MI Political Week in Review
Let’s end this week, shall we? Here’s what you need to know for your Friday night dinner party conversation:
State Legislature:
Senate:
On Wednesday the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, Chaired by Patty Birkholz, took a look at a bill regarding state parks and forest recreation passports, watercraft safety, and lead abatement.
House:
The House Great Lakes and Environment Committee, Chaired by Rebekah Warren, also took up lead abatement. A House panel also looked at changes needed for electric vehicles to succeed.
Agency:
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) announced a $1.7 million grant, under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, that will allow the state to purchase the Bete Grise Wetlands, 1,475 acres, including 3,500 feet of frontage on Lac La Belle, an estuary of Lake Superior.
For you policy wonks out there, we’d like to direct you to our good friends at the Michigan Environmental Council for bill numbers and such.
Accountability – it’s what we do!
On Monday of this week, we announced the launch of a new online accountability & in-district SWAT program. Michigan LCV staff hit the road to Rochester to alert the public to some bad behavior by Sen. Mike Bishop. A reporter tailed us as we turned the lights on the new website and knocked on doors. Check out how the first SWAT went, and stay tuned for news on upcoming SWATS.
NOTE: We encourage you to become a member of Michigan LCV to get a sneak peak of who our next accountability SWAT target will be.
Governor's Race:
There hasn’t been any news in the Governor’s race. Just kidding. What we mean is that for the first time in a long while, the candidate lineup remained static; our candidates are the same as last week. Have things settled? We hope so because our sister organization would like to know who to invite to the May 12th nonpartisan Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Michigan’s Economic & Environmental Future!
Tis the Season:
No, it’s not December or July, but it is the beginning of the election season. How do you know? Have you picked up your phone lately and heard a robo-call? It seems the mudslinging has begun early; robo-calls have already hit the state, bashing gubernatorial candidates Bernero, Dillon, Hoekstra, Snyder, and Bouchard.
And because we’re afraid of commitment too, Michigan:
Jack Lessenberry backs up what we already know (and can’t stand) about term limits with some empirical data showing that, “term-limits law have produced a system in which career politicians play musical chairs, serving in a succession of jobs they never completely understand.” If you take nothing else to your dinner parties this weekend, take this piece. And keep in mind- a proposal to hold a constitutional convention (“con-con”) will appear on the ballot this November. If a con-con were to take place, term limits would undoubtedly be addressed as part of the restructuring of Michigan’s government.
Federal:
In good news, Michigan is to receive $36 million in federal dollars for transportation improvements thanks to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Senate:
We’re still asking YOU to call your Senators (via the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121) and encourage them to be engaged in the fight for clean energy jobs for Michigan. Let us know you did on our facebook wall!
House:
MI-01: Bart Stupak (D) now faces a Democratic primary challenge by former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall.
MI-02: With Pete Hoekstra (R) running for Governor, we’re watching a crowded Republican primary to see if an environmental champion arises.
MI-03: Vern Ehlers (R) spoke up this week in trying to explain the scientific method to climate skeptics within his own party. He leaves an open seat heavily contested by Republicans.
MI-12: Sandy Levin was handed the gavel for the House Ways and Means Committee.
Agency:
In bad news, the EPA adds St. Louis, Michigan site to the superfund national priorities list.
Business
And because we like to celebrate companies who “get it”, a big pat on the back goes out to Cascade Engineering, for installing 636 three-by-five-foot solar panels on the roof of the Padnos recycling facility.
Next issue:
We’ll explain redistricting!
