LANSING - A discussion on two "cheery" subjects - the state's efforts to control perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and efforts to prevent the Asian carp getting into the Great Lakes - were outlined Thursday to the House Appropriations Natural Resources Subcommittee, with members hearing how the state is trying to get control of both issues.
LANSING - Environmental Quality Director Heidi Grether told both subcommittees overseeing her budget that finding a replacement for the Clean Michigan Initiative bonds was her top priority for the year, and heard concerns from members of both panels over the proposed increase in tipping fees. As part of the department's $494.59 million budget ($46.95 million General Fund), Governor
LANSING - Sen. Rick Jones told Senate members Thursday if the Legislature cannot pass a bill to reduce auto insurance rates for all Michigan motorists than helping reduce the financial burden for older drivers in legislation he introduced would be the right place to start. Jones (R-Grand Ledge) urged lawmakers to consider his bill, SB 787, as
LANSING - Gongwer News Service has launched new services that allow subscribers to receive bill tracking alerts, breaking news updates and other key Gongwer products via text message. To activate text alerts, subscribers should log in to their accounts, click on their name in the banner and select "Update Profile." Next, enter your mobile number and
LANSING - Thirteen of the state's 17 labor market areas saw declines in seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in November while total employment and labor force levels also increased in most regions. "November unemployment rates declined slightly in the state's southern areas, and rose seasonally in the northern regions," Jason Palmer, director of the Bureau of
LANSING - Despite the enrollment period being cut to just 45 days and cutbacks in federal promotion efforts, the number of Michigan residents who signed up for health insurance through federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was nearly 300,000, which shows the controversial law remains a viable option for many persons, one health care
ANN ARBOR - A recent University of Michigan study says the state's energy efficiency programs are meeting legislative objectives, but are not providing equal benefits to those in low-income households compared to those in higher-income households. The study, from the Urban Energy Justice Lab at the University of Michigan, said on average nationally low-income households
LANSING - Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates fell in 16 of the state's 17 major labor market areas in October. "October changes in the state's various local labor markets were typically small and seasonal," said Jason Palmer, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. "Michigan's metropolitan area payroll job levels continued to
LANSING - Business groups favored, and conservationists opposed, legislation that would create boards to oversee the rulemaking and permit appeals processes of the Department of Environmental Quality as well as create an advisory committee for the governor in testimony heard Wednesday. SB 652, SB 653 and SB 654 would create a series of oversight boards that would review and
LANSING - The Michigan Agency for Energy issued its latest Winter Energy Appraisal Thursday, which states energy use in the state is expected to increase again this year, with projections for fuel demand to also rise. Despite the projected increase in winter energy use, projected year-over-year demand for natural gas and electricity is expected to
