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."
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
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.
College’s husky dog logo promotes rape, says student
College’s husky dog logo promotes rape, says student | The Daily Caller:
"In an open letter to UC President Susan Herbst, self-described feminist student Carolyn Luby wrote that the redesigned team logo will intimidate women and empower rape culture.
UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma said the logo “is looking right through you and saying, ‘Do not mess with me.’
This is a streamlined, fighting dog, and I cannot wait for it to be on our uniforms and court.”
"In an open letter to UC President Susan Herbst, self-described feminist student Carolyn Luby wrote that the redesigned team logo will intimidate women and empower rape culture.
UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma said the logo “is looking right through you and saying, ‘Do not mess with me.’
This is a streamlined, fighting dog, and I cannot wait for it to be on our uniforms and court.”
Street violence strains Muskegon Heights police resources Thursday
Street violence strains Muskegon Heights police resources Thursday | MLive.com:
"Shots were fired on Rotterdam Street and a mob began forming on Baker Street shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, said Muskegon Heights Police Chief Lynne Gill.
Aware of what was happening on the streets, Muskegon Heights Charter School Academy System Director Alena Zachery-Ross said she checked with police on whether it was safe to release students for the day. She said she was told it was safe.
Gill said a detective responded to the report of shots fired on Rotterdam because he had no patrol officers available. Gill himself broke up the mob on Baker Street.
The incidents occurred just days before Saturday’s march to promote peace and unity in the city."
"Shots were fired on Rotterdam Street and a mob began forming on Baker Street shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, said Muskegon Heights Police Chief Lynne Gill.
Aware of what was happening on the streets, Muskegon Heights Charter School Academy System Director Alena Zachery-Ross said she checked with police on whether it was safe to release students for the day. She said she was told it was safe.
Gill said a detective responded to the report of shots fired on Rotterdam because he had no patrol officers available. Gill himself broke up the mob on Baker Street.
The incidents occurred just days before Saturday’s march to promote peace and unity in the city."
Buena Vista Township Clerk apologizes for using racial slur
Buena Vista Township Clerk apologizes for using racial slur : News : miNBCnews.com
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP -- The Buena Vista Township clerk is in hot water after using a racial slur to describe the township supervisor. Now, Gloria Platko is apologizing and defending herself.
Buena Vista Township residents are calling for the resignation of Gloria Platko. The township clerk says she's sorry for offending residents but she has no plans to step down.
Gloria Platko is apologizing for what she calls, “a slip of the tongue.”
“I'm sorry to my five other board members and I’m entirely sorry to this entire community,” says Platko.
Platko was recorded calling township supervisor Dwayne Parker the n-word. Platko says that doesn't make her racist.
“I’ve eaten Thanksgiving dinner with black friends at their house. So I’m far from prejudiced. You need to go interview some of the black people who have supported me for the last four or five years,” says Platko.
Supporters of Platko were very difficulty to find after they heard of the recording.
“It was used in a harmful way when she said it so she should be punished,” says Bethany McMillon, a Buena Vista Township resident.
“She’s real lucky she's still over there because people don't play with the n-word anymore,” says Pam Henley, a Buena Vista Township resident.
But Platko says she's not going anywhere because she was baited.
“Why didn't he ever tape any of the other phone conversations?” says Platko.
Township supervisor Dwayne Parker did not return our phone calls. Platko says she'll continue serving the people of Buena Vista and next time she'll choose her words more carefully.
“Yea, I probably should've used a word like ignoramus or something like that but I didn't and I’m sorry for the word I used,” says Platko.
As far as any disciplinary action, our calls to the township manager were not returned. Gloria Platko says using a racial slur won't happen again.
Connie Ballard · Top Commenter · Registered Nurse at Covenant HealthCare
Connie Ballard · Top Commenter · Registered Nurse at Covenant HealthCare
I'm sorry but everyone has to right to free speech....plus if I'm correct secretly recording a phone call and making it public is ILLEGAL!!!!!!! This was not a public conversation...so she has the right to her opinion in private. I feel the guy who SECRETLY recorded this should be disciplined!
Gee.
There seems to be one word missing from this article..........
Could it be "democrat"?
Ted Nugent rips Pure Michigan ad campaign
Ted Nugent rips Pure Michigan ad campaign | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"Michigan-born rocker Ted Nugent ripped the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign during a radio appearance this morning, saying his home state is becoming “a suburb of Illinois and San Francisco” due to liberalism and political correctness.
“The Pure Michigan campaign basically is a facade,” Nugent said during a telephone interview from Texas on the Lansing-based syndicated program, Michigan’s Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels.
Outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping are Michigan’s biggest tourist draw, said Nugent.
“How dare the Pure Michigan campaign not mention any of that because some hash bash hippie in charge of Michigan’s promotional campaigns is afraid to put a dead salmon or a dead grouse or a dead deer on the tourist brochure but will put para-gliding and tulip festivals on that brochure when no one is going to come to Michigan to go hang gliding or to go to the tulip festival.”
click for full audio:http://michigansbigshow.blogspot.com/
"Michigan-born rocker Ted Nugent ripped the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign during a radio appearance this morning, saying his home state is becoming “a suburb of Illinois and San Francisco” due to liberalism and political correctness.
“The Pure Michigan campaign basically is a facade,” Nugent said during a telephone interview from Texas on the Lansing-based syndicated program, Michigan’s Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels.
Outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping are Michigan’s biggest tourist draw, said Nugent.
“How dare the Pure Michigan campaign not mention any of that because some hash bash hippie in charge of Michigan’s promotional campaigns is afraid to put a dead salmon or a dead grouse or a dead deer on the tourist brochure but will put para-gliding and tulip festivals on that brochure when no one is going to come to Michigan to go hang gliding or to go to the tulip festival.”
click for full audio:http://michigansbigshow.blogspot.com/
CALIF. BILL WOULD LET NON-CITIZENS SERVE ON JURIES
News from The Associated Press:
"Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, said his bill, AB1401, would help California widen the pool of prospective jurors and help integrate immigrants into the community."
"Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, said his bill, AB1401, would help California widen the pool of prospective jurors and help integrate immigrants into the community."
Stonewalling
Stonewalling:
"Thu, 25 Apr 2013
The Massachusetts Governor's office has refused to respond to Boston Herald requests for details of Marathon Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Howie asked the question does a dead terrorist have a right to privacy."
"Thu, 25 Apr 2013
The Massachusetts Governor's office has refused to respond to Boston Herald requests for details of Marathon Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Howie asked the question does a dead terrorist have a right to privacy."
Retired military leaders call for more investment in Michigan early education programs
Retired military leaders call for more investment in Michigan early education programs | MLive.com:
"Michigan's high-quality preschool has helped more young people be able to serve their country in whatever way they so choose," Cutler said in a statement included in a Mission: Readiness report.
The group says the Department of Defense estimates 75 percent of American youth are unable to serve in the military.
The three main reasons: Inadequate education, lack of physical fitness and criminal records."
"Michigan's high-quality preschool has helped more young people be able to serve their country in whatever way they so choose," Cutler said in a statement included in a Mission: Readiness report.
The group says the Department of Defense estimates 75 percent of American youth are unable to serve in the military.
The three main reasons: Inadequate education, lack of physical fitness and criminal records."
See what the Pere Marquette Park beach bar could become with plans from two developers
See what the Pere Marquette Park beach bar could become with plans from two developers | MLive.com
Both proposals suggest a redevelopment of the beach bar building at 1601 Beach St. but go in different directions. Both are hoping to have a business open yet this summer. One business developer is well-known and the other is becoming active in the Muskegon market.
The city of Muskegon has received two proposals for redevelopment of the former CJs on the Beach property at Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan.
