LANSING – A package of bills authorizing a privately-constructed 3.4-mile light rail line in Detroit has been signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm. The bills allow some $100 million in contributions from philanthropists to be used for building the line along Woodward Avenue, connected sporting and cultural venues.
The system’s operating funds would come from government sources.
Signed Friday and filed/effective Monday were SB 1588 (PA 485), SB 1589 (PA 486), SB 1590 (PA 487), SB 1592 (PA 488), HB 6542 (PA 481), HB 6543 (PA 482), HB 6546 (PA 483) and HB 6625 (PA 484).
The governor also signed two bills allowing spouses of persons serving in the armed forces to receive unemployment benefits when they give up their jobs in order to relocate to where the military member is assigned.
Previously, the unemployment laws automatically disqualified workers from benefits for leaving a job without the fault of the employer. The changes in HB 6427 (PA 480) and HB 6426 (PA 479) charge the benefits to the state’s nonchargeable benefits accounts rather than to the employer. The benefits are effective immediately but the change to charge them to the state fund takes effect March 31.
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