Grand Haven, Hart, Imlay City, Iron River, South Haven, Tawas City and the villages of Fowlerville and Lyons.
Funding projects include:
Grand Haven: $711,449 for Washington Avenue linkage project. Match: $237,150.
Hart: $294,000 for streetscape and parking improvements. Match: $196,000.
DIG, a Community Development Block Grant program, provides public infrastructure improvement funding to projects located in a traditional downtown.
The program is intended for Michigan nonentitlement communities, specifically low- to moderate-income communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Projects must benefit the entire community to be eligible for the funding.
House debate on road fixes takes nasty turn
House debate on road fixes takes nasty turn | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
After Republicans and Gov. Rick Snyder passed right-to-work laws in December's lame-duck session, Democrats want assurances the GOP won't repeal the state's prevailing wage law, which requires union-level wages on public works jobs.
"We're not going to negotiate with terrorists who threaten all kinds of evil things," House Minority Leader Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, told Gongwer News Service on Thursday.
......Schmidt called on Greimel to apologize, but the Democratic leader didn't back down Friday.
...."I think that the extortionary tactics of Speaker Bolger can be compared to terrorists," Greimel said. "Obviously to say we won't negotiate with terrorists is a little glib, but … we're not going to cave into threats."
After Republicans and Gov. Rick Snyder passed right-to-work laws in December's lame-duck session, Democrats want assurances the GOP won't repeal the state's prevailing wage law, which requires union-level wages on public works jobs.
"We're not going to negotiate with terrorists who threaten all kinds of evil things," House Minority Leader Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, told Gongwer News Service on Thursday.
......Schmidt called on Greimel to apologize, but the Democratic leader didn't back down Friday.
...."I think that the extortionary tactics of Speaker Bolger can be compared to terrorists," Greimel said. "Obviously to say we won't negotiate with terrorists is a little glib, but … we're not going to cave into threats."
Smugglers still cashing in on Michigan can refund
Smugglers still cashing in on Michigan can refund | Fox News:
"Michigan lawmakers want to crack down on can and bottle smugglers they say are scamming Michigan for undeserved recycling refunds, corrupting a generous 10-cent per container payback policy once infamously portrayed in a "Seinfeld" episode and which beverage officials now claim costs the state millions of dollars annually.
"Seinfeld" characters Kramer and Newman failed miserably in their comedic attempt to cash in on the refund, when they loaded a mail truck full of cans and bottles in New York and attempted to drive them to Michigan. But lawmakers say it's a serious problem, especially in border counties, and they want to toughen penalties on people who try to return unmarked, out-of-state cans and bottles for refunds."
"Michigan lawmakers want to crack down on can and bottle smugglers they say are scamming Michigan for undeserved recycling refunds, corrupting a generous 10-cent per container payback policy once infamously portrayed in a "Seinfeld" episode and which beverage officials now claim costs the state millions of dollars annually.
"Seinfeld" characters Kramer and Newman failed miserably in their comedic attempt to cash in on the refund, when they loaded a mail truck full of cans and bottles in New York and attempted to drive them to Michigan. But lawmakers say it's a serious problem, especially in border counties, and they want to toughen penalties on people who try to return unmarked, out-of-state cans and bottles for refunds."
Friday, April 26, 2013
Prom dress prices giving families taffeta shock
Prom dress prices giving families taffeta shock - Business on NBCNews.com:
"Overall spending on U.S. prom events is forecast to rise to an average of $1,139 per family in 2013, up 5 percent over last year - and higher than the 1.5 percent rate of inflation in the United States - according to Visa Inc's third annual survey of prom spending."
"Overall spending on U.S. prom events is forecast to rise to an average of $1,139 per family in 2013, up 5 percent over last year - and higher than the 1.5 percent rate of inflation in the United States - according to Visa Inc's third annual survey of prom spending."
Snyder, lawmakers differ on saving for later
Snyder, lawmakers differ on saving for later | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"By declining to tuck away more money, legislators could use it to pay for other priorities instead. Michigan’s tax incentives for the film industry might be preserved, for instance, and some health care-related spending could go up even if lawmakers reject Medicaid expansion and the initial savings that come with it."
"By declining to tuck away more money, legislators could use it to pay for other priorities instead. Michigan’s tax incentives for the film industry might be preserved, for instance, and some health care-related spending could go up even if lawmakers reject Medicaid expansion and the initial savings that come with it."
Environmental group slams Samsung for leap in profits
Environmental group slams Samsung for leap in profits- The Inquirer:
"ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP Friends of the Earth has slammed Samsung's leap in first quarter profits due to the unsustainable materials it uses in smartphone production.