Jon Rooks’ Parkland Muskegon Inc. suggests a two-phase redevelopment of the property that would include renovating the existing structure to create the Beach House Waterfront Grille, a bar and restaurant, along with an events and wedding center in the remainder of the building.
Parkland’s second phase would be a new $4 million to $6 million boutique, extended-stay hotel adjacent to the beach bar or on property across Beach Street in the park’s famed “Ovals.” The Pere Marquette businesses would be operated in tandem with Parkland’s downtown Shoreline Inn and Conference Center and Lake House Restaurant, according to the proposal presented the city this week.
The second proposal was submitted by Michael Kordecki of McGraft Park LLC of Matthews, N.C. Kordecki is formerly of Muskegon and has recently purchased the Noble Building at 500 West Western Ave., which is the planned home of the new Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., a proposed microbrewery for downtown Muskegon.
Kordecki by mid-July would create a sandwich and ice cream shop with a rental shop for beach activity items, such as paddle boards and bicycles. In either 2014 or 2015, Kordecki proposes renovating the beach bar building into a restaurant, lounge and entertainment center. The idea is to have the businesses be an activity center for the Pere Marquette beach.
The city has owned the land under the former CJs on the Beach, but earlier this year also obtained the building in a court settlement with the former beach bar owners. CJs on the Beach closed after the 2011 summer season and was unable to reopen last summer due to financial problems. The business finally lost its building to the city.
The Muskegon City Commission authorized “requests for proposals” for developers and business owners to suggest future uses of the popular beach location with stunning Lake Michigan sunset views of the Muskegon Lighthouse.
Washington State Bans ‘Penmanship,’ ‘Freshman,’ As Sexist
Washington State Bans ‘Penmanship,’ ‘Freshman,’ As Sexist:
Washington state's governor signed into law on Monday the final piece of a six-year effort to rewrite state laws using gender-neutral vocabulary, replacing terms such as "fisherman" and "freshman" with "fisher" and "first-year student."
Lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to root out gender bias from Washington statutes, though a 1983 state mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender was intended.
"This was a much larger effort than I had envisioned.
Mankind means man and woman," said Democrat state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle.
The new gender-neutral references, for example, include "journey-level plumber" instead of "journeyman plumber," "handwriting" in place of "penmanship," and "signal operator" for "signalman."
"There's no good reason for keeping our legal terms anachronistic and with words that do not respect our current contemporary times," Kohl-Welles, the 475-page bill's sponsor, told Reuters.
Several words, however, aren't easy to replace, said Kyle Thiessen, the state's code reviser, who heads up the 40-staff Washington Code Reviser's Office agency.
The state likely won't change the words "airmen" and "seaman," for example, because of objections by the state's Washington Military Department, he said.
Civil engineering terms such as "man hole" and "man lock," also will not be changed because no common-sense substitutes could easily be found, Thiessen said.
Washington state's governor signed into law on Monday the final piece of a six-year effort to rewrite state laws using gender-neutral vocabulary, replacing terms such as "fisherman" and "freshman" with "fisher" and "first-year student."
Lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to root out gender bias from Washington statutes, though a 1983 state mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender was intended.
"This was a much larger effort than I had envisioned.
Mankind means man and woman," said Democrat state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle.
The new gender-neutral references, for example, include "journey-level plumber" instead of "journeyman plumber," "handwriting" in place of "penmanship," and "signal operator" for "signalman."
"There's no good reason for keeping our legal terms anachronistic and with words that do not respect our current contemporary times," Kohl-Welles, the 475-page bill's sponsor, told Reuters.
Several words, however, aren't easy to replace, said Kyle Thiessen, the state's code reviser, who heads up the 40-staff Washington Code Reviser's Office agency.
The state likely won't change the words "airmen" and "seaman," for example, because of objections by the state's Washington Military Department, he said.
Civil engineering terms such as "man hole" and "man lock," also will not be changed because no common-sense substitutes could easily be found, Thiessen said.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Record Number of Households on Food Stamps-- 1 out of Every 5
Record Number of Households on Food Stamps-- 1 out of Every 5 | CNS News:
"As CNSNews.com previously reported, food stamp rolls in America recently surpassed the population of Spain.
A record number 47,692,896 Americans are now enrolled in the program and the cost of food stamp fraud has more than doubled in just three years."
"As CNSNews.com previously reported, food stamp rolls in America recently surpassed the population of Spain.
A record number 47,692,896 Americans are now enrolled in the program and the cost of food stamp fraud has more than doubled in just three years."
» Lenders Come Out Against 2nd Amendment
» Lenders Come Out Against 2nd Amendment » News -- GOPUSA:
"Some of the nation's largest lenders don't finance gun purchases. Wells Fargo stopped the practice in 2004 for business reasons, company spokeswoman Lisa Westermann said.
Citigroup doesn't finance firearm loans, says spokeswoman Liz Fogarty.
Bank of America would not comment on whether it provides consumer financing for firearms.
GE Capital's new policy affects only retailers that sell firearms exclusively and not general merchandise stores, such as Walmart, that sell guns and other products.
Some stores have changed their product mix in recent years to just firearms, and the new policy will cut off financing at those shops, Wilkerson says."
"Some of the nation's largest lenders don't finance gun purchases. Wells Fargo stopped the practice in 2004 for business reasons, company spokeswoman Lisa Westermann said.
Citigroup doesn't finance firearm loans, says spokeswoman Liz Fogarty.
Bank of America would not comment on whether it provides consumer financing for firearms.
GE Capital's new policy affects only retailers that sell firearms exclusively and not general merchandise stores, such as Walmart, that sell guns and other products.
Some stores have changed their product mix in recent years to just firearms, and the new policy will cut off financing at those shops, Wilkerson says."
Ex-airport boss Turkia Mullin awarded $712,000 for being wrongly fired
Ex-airport boss Turkia Mullin awarded $712,000 for being wrongly fired | Crain's Detroit Business:
"An arbitrator has awarded about $712,000 to the former Detroit Metropolitan Airport chief executive, saying that a county board wrongly fired her.
The Wayne County airport board fired Turkia Mullin in October 2011 during a dispute over a $200,000 severance payment that County Executive Robert Ficano made to her when she left her previous job as the county's economic development director. She later repaid the money.
WXYZ-TV says arbitrator Paul Teranes also ordered the airport authority to pay Mullin's lawyers. It says he denied Mullin's request for punitive damages."
"An arbitrator has awarded about $712,000 to the former Detroit Metropolitan Airport chief executive, saying that a county board wrongly fired her.
The Wayne County airport board fired Turkia Mullin in October 2011 during a dispute over a $200,000 severance payment that County Executive Robert Ficano made to her when she left her previous job as the county's economic development director. She later repaid the money.
WXYZ-TV says arbitrator Paul Teranes also ordered the airport authority to pay Mullin's lawyers. It says he denied Mullin's request for punitive damages."
Big Brother Has A New Face, And It's Your Boss
Big Brother Has A New Face, And It's Your Boss - Forbes:
"Recently, the CVS Caremark Corporation began requiring employees to disclose personal health information (including weight, blood pressure, and body fat levels) or else pay an annual $600 fine.
Workers must make this information available to the company’s employee “Wellness Program” and sign a form stating that they’re doing so voluntarily.
CVS argues this will help workers “take more responsibility for improving their health.”
At one level, this makes a certain sense.
Because the company is paying for their employees’ health insurance, they naturally prefer healthier workers.
But at a deeper level, CVS’ action demonstrates a growing problem with our current system of employer-provided health insurance.
If our bosses must pay for our health care, they will inevitably seek greater control over our lifestyles."
