MACKINAC ISLAND - Voters could be asked in a November statewide election to approve parts of a wholesale tax-restructuring plan that would include doing away with the Michigan Business Tax surcharge, House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) said Friday. The issue arose at a session with legislative leaders who pledged to resolve transportation funding issues
DETROIT - A settlement between the state of Michigan and New Chrysler to protect benefits paid to the company's injured workers was announced on Friday. The state had challenged the bankruptcy and sale of Chrysler to Fiat Sp.A. (which remains pending in federal bankruptcy court in New York City) because of the potential effect it
MACKINAC ISLAND - Obstacles that sunk a first plan to facilitate modernization and expansion of Detroit's Cobo Hall through a regional authority are close to being resolved, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said Friday. The two said there is agreement that the authority would get control through a long-term lease
MACKINAC ISLAND - The Renaissance Center that is home to General Motors would be completely covered with a tax-exempt rich renaissance zone designation under a plan aired Friday to keep the automaker in downtown Detroit. The total tax exemption status would counter an offer from Warren for a 30-year property tax abatement if GM, which
LANSING - Bankruptcy for General Motors means the state is finally starting to hit bottom, a grim Governor Jennifer Granholm said Monday. While the action means more job losses for the state, Michigan can take some comfort in the idea that a viable auto industry will remain in the state once GM and Chrysler complete
MACKINAC ISLAND - The United States needs to seize on the opportunity to quickly transform to alternative domestic energy supplies from imported oil, T. Boone Pickens said Thursday, adding that the country is at an energy tipping point and Americans are ready for change. Gov. Jennifer Granholm made a strong pitch for alternative energy as
MACKINAC ISLAND - Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said Thursday he is open to some modifications of the Cobo Hall package, including a lease instead of transfer of the convention center to a regional authority. But he continued to warn that a continued stalemate on the bills that are now in the House will
DETROIT - Business leaders have a lesser view of the state's current business climate than they did a year ago, but are more likely to be expecting a turnaround in the next five years, according to the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Leadership Assessment Poll released Thursday. The poll, conducted by John Bailey and Associates Public
DETROIT - Members of the United Auto Workers union overwhelmingly ratified its new labor agreement with General Motors, getting the auto maker over a major hurdle in its restructuring plan. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said the plan was passed with 74 percent support. GM is racing to restructure by June 1 under close watch of
KOKOMO, IND. ? The U.S. Small Business Administration will offer government guaranteed loans to finance inventory for eligible auto, recreational vehicle, boat and other dealerships under a new pilot program announced today by SBA Administrator Karen Mills. Dealer Floor Plan financing will be available beginning July 1, according to Mills. She announced the new program