Samsung admitted this week that it uses tin in manufacturing its products, a material that Friends of the Earth alleged is sourced in ways that damage tropical forests, kill coral and disrupt communities in Indonesia."
"ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP Friends of the Earth has slammed Samsung's leap in first quarter profits due to the unsustainable materials it uses in smartphone production.
Samsung admitted this week that it uses tin in manufacturing its products, a material that Friends of the Earth alleged is sourced in ways that damage tropical forests, kill coral and disrupt communities in Indonesia."
Debate on Michigan's proposed no-fault auto insurance bill brings large crowd to Capitol
Debate on Michigan's proposed no-fault auto insurance bill brings large crowd to Capitol | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4612 would cap Michigan's unlimited personal injury protection coverage at $1 million, limit what medical providers charge insurers for auto-related injuries and create an authority to combat insurance fraud.
The legislation, announced by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder last week, would require auto insurance premiums to be lowered by at least $150 per vehicle in the first year, with hopes for larger savings later.
Actual savings would amount to $125 after consumers pay a new $25 per-premium assessment to fund a Medicaid shortfall that the bill creates."
"House Bill 4612 would cap Michigan's unlimited personal injury protection coverage at $1 million, limit what medical providers charge insurers for auto-related injuries and create an authority to combat insurance fraud.
The legislation, announced by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder last week, would require auto insurance premiums to be lowered by at least $150 per vehicle in the first year, with hopes for larger savings later.
Actual savings would amount to $125 after consumers pay a new $25 per-premium assessment to fund a Medicaid shortfall that the bill creates."
‘Breitbart is smiling’: NYT vindicates Andrew Breitbart with major story on Pigford scandal
‘Breitbart is smiling’: NYT vindicates Andrew Breitbart with major story on Pigford scandal | Twitchy:
"Smiling, indeed.
The late Andrew Breitbart and his team worked tirelessly to expose the fraud and abuse of the Pigford settlements scandal, the injustice to black farmers and the media malpractice in addressing the story. For his efforts, he was smeared, mocked and trashed as a liar.
Today he is vindicated by a New York Times story on page A1.
The compensation effort sprang from a desire to redress what the government and a federal judge agreed was a painful legacy of bias against African-Americans by the Agriculture Department.
But an examination by The New York Times shows that it became a runaway train, driven by racial politics, pressure from influential members of Congress and law firms that stand to gain more than $130 million in fees.
In the past five years, it has grown to encompass a second group of African-Americans as well as Hispanic, female and Native American farmers.
In all, more than 90,000 people have filed claims. The total cost could top $4.4 billion.
It’s rare that we suggest this about a New York Times article, but read the whole thing."
"Smiling, indeed.
The late Andrew Breitbart and his team worked tirelessly to expose the fraud and abuse of the Pigford settlements scandal, the injustice to black farmers and the media malpractice in addressing the story. For his efforts, he was smeared, mocked and trashed as a liar.
Today he is vindicated by a New York Times story on page A1.
The compensation effort sprang from a desire to redress what the government and a federal judge agreed was a painful legacy of bias against African-Americans by the Agriculture Department.
But an examination by The New York Times shows that it became a runaway train, driven by racial politics, pressure from influential members of Congress and law firms that stand to gain more than $130 million in fees.
In the past five years, it has grown to encompass a second group of African-Americans as well as Hispanic, female and Native American farmers.
In all, more than 90,000 people have filed claims. The total cost could top $4.4 billion.
It’s rare that we suggest this about a New York Times article, but read the whole thing."
Muskegon voters face election for mayor, two at-large commissioners as filing deadline is May 14
Muskegon voters face election for mayor, two at-large commissioners as filing deadline is May 14 | MLive.com:
“I’m not going to run again,” Wierengo told MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle.
“I think it is important that young members get involved on the commission and people come to serve the city with different ideas.
However, I think It is important that we have women representation on the commission.”
The two at-large seats are among the seven on the commission – the mayor and four commissioners elected from four wards across the city.
The ward commissioners will be half-way through their four-year terms when those elected in November take office Jan. 1.
In the two at-large commission seats, only Demario L. Phillips, 23, of 1394 Ranson St. is the only candidate to file petitions but he has more signatures to gather before being placed on the ballot, Cummings said.
Phillips had announced to run for mayor in 2012 but changed his mind and is pursuing a commission seat.
Two candidates have not filed but have publicly announced their interest in running for the at-large commission seats.
They are Joshua EldenBrady, a Muskegon attorney who ran unsuccessfully for the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners last year, and Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, the director of business and industrial training for Muskegon Community College.
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