"Recently, the CVS Caremark Corporation began requiring employees to disclose personal health information (including weight, blood pressure, and body fat levels) or else pay an annual $600 fine.
Workers must make this information available to the company’s employee “Wellness Program” and sign a form stating that they’re doing so voluntarily.
CVS argues this will help workers “take more responsibility for improving their health.”
At one level, this makes a certain sense.
Because the company is paying for their employees’ health insurance, they naturally prefer healthier workers.
But at a deeper level, CVS’ action demonstrates a growing problem with our current system of employer-provided health insurance.
If our bosses must pay for our health care, they will inevitably seek greater control over our lifestyles."
Congress, Fearing 'Brain Drain,' Seeks to Opt Out of Participating in Obamacare's Exchanges
Congress, Fearing 'Brain Drain,' Seeks to Opt Out of Participating in Obamacare's Exchanges - Forbes:
"As Obamacare was winding its way through the Senate in 2009, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) slipped in an amendment requiring that members of Congress, and their staff, enroll in Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges.
The idea was simple: that if Congress was going to impose Obamacare upon the country, it should have to experience what it is imposing firsthand. But now, word comes that Congress is quietly seeking to rescind that provision of the law, because members fear that staffers who face higher insurance costs will leave the Hill."
"As Obamacare was winding its way through the Senate in 2009, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) slipped in an amendment requiring that members of Congress, and their staff, enroll in Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges.
The idea was simple: that if Congress was going to impose Obamacare upon the country, it should have to experience what it is imposing firsthand. But now, word comes that Congress is quietly seeking to rescind that provision of the law, because members fear that staffers who face higher insurance costs will leave the Hill."
Michigan families could lose welfare cash if kids miss school under advancing legislation
Michigan families could lose welfare cash if kids miss school under advancing legislation | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4388, introduced by Republican state Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville, would codify a policy adopted by the Department of Human Services in October regarding eligibility for the family independence program, which provides an average cash grant of approximately $400 to more than 45,000 needy families each month.
DHS has already removed a handful of families from the program due to child truancy.
The legislation would formally prohibit the cash assistance for families that have a child between the age of 6 and 16 who fails to comply with mandatory school attendance requirements."
"House Bill 4388, introduced by Republican state Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville, would codify a policy adopted by the Department of Human Services in October regarding eligibility for the family independence program, which provides an average cash grant of approximately $400 to more than 45,000 needy families each month.
DHS has already removed a handful of families from the program due to child truancy.
The legislation would formally prohibit the cash assistance for families that have a child between the age of 6 and 16 who fails to comply with mandatory school attendance requirements."
Patrick administration refuses to release Tsarnaev brothers' records
Patrick administration refuses to release Tsarnaev brothers' records | Boston Herald
The Patrick administration clamped down the lid yesterday on Herald requests for details of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Across the board, state agencies flatly refused to provide information about the taxpayer-funded lifestyle for the 26-year-old man and his brother and accused accomplice Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19.
On EBT card status or spending, state welfare spokesman Alec Loftus would only say Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter received benefits that ended in 2012. He declined further comment.
On unemployment compensation, labor department spokesman Kevin Franck refused to say whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev ever collected, saying it was “confidential and not a matter of public record.”
On Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college aid, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth spokesman Robert Connolly said, “It is our position — and I believe the accepted position in higher education — that student records including academic records and financial records (including financial aid) cannot under federal law be released without a student’s consent.”
On cellphones, the Federal Communications Commission would not say whether either brother had a government-paid cellphone, also citing privacy laws.
On housing, Cambridge officials and the family’s landlord ducked questions on whether the brothers were ever on Section 8 assistance.
The Herald reported yesterday that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter collected welfare until 2012 and that both Tamerlan and Dzhokhar received benefits through their parents “for a limited portion” of the time after they came to the U.S., which was around 2002.
However, the Department of Transitional Assistance wouldn’t release information about how long or how much they received.
It remains unclear how the accused bomber brothers financed their heartless attacks on the marathon.
The administration was slammed by a Democratic congressman who insisted the public has a right to know how taxpayers were underwriting the accused jihadist Tsarnaevs.
“It’s certainly relevant information that should be made public,” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch told the Herald. “There’s a national security interest No. 1. Secondly, there’s also a public interest in finding out whether these individuals were able to exploit the system and get benefits they weren’t entitled to.”
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lies hospitalized and facing capital charges that include using a weapon of mass destruction that killed three people and injured 260 near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Taxpayers — already on the hook for Tsarnaev’s court-appointed attorneys in the terror plot — continue to pay his mounting medical bills at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The public also paid for Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s attorney when the Russian national successfully fought criminal charges in 2009 that he battered a former girlfriend.
The Patrick administration clamped down the lid yesterday on Herald requests for details of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Across the board, state agencies flatly refused to provide information about the taxpayer-funded lifestyle for the 26-year-old man and his brother and accused accomplice Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19.
On EBT card status or spending, state welfare spokesman Alec Loftus would only say Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter received benefits that ended in 2012. He declined further comment.
On unemployment compensation, labor department spokesman Kevin Franck refused to say whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev ever collected, saying it was “confidential and not a matter of public record.”
On Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college aid, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth spokesman Robert Connolly said, “It is our position — and I believe the accepted position in higher education — that student records including academic records and financial records (including financial aid) cannot under federal law be released without a student’s consent.”
On cellphones, the Federal Communications Commission would not say whether either brother had a government-paid cellphone, also citing privacy laws.
On housing, Cambridge officials and the family’s landlord ducked questions on whether the brothers were ever on Section 8 assistance.
The Herald reported yesterday that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter collected welfare until 2012 and that both Tamerlan and Dzhokhar received benefits through their parents “for a limited portion” of the time after they came to the U.S., which was around 2002.
However, the Department of Transitional Assistance wouldn’t release information about how long or how much they received.
It remains unclear how the accused bomber brothers financed their heartless attacks on the marathon.
The administration was slammed by a Democratic congressman who insisted the public has a right to know how taxpayers were underwriting the accused jihadist Tsarnaevs.
“It’s certainly relevant information that should be made public,” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch told the Herald. “There’s a national security interest No. 1. Secondly, there’s also a public interest in finding out whether these individuals were able to exploit the system and get benefits they weren’t entitled to.”
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lies hospitalized and facing capital charges that include using a weapon of mass destruction that killed three people and injured 260 near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Taxpayers — already on the hook for Tsarnaev’s court-appointed attorneys in the terror plot — continue to pay his mounting medical bills at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The public also paid for Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s attorney when the Russian national successfully fought criminal charges in 2009 that he battered a former girlfriend.
DEMING: The real deniers of climate change
DEMING: The real deniers of climate change - Washington Times:
"The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing unusually cold weather.
Snow cover last December was the greatest since satellite monitoring began in 1966.
The United Kingdom had the coldest March weather in 50 years, and there were more than a thousand record low temperatures in the United States.
The Irish meteorological office reported that March “temperatures were the lowest on record nearly everywhere.”
Spring snowfall in Europe was also high.
In Moscow, the snow depth was the highest in 134 years of observation.
In Kiev, authorities had to bring in military vehicles to clear snow from the streets."
"The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing unusually cold weather.
Snow cover last December was the greatest since satellite monitoring began in 1966.
The United Kingdom had the coldest March weather in 50 years, and there were more than a thousand record low temperatures in the United States.
The Irish meteorological office reported that March “temperatures were the lowest on record nearly everywhere.”
Spring snowfall in Europe was also high.
In Moscow, the snow depth was the highest in 134 years of observation.
In Kiev, authorities had to bring in military vehicles to clear snow from the streets."
Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military
Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
Military families and their advocates are battling an Obama administration proposal to limit troops' pay raises to 1% in 2014, the lowest increase in half a century.
The raise comes at a time when forces will still be fighting in Afghanistan.
"We're sending the wrong message to the ones who have worked the hardest in our country by the multiple deployments and family separations," says Michael Hayden, deputy director of government relations for the Military Officers Association of America.
White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden, no relation to Michael Hayden, said Obama is committed to "a sacred trust" with military members, but needed to reduce the pay raise, partly to offset congressional refusal to cut spending on "outdated weapons system."
Elizabeth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman, called the limit on pay increases a "tough decision." She said the Defense Department must pay for proper training and support, and "fair compensation that recognizes the sacrifices they (troops) make for our country ... while adhering to the budget constraints it is facing."
Pentagon officials briefing military family representatives framed the 1% increase as a trade-off — "They believe servicemembers and families would be willing to give something on the size of pay raises to ensure funding for the mission," the National Military Family Association explained to members on its website.
Sequester, tight budgets means DHS buying less ammunition
Sequester, tight budgets means DHS buying less ammunition - Washington Times:
"In 2012, the department used 88.3 million rounds for training and 27.9 million rounds for operational purposes. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, used the most ammunition at nearly 38 million rounds, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement used more than 28 million rounds.
Homeland Security said that by buying in bulk ahead of time, it has been able to save money — $1.7 billion since 2005.
The department currently has seven active contracts that could produce 674.1 million rounds of ammunition, with the biggest being a five-year contract for 450 million rounds, worth $110 million.
Actual use of guns in the line of duty is limited. Jon Adler, representing the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, says in his prepared testimony that there is an average of one shooting incident a week for federal officers or agents. "
"In 2012, the department used 88.3 million rounds for training and 27.9 million rounds for operational purposes. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, used the most ammunition at nearly 38 million rounds, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement used more than 28 million rounds.
Homeland Security said that by buying in bulk ahead of time, it has been able to save money — $1.7 billion since 2005.
The department currently has seven active contracts that could produce 674.1 million rounds of ammunition, with the biggest being a five-year contract for 450 million rounds, worth $110 million.
Actual use of guns in the line of duty is limited. Jon Adler, representing the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, says in his prepared testimony that there is an average of one shooting incident a week for federal officers or agents. "
Congress Prepares $100 Million Bipartisan Flu Tax
Congress Prepares $100 Million Bipartisan Flu Tax | The Weekly Standard:
"The legislation would exact a 75¢ per dose tax on any "vaccine against seasonal influenza."
Given that the Centers for Disease Control projects that 135 million doses of flu vaccine will be used this year, the government's take on flu vaccines alone is over $100,000,000 per year."
"The legislation would exact a 75¢ per dose tax on any "vaccine against seasonal influenza."
Given that the Centers for Disease Control projects that 135 million doses of flu vaccine will be used this year, the government's take on flu vaccines alone is over $100,000,000 per year."
Despite Repeal Attempts, State Law Still Requires Unlicensed Dogs To Be Killed
Despite Repeal Attempts, State Law Still Requires Unlicensed Dogs To Be Killed [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The statute states that if a county treasurer locates an unlicensed dog, the animal is to be considered a “public nuisance” and killed.
The law reads: “The sheriff locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs.
Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.”
This is ignored by law enforcement, district attorneys and local officials."
"The statute states that if a county treasurer locates an unlicensed dog, the animal is to be considered a “public nuisance” and killed.
The law reads: “The sheriff locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs.
Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.”
This is ignored by law enforcement, district attorneys and local officials."
Snyder urges lawmakers to back more early ed funding
Snyder urges lawmakers to back more early ed funding | Crain's Detroit Business
Now he is proposing increasing spending on Great Start preschool programs by 60 percent in the budget he proposed earlier this year that is working its way through the legislative process.
The program is a state-funded effort to ensure poor or disadvantaged children are ready to begin attending school when the time comes.
It began as a pilot program in 1985.
"We're really taking care of kids that wouldn't have the resources otherwise to get in a program," he said.
The investment would increase payments to preschool providers and create openings for 16,000 more children.
He is also proposing another $65 million for these programs in 2015, bringing the total two-year increased investment in early childhood education to $130 million.
Such an investment is not an easy sell, and Republicans in the House and Senate have already been tinkering with his proposal by either lowering the amount of investment or changing who could qualify for the program.
Detractors often point to studies they say show that any gains made from early childhood education disappear within a few years once kids are in school with students who didn't go through those programs.
Now he is proposing increasing spending on Great Start preschool programs by 60 percent in the budget he proposed earlier this year that is working its way through the legislative process.
The program is a state-funded effort to ensure poor or disadvantaged children are ready to begin attending school when the time comes.
It began as a pilot program in 1985.
"We're really taking care of kids that wouldn't have the resources otherwise to get in a program," he said.
The investment would increase payments to preschool providers and create openings for 16,000 more children.
He is also proposing another $65 million for these programs in 2015, bringing the total two-year increased investment in early childhood education to $130 million.
Such an investment is not an easy sell, and Republicans in the House and Senate have already been tinkering with his proposal by either lowering the amount of investment or changing who could qualify for the program.
Detractors often point to studies they say show that any gains made from early childhood education disappear within a few years once kids are in school with students who didn't go through those programs.
Cruz: Obama Pushing Citizenship Because He Wants Immigration Reform To Fail
Cruz: Obama Pushing Citizenship Because He Wants Immigration Reform To Fail | RealClearPolitics
"President Obama does not want an immigration bill to pass," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told CBS News' Jan Crawford in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
"I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.
And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."
"President Obama does not want an immigration bill to pass," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told CBS News' Jan Crawford in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
"I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.
And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."
Michigan poised to keep drunken driving threshold at .08 -- could boats, snowmobiles be next?
Michigan poised to keep drunken driving threshold at .08 -- could boats, snowmobiles be next? | MLive.com
"If the bill doesn’t become law, Michigan’s drunken driving threshold would revert to a higher threshold of .10 percent on Oct. 1.
Michigan could lose an estimated $50 million a year in federal highway funding if the state allows the threshold to bounce back up to .10.
All states have drunken driving thresholds set at .08 to be in compliance with federal standards and keep their federal highway money."
"If the bill doesn’t become law, Michigan’s drunken driving threshold would revert to a higher threshold of .10 percent on Oct. 1.
Michigan could lose an estimated $50 million a year in federal highway funding if the state allows the threshold to bounce back up to .10.
All states have drunken driving thresholds set at .08 to be in compliance with federal standards and keep their federal highway money."
Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts
Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts - Dedham, MA Patch:
"Following the Boston Marathon bombing last Monday in which pressure cookers were used for the explosion, the cookware giant has decided to temporarily stop selling the items in their Massachusetts stores."
"Following the Boston Marathon bombing last Monday in which pressure cookers were used for the explosion, the cookware giant has decided to temporarily stop selling the items in their Massachusetts stores."
County plans discussion of ‘smart meter’ bill
Allegan News Online: "
“My meter is right outside a spot on my house where I’d spend hours within 2 feet of it,” Orweller said. “It should be you can opt out, no extra cost.”
McKee said the Michigan Public Service Commission was set to rule in September about proposed opt-out fees.
The utility is set to charge a one-time fee of $69.39 to enroll in a manual meter read program that carries a monthly $11.12 fee to maintain.
Commissioner Max Thiele said that, while claiming no scientific expertise, there appeared to be more than 900 studies worldwide that showed potential health damage from the electromagnetic fields generated by radio devices.
“Just the presence of this information poses the question that may be contrary to what’s being presented (by McKee),” Thiele said. “It’s appropriate to voice some kind of resolution about at least expressing caution in this area.”
“My meter is right outside a spot on my house where I’d spend hours within 2 feet of it,” Orweller said. “It should be you can opt out, no extra cost.”
McKee said the Michigan Public Service Commission was set to rule in September about proposed opt-out fees.
The utility is set to charge a one-time fee of $69.39 to enroll in a manual meter read program that carries a monthly $11.12 fee to maintain.
Commissioner Max Thiele said that, while claiming no scientific expertise, there appeared to be more than 900 studies worldwide that showed potential health damage from the electromagnetic fields generated by radio devices.
“Just the presence of this information poses the question that may be contrary to what’s being presented (by McKee),” Thiele said. “It’s appropriate to voice some kind of resolution about at least expressing caution in this area.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Semi-truck driver reaching for hankie after sneezing misses stop sign, leading to violent crash in Muskegon Township
Semi-truck driver reaching for hankie after sneezing misses stop sign, leading to violent crash in Muskegon Township | MLive.com:
"While grabbing his hankie to blow his nose, he didn't see a stop sign coming up at Hall Road. "
"While grabbing his hankie to blow his nose, he didn't see a stop sign coming up at Hall Road. "
The spectacular rise in ‘Saudi America’s’ oil output in just 4 years to a 21-year high is nothing short of phenomenal
The spectacular rise in ‘Saudi America’s’ oil output in just 4 years to a 21-year high is nothing short of phenomenal | AEIdeas:
"Almost entirely due to the breakthrough drilling technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that started accessing oceans of shale oil in North Dakota and Texas toward the end of 2008 (see arrow in chart), US oil output has increased by 46.5%, from about 5 million bpd in early 2009 to now more than 7.3 million bpd. "
"Almost entirely due to the breakthrough drilling technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that started accessing oceans of shale oil in North Dakota and Texas toward the end of 2008 (see arrow in chart), US oil output has increased by 46.5%, from about 5 million bpd in early 2009 to now more than 7.3 million bpd. "
NHTSA recommends disabling built-in texting, Web browsing while driving
NHTSA recommends disabling built-in texting, Web browsing while driving | Crain's Detroit Business:
"NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features."
"NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features."
Detroit health company worker pleads guilty in $24M Medicare fraud
Detroit health company worker pleads guilty in $24M Medicare fraud | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The government says Medicare paid about $923,000 because of false claims involving Sharma in 2007-2012."
"The government says Medicare paid about $923,000 because of false claims involving Sharma in 2007-2012."
Michigan House plan has no money for film incentives
Michigan House plan has no money for film incentives | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The Republican-led state House is looking to do away with tax incentives that lure moviemakers to Michigan so the money instead goes toward road maintenance.
The House on Tuesday stripped $25 million in tax credits it planned to set aside for the film industry.
The funding would go to the state and local governments for road repairs.
The House also cut $25 million from an economic-development fund and allocated it for roads."
"The Republican-led state House is looking to do away with tax incentives that lure moviemakers to Michigan so the money instead goes toward road maintenance.
The House on Tuesday stripped $25 million in tax credits it planned to set aside for the film industry.
The funding would go to the state and local governments for road repairs.
The House also cut $25 million from an economic-development fund and allocated it for roads."
Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee sets vision and mission statements
Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee sets vision and mission statements | MLive.com:
"The next Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee meeting is 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at the Michigan Alternative Renewal Energy Center, 200 Veridian Drive, in Muskegon.
"The next Muskegon County Port Advisory Committee meeting is 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at the Michigan Alternative Renewal Energy Center, 200 Veridian Drive, in Muskegon.
FBI video: Domestic terrorist says he targeted conservative group for being ‘anti-gay’
FBI video: Domestic terrorist says he targeted conservative group for being ‘anti-gay’ | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"Family Research Council (FRC) officials released video of federal investigators questioning convicted domestic terrorist Floyd Lee Corkins II, who explained that he attacked the group’s headquarters because the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) identified them as a “hate group” due to their traditional marriage views.
“Southern Poverty Law lists anti-gay groups,” Corkins tells interrogators in the video, which FRC obtained from the FBI. “I found them online, did a little research, went to the website, stuff like that.”
The Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard reported that Corkins, who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges, said in court that he hoped to “kill as many as possible and smear the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in victims’ faces, and kill the guard.” "
"Family Research Council (FRC) officials released video of federal investigators questioning convicted domestic terrorist Floyd Lee Corkins II, who explained that he attacked the group’s headquarters because the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) identified them as a “hate group” due to their traditional marriage views.
“Southern Poverty Law lists anti-gay groups,” Corkins tells interrogators in the video, which FRC obtained from the FBI. “I found them online, did a little research, went to the website, stuff like that.”
The Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard reported that Corkins, who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges, said in court that he hoped to “kill as many as possible and smear the Chick-Fil-A sandwiches in victims’ faces, and kill the guard.” "
THE PROBLEM ISN'T JUST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, IT'S LEGAL IMMIGRATION, TOO
Ann Coulter - April 24, 2013 - THE PROBLEM ISN'T JUST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, IT'S LEGAL IMMIGRATION, TOO:
"My thought is, maybe we should consider admitting immigrants who can succeed in America, rather than deadbeats.
But we're not allowed to "discriminate" in favor of immigrants who would be good for America.
Instead of helping America, our immigration policies are designed to help other countries solve their internal problems by shipping their losers to us. "
"My thought is, maybe we should consider admitting immigrants who can succeed in America, rather than deadbeats.
But we're not allowed to "discriminate" in favor of immigrants who would be good for America.
Instead of helping America, our immigration policies are designed to help other countries solve their internal problems by shipping their losers to us. "
CNBC Viewership Plunges To Eight Year Lows
CNBC Viewership Plunges To Eight Year Lows | Zero Hedge:
"CNBC, which lately has become a sad, one-sided caricature of its once informative self, whose only agenda is to get the most marginal Joe Sixpack to dump his hard-earned cash into 100x P/E stocks, and where according to data from Nielsen Media Research, the total and demographic (25-54) viewership during the prime time segment (9:30am - 5:00 pm) just tumbled to 216K and 40K - the lowest recorded viewership since mid 2005 and sliding."
"CNBC, which lately has become a sad, one-sided caricature of its once informative self, whose only agenda is to get the most marginal Joe Sixpack to dump his hard-earned cash into 100x P/E stocks, and where according to data from Nielsen Media Research, the total and demographic (25-54) viewership during the prime time segment (9:30am - 5:00 pm) just tumbled to 216K and 40K - the lowest recorded viewership since mid 2005 and sliding."
Earth Day's good news: Column
Earth Day's good news: Column
Year after year, we are treated to a message of environmental doom and gloom and admonitions on Earth Day. On the back of this sentiment in wealthy countries, governments have invested billions of dollars in inefficient, feel-good policies such assubsidizing solar panels and electric cars.
But there are far better ways to improve environmental prospects for humanity and our planet. On Earth Day, we need more fracking, more wealth, smarter investments and fewer inefficient subsidies.
German taxpayers have poured $130 billion into subsidizing solar panels, but ultimately by the end of the century, this will postpone global warming by a trivial 37 hours. The electric car is even less efficient. Its production consumes a vast amount of fossil fuels, and mostly it utilizes fossil fuel electricityto be recharged. Even if the U.S. did reach the lofty goal of 1 million electric cars by 2015 — costing taxpayers more than $7.5 billion — global warming would be postponed by only 60 minutes.
These beguiling policies cost a fortune but make little difference to the environment because the technologies are still not ready. That's why we need to invest more in long-term research and development for green innovation. This would be much cheaper than current environmental policies and would end up doing more good for the climate.
If we could make solar panels 2.0 or 3.0 cheaper than fossil fuels, we could get everyone, including the Chinese and Indians, on board for a greener future.
Moreover, our focus on solar and electric cars diverts us from the world's most deadly environmental problems. In wealthy countries, most environmental indicators are getting better. We have cleaner air and cleaner water, and we suffer fewer environmental risks. But air and water pollution kill 6 million people each year and harm billions worldwide.
Wealthy countries largely solved these problems through economic development.
Poor countries should have the same opportunity to develop — so they, too, can have clean drinking water and switch to cleaner energy sources, instead of usingdung and twigs for fuel.
We can also directly intervene in poor countries. Many charitable organizations are involved in solving these problems by improving access to clean water and sanitation. By addressing these challenges, we do far more good for our planet.
Earth Day also presents an opportunity to recognize our own environmental achievements. In spite of decades of political wrangling, which failed to produce a meaningful global climate policy, it was ultimately the shale gas revolution thatcurtailed U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.
Fracking has caused a dramatic transition to natural gas, a fuel that emits 45% less carbon dioxide than burning coal. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that in 2012, carbon dioxide emissions was 12% lower than the peak in 2007. The shift from coal to natural gas is alone responsible for a reduction of between 8%-9% of the entire U.S. CO2 emissions. In fact, it amounts to twice the reduction that the rest of the world has achieved over the past 20 years.
All energy projects have risks, and though the dangers of well contamination from fracking have probably been exaggerated, tighter regulation would reduce risks further. Also, natural gas is not the ultimate energy breakthrough because it is still a fossil fuel. Even so, fracking is likely the best green option of this decade. And if fracking happened worldwide, emissions would likely decline substantially by 2020. Over the coming decades, we need to drive down the cost of green energy through smart investments in green innovation.
This Earth Day, we need a dose of realism about real environmental challenges — such as the air and water pollution that make life so miserable for billions — and the real opportunities that exist for environmental innovation, to make our planet a better place.
Bjørn Lomborg, author of The Skeptical Environmentalist and Cool It, is president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center.
$3 Million Retirement Cap in Obama's Budget Would Not Apply to Him
$3 Million Retirement Cap in Obama's Budget Would Not Apply to Him:
"President Barack Obama’s 2014 budget puts a $3 million cap on tax-advantaged retirement accounts to crack down on “wealthy individuals” using these investment vehicles to earn “substantially more than is needed to fund reasonable levels of retirement savings.”
But an analysis by Forbes finds that a 20-year old saving for retirement would need to amass a $9.97 million portfolio to fund just a $60,000 lifestyle by age 65.
What’s more, writes David John Marotta of Forbes, $3 million today represents just $500,000 in 1970s dollars.
Kathleen Pender of the San Francisco Chronicle also notes that Obama’s plan would not apply to himself:
The limit would not apply to Obama’s own pension, which is worth at least $5 million, because it is not in a tax-advantaged account, according to Brian Graff, executive director of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries. Obama’s pension, which guarantees him a Cabinet-level salary for life indexed to inflation, is a “non-qualified deferred compensation plan, similar to what corporate executives get,” he says."
"President Barack Obama’s 2014 budget puts a $3 million cap on tax-advantaged retirement accounts to crack down on “wealthy individuals” using these investment vehicles to earn “substantially more than is needed to fund reasonable levels of retirement savings.”
But an analysis by Forbes finds that a 20-year old saving for retirement would need to amass a $9.97 million portfolio to fund just a $60,000 lifestyle by age 65.
What’s more, writes David John Marotta of Forbes, $3 million today represents just $500,000 in 1970s dollars.
Kathleen Pender of the San Francisco Chronicle also notes that Obama’s plan would not apply to himself:
The limit would not apply to Obama’s own pension, which is worth at least $5 million, because it is not in a tax-advantaged account, according to Brian Graff, executive director of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries. Obama’s pension, which guarantees him a Cabinet-level salary for life indexed to inflation, is a “non-qualified deferred compensation plan, similar to what corporate executives get,” he says."
Immigration proposals: Provide in-state college tuition for young arrivals, establish Michigan office | MLive.com
Immigration proposals: Provide in-state college tuition for young arrivals, establish Michigan office | MLive.com
Michigan House Democrats, acknowledging the ongoing national debate on immigration reform, today announced a series of bills designed to make the state more welcoming for new arrivals and provide new opportunities for those already here.
The package, described collectively as the "New American Opportunity and Fairness Act," includes legislation to create an Office of Immigration Integration, which according to sponsoring Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, would allow the state to coordinate resources and services for "aspiring citizens."
A separate bill introduced by Rep. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor would require Michigan universities to offer in-state tuition rates to immigrants who entered the country illegally at a young age but qualify for the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows them to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.
Crash in front of Mona Shores High School results in a student being taken to the hospital
Crash in front of Mona Shores High School results in a student being taken to the hospital | MLive.com: "birchtree11
the school or the city should station an individual or two at the parking lot exit as school lets out. There is always a "mad dash" of kids driving too fast with too little experience and being more concerned with their cell phone than watching for area traffic. This is not the first nor certainly the last accident of this type that will occur.
12 Hours Ago · Reply
federal12
and with norton closed more folks are driving by the high school.
i hope she is alright.
9 Hours Ago · Reply
"
'via Blog this'
the school or the city should station an individual or two at the parking lot exit as school lets out. There is always a "mad dash" of kids driving too fast with too little experience and being more concerned with their cell phone than watching for area traffic. This is not the first nor certainly the last accident of this type that will occur.
12 Hours Ago · Reply
federal12
and with norton closed more folks are driving by the high school.
i hope she is alright.
9 Hours Ago · Reply
"
'via Blog this'
Obama “Indiana Voter Fraud” Trial is Underway
Obama “Indiana Voter Fraud” Trial is Underway | The D.C. Clothesline:
"Questions will soon be answered as to whether or not Barack Hussein Obama actually qualified to be on the 2008 Presidential ballot as the trial gets underway for a former Democrat Party official and a Board of Elections worker who are accused of submitting illegitimate signatures on petitions that enabled both Obama and Hillary Clinton to qualify for the race in Indiana.
"Questions will soon be answered as to whether or not Barack Hussein Obama actually qualified to be on the 2008 Presidential ballot as the trial gets underway for a former Democrat Party official and a Board of Elections worker who are accused of submitting illegitimate signatures on petitions that enabled both Obama and Hillary Clinton to qualify for the race in Indiana.
Academic Cesspools
Academic Cesspools | CNS News:
"Recent evidence has emerged that some colleges have become bold enough to hire former terrorists to teach and possibly indoctrinate our young people. That's the case with Columbia University in the hiring of convicted Weather Underground terrorist Kathy Boudin, who spent 22 years in prison for the murder of two policemen and a Brink's guard. She now holds a professorship at Columbia's School of Social Work. Her Weather Underground comrade William Ayers is a professor of education on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Unrepentant, in the wake of 9/11, Ayers told us: ''I don't regret setting bombs. I feel we didn't do enough.'' Bernardine Dohrn, his wife, is a professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Her stated mission is to overthrow capitalism. "
"Recent evidence has emerged that some colleges have become bold enough to hire former terrorists to teach and possibly indoctrinate our young people. That's the case with Columbia University in the hiring of convicted Weather Underground terrorist Kathy Boudin, who spent 22 years in prison for the murder of two policemen and a Brink's guard. She now holds a professorship at Columbia's School of Social Work. Her Weather Underground comrade William Ayers is a professor of education on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Unrepentant, in the wake of 9/11, Ayers told us: ''I don't regret setting bombs. I feel we didn't do enough.'' Bernardine Dohrn, his wife, is a professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Her stated mission is to overthrow capitalism. "
State Has Weak History of Punishing School Campaign Finance Law Violators
State Has Weak History of Punishing School Campaign Finance Law Violators [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"In 2011, Michigan Capitol Confidential looked at the Secretary of State's enforcement of school districts it found to have violated the campaign finance law from 2006 to 2010.
The state fined two districts that broke the law $100 each."
"In 2011, Michigan Capitol Confidential looked at the Secretary of State's enforcement of school districts it found to have violated the campaign finance law from 2006 to 2010.
The state fined two districts that broke the law $100 each."
HSBC: The Bank That Likes to Say 'Demising'
HSBC: The Bank That Likes to Say 'Demising':
"HSBC said the integration would mean the role of commercial financial advisers would be "demised".
Likewise, there would be a "demising" of 942 relationship manager roles, staffed by employees who do not give financial advice.
"I've heard a lot of HR guff in my time," said one top London headhunter.
"But this is something else.
It makes them look not only foolish, but callous and thoughtless, too."
"HSBC said the integration would mean the role of commercial financial advisers would be "demised".
Likewise, there would be a "demising" of 942 relationship manager roles, staffed by employees who do not give financial advice.
"I've heard a lot of HR guff in my time," said one top London headhunter.
"But this is something else.
It makes them look not only foolish, but callous and thoughtless, too."
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
99.5% of illegal immigrants get approval for legal status; high number raises concerns about fraud
99.5% of illegal immigrants get approval for legal status; high number raises concerns about fraud - Washington Times
But the high rate leaves others wondering whether the administration is doing all it can to weed out fraud or potentially dangerous illegal immigrants in DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, as it’s formally known.
“You really have to wonder who they’re giving deferred action to, and what kind of risk they represent to us,” said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.
“The screening process is much less for DACA than it would be for a green card, and so it’s all that much more susceptible to fraud.”
DACA is seen by many as a test-run should Congress pass a broad legalization for most of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.
Partnership with 'Pure Michigan' paid dividends last year, Experience Grand Rapids officials say
Partnership with 'Pure Michigan' paid dividends last year, Experience Grand Rapids officials say | MLive.com
"Last year’s local partnership with the “Pure Michigan” marketing campaign attracted an incremental 381,100 visits to the area, yielding a local impact on the economy of $101.5 million, officials of Experience Grand Rapids said.
Experience Grand Rapids, the official destination marketing organization for Kent County, said the figures were calculated by Longwoods International, a leader in tourism research.
Experience Grand Rapids invested $250,000 in a $500,000 "Pure Michigan" marketing campaign that showcased Grand Rapids, according to a news release issued Monday, April 22."
"Last year’s local partnership with the “Pure Michigan” marketing campaign attracted an incremental 381,100 visits to the area, yielding a local impact on the economy of $101.5 million, officials of Experience Grand Rapids said.
Experience Grand Rapids, the official destination marketing organization for Kent County, said the figures were calculated by Longwoods International, a leader in tourism research.
Experience Grand Rapids invested $250,000 in a $500,000 "Pure Michigan" marketing campaign that showcased Grand Rapids, according to a news release issued Monday, April 22."
Existing Home Sales Fall as Prices Rise Most Since 2005
Existing Home Sales Fall as Prices Rise Most Since 2005:
"The National Association of Realtors said on Monday that existing home sales edged down 0.6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million units.
Economist polled by Reuters had expected home resales to rise to a 5.01 million-unit rate."
"The National Association of Realtors said on Monday that existing home sales edged down 0.6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million units.
Economist polled by Reuters had expected home resales to rise to a 5.01 million-unit rate."
RACING AHEAD
RACING AHEAD | Daily Telegraph Tim Blair Blog:
How confident was the Sydney Morning Herald that the Boston bombers were associated with the Tea Party? So confident that last Friday it ran this teapot terror image:
The associated article, which has one or two problems of its own, actually applauds thoughtful media reaction:
The associated article, which has one or two problems of its own, actually applauds thoughtful media reaction:
We’re witnessing something truly remarkable: media outlets almost sticking to reporting what they know, and not racing ahead of a terrorism story.
Meanwhile, the hunt for the elusive Tea Party murderer continues.
The Internet Sales Tax Rush
Review & Outlook: The Internet Sales Tax Rush - WSJ.com:
"The Enzi plan would require a centralized tax collector for each state or for a group of states that would gather both state and local levies from the online merchants.
His office concedes that could still mean 27 or more different auditors of a Web-based business—which is better than 9,600 but hardly qualifies as simplicity.
The drivers of this rush to tax are Wal-Mart WMT -0.41% and other big retailers that can more easily absorb the costs of collection than can smaller competitors.
Also supporting the bill is Internet giant Amazon, which coincidentally now sells its own tax compliance service to other merchants.
Adding to the lobbying muscle are state and local governments.
The politicians believe they'll collect tens of billions of dollars in taxes that are already owed by shoppers on remote sales but rarely paid."
"The Enzi plan would require a centralized tax collector for each state or for a group of states that would gather both state and local levies from the online merchants.
His office concedes that could still mean 27 or more different auditors of a Web-based business—which is better than 9,600 but hardly qualifies as simplicity.
The drivers of this rush to tax are Wal-Mart WMT -0.41% and other big retailers that can more easily absorb the costs of collection than can smaller competitors.
Also supporting the bill is Internet giant Amazon, which coincidentally now sells its own tax compliance service to other merchants.
Adding to the lobbying muscle are state and local governments.
The politicians believe they'll collect tens of billions of dollars in taxes that are already owed by shoppers on remote sales but rarely paid."
Americans Run Towards the Fire
Americans Run Towards the Fire - Kurt Schlichter - Page 1
We’ve seen the footage of 9/11 where injured people are clearing the area while long lines of rescuers head into the carnage. But those folks departing are often helping the injured or the fearful, even as the grim firefighters trudge toward their fate, utterly unwilling to allow those trapped in the towers to be lost without a fight.
The Americans on Flight 93 didn’t wait for rescue. They knew what lay ahead and chose death on their feet fighting to save others on the ground over cowering in their seats.
The Americans who ran toward the wounded on Patriot’s Day in Boston showed courage not just because they willingly faced the bloody slaughter of an anti-personnel IED but because, as everyone knows, terrorists delight in planting follow-on devices to kill those coming to the aid of the original victims. Watching video of the Massachusetts Army National Guardsmen ripping through the metal barrier to use their combat lifesaver skills on the wounded, you could see the right shoulder insignia one wore. It was a “Screaming Eagle” 101st Airborne “combat patch,” earned in action in Iraq or Afghanistan – maybe both. That American warrior knew exactly what the risks were, and he didn’t hesitate.
MAYBE BLOOMBERG SHOULD FOCUS ON THIS INSTEAD OF BIG GULPS: Jew-Hatred On The NYC Subway.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MAYBE BLOOMBERG SHOULD FOCUS ON THIS INSTEAD OF BIG GULPS
MAYBE BLOOMBERG SHOULD FOCUS ON THIS INSTEAD OF BIG GULPS: Jew-Hatred On The NYC Subway.
A harrowing scene occurred recently on the New York City subway when a group of teens approached and harassed a Jewish man wearing a yarmulke. The ringleader, a self-identified Muslim teen, threatened to kill the man and added, “They should have killed all of you.” When police confronted the belligerent 17-year-old at a stop in Brooklyn, a mob formed. As the crowd filmed the scene and yelled at the policemen, one young woman began beating a cop before being arrested.It is, indeed appalling.
It’s unclear from the Daily News report whether the mob knew exactly who or what they were defending. It’s conceivable they thought they were protesting the needless arrest of a black teenager, not endorsing the anti-Semitic conduct that led to the young man’s arrest. There’s also no evidence from this report that the 17-year-old insulted and threatened the Jewish passenger out of any religious motivation. We wouldn’t be surprised if he is simply a jerk.
Whatever the motives for the attack and for the mob’s reaction, one can’t help but be appalled. Since its founding, America has been one of the safest and most welcoming countries for Jews, judged against any time period, and New York has played a particularly important role in this regard.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:30 am
PUNCHING BACK TWICE AS HARD: West Virginia teen returns to school with NRA shirt, classmates’ sup…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » PUNCHING BACK TWICE AS HARD
West Virginia teen returns to school with NRA shirt, classmates’ support.
A West Virginia teen who was arrested and suspended for wearing a National Rifle Association T-shirt to school returned to class Monday wearing the same shirt that got him into trouble.
Jared Marcum, 14, was joined by about 100 other students across Logan County who wore shirts with a similar gun rights theme in a show of support for free speech.
"That’s how you respond to this sort of thing."
West Virginia teen returns to school with NRA shirt, classmates’ support.
A West Virginia teen who was arrested and suspended for wearing a National Rifle Association T-shirt to school returned to class Monday wearing the same shirt that got him into trouble.
Jared Marcum, 14, was joined by about 100 other students across Logan County who wore shirts with a similar gun rights theme in a show of support for free speech.
"That’s how you respond to this sort of thing."
For The First Time, Average Michigan Government Employee Compensation Exceeds $100K
For The First Time, Average Michigan Government Employee Compensation Exceeds $100K [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The average combined cost of salary and benefits for a state worker jumped to $104,067 in 2011-12, increasing from $97,883 in 2010-11."
"The average combined cost of salary and benefits for a state worker jumped to $104,067 in 2011-12, increasing from $97,883 in 2010-11."
No change: Consumers Energy president reiterates utility's plans to close Muskegon's B.C. Cobb plant
No change: Consumers Energy president reiterates utility's plans to close Muskegon's B.C. Cobb plant | MLive.com:
"Federal Clean Air Act regulations on the amount of particulates, nitrogen dioxide and mercury stiffen for coal-power plants in 2015.
Consumers Energy’s expected move to close B.C. Cobb, which employs 116 people, is a significant blow to the Muskegon community.
The plant is Muskegon County’s largest taxpayer, although its value diminished to $134.5 million in 2012 for taxing purposes under an agreement with the city of Muskegon and the company."
"Federal Clean Air Act regulations on the amount of particulates, nitrogen dioxide and mercury stiffen for coal-power plants in 2015.
Consumers Energy’s expected move to close B.C. Cobb, which employs 116 people, is a significant blow to the Muskegon community.
The plant is Muskegon County’s largest taxpayer, although its value diminished to $134.5 million in 2012 for taxing purposes under an agreement with the city of Muskegon and the company."
Economists: Business Tax Reform Helping, Not Hurting, Michigan
Economists: Business Tax Reform Helping, Not Hurting, Michigan [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Swift's statements are inaccurate, says James Hohman, a fiscal policy analyst for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
The state didn't give $1.4 billion to "corporate special interests."
Instead, it eliminated the Michigan Business Tax and replaced it with a corporate income tax.
Hohman said Swift's comment about "corporate special interests" makes it appear big business, industries and companies favored by politicians received some of that $1.4 billion in special deals, something similar to the state's film incentives in which the state gives money to out-of-state movie producers.
In reality, it was mostly small businesses that ended up with the tax cut because they are not corporations and hence don't pay the corporate income tax."
"Swift's statements are inaccurate, says James Hohman, a fiscal policy analyst for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
The state didn't give $1.4 billion to "corporate special interests."
Instead, it eliminated the Michigan Business Tax and replaced it with a corporate income tax.
Hohman said Swift's comment about "corporate special interests" makes it appear big business, industries and companies favored by politicians received some of that $1.4 billion in special deals, something similar to the state's film incentives in which the state gives money to out-of-state movie producers.
In reality, it was mostly small businesses that ended up with the tax cut because they are not corporations and hence don't pay the corporate income tax."
Legislators eye changes to high school graduation requirements
Legislators eye changes to high school graduation requirements | Bridge Michigan:
"So came into being the Michigan Merit Curriculum – a detailed set of state requirements for high school grads.
In June, the third set of graduates taught under the curriculum will graduate.
It could be the last.
Nearly 10 bills have been filed in the Legislature to modify the state standards, most of which target foreign language and algebra II requirements.
On Wednesday, the House Education Committee took testimony on two of those bills, HB 4465 and 4466.
Mike Foster, a former superintendent at Laingsburg and supporter of the bills, said more options were needed in the requirements to allow for vocational courses – and that the existing option for a “personal curriculum” under the MMC was too restrictive.
By contrast, Justin Jennings, principal at Holland High School, speaking in opposition to the bills, said his school already was working in partnership with furniture maker Herman Miller on career training under the existing curriculum rules."
"So came into being the Michigan Merit Curriculum – a detailed set of state requirements for high school grads.
In June, the third set of graduates taught under the curriculum will graduate.
It could be the last.
Nearly 10 bills have been filed in the Legislature to modify the state standards, most of which target foreign language and algebra II requirements.
On Wednesday, the House Education Committee took testimony on two of those bills, HB 4465 and 4466.
Mike Foster, a former superintendent at Laingsburg and supporter of the bills, said more options were needed in the requirements to allow for vocational courses – and that the existing option for a “personal curriculum” under the MMC was too restrictive.
By contrast, Justin Jennings, principal at Holland High School, speaking in opposition to the bills, said his school already was working in partnership with furniture maker Herman Miller on career training under the existing curriculum rules."
Surprise runoff fees roil Detroit biz
Surprise runoff fees roil Detroit biz | Crain's Detroit Business
A DWSD internal review found the department had not been billing about 1,200 commercial businesses in the city for stormwater drainage, said Bill Johnson, a spokesman for the DWSD.
....The charges affect only Detroit businesses because the DWSD is not responsible for stormwater drainage services in suburban communities.
...."These are people that never received any sort of invoice ever for stormwater runoff," Gold said.
....While the exact amount the DWSD is owed for the unbilled drainage charges is unknown, it "could ultimately be in the millions," Johnson said.
....One city business owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the stormwater drainage portion of the monthly bill he recently received was for $4,500, which will amount to $54,000 annually on his 8-acre property.
"It's going to run people away," he said. "It's a rain tax -- that's really what it is."
...Susan Harvey, senior vice president of the Canton Township office of New York-based Ashley Capital LLC, an industrial and office real estate acquisition firm, said she believes the stormwater runoff charges "are excessive and they influenced our decision not to buy any more industrial property in the city of Detroit."
A DWSD internal review found the department had not been billing about 1,200 commercial businesses in the city for stormwater drainage, said Bill Johnson, a spokesman for the DWSD.
....The charges affect only Detroit businesses because the DWSD is not responsible for stormwater drainage services in suburban communities.
...."These are people that never received any sort of invoice ever for stormwater runoff," Gold said.
....While the exact amount the DWSD is owed for the unbilled drainage charges is unknown, it "could ultimately be in the millions," Johnson said.
....One city business owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the stormwater drainage portion of the monthly bill he recently received was for $4,500, which will amount to $54,000 annually on his 8-acre property.
"It's going to run people away," he said. "It's a rain tax -- that's really what it is."
...Susan Harvey, senior vice president of the Canton Township office of New York-based Ashley Capital LLC, an industrial and office real estate acquisition firm, said she believes the stormwater runoff charges "are excessive and they influenced our decision not to buy any more industrial property in the city of Detroit."
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