Oct. 7, 2011 CNS Budget

Oct. 6, 2011 – Week 5
To: CNS Editors
From: David Poulson & Sheila Schimpf
http://news.jrn.msu.edu/capitalnewsservice/
For technical problems, contact Brandon Kirby (kirbybra@msu.edu 734-718-5292.)
All articles © 2011, Capital News Service, Michigan State University School of Journalism. Nonmembers cannot reproduce CNS articles without written permission.
CNS WEBSITE: Stories, archives, staff bios and contact information at http://news.jrn.msu.edu/capitalnewsservice/
HERE IS YOUR FILE:
SCUBATOURISM – A state lawmaker wants to spur Michigan tourism by taking vessels slated for the scrap heap and sinking them in the Great Lakes for divers to explore. By Paige Houpt.   FOR TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY, CHARLEVOIX, CHEBOYGAN, ALPENA, LUDINGTON AND ALL POINTS.
ROADS – Michigan’s deteriorating roads and bridges are harming the state’s economy.  What’s a business-savvy governor to do?  Business and government officials anxiously await Gov. Rick Snyder’s strategy on improving transportation and other infrastructure to be delivered yet this month. By Alex Mitchell. FOR HOLLAND AND ALL POINTS.
OFFSHOREWIND – Offshore wind development in Michigan appears stalled a year after a panel recommended Great Lakes locations and regulations for the industry.     By Jacob Kanclerz. FOR LUDINGTON AND ALL POINTS.
LOWINCOMEFUND – Poor people may face a cold winter unless state lawmakers can fix a glitch that has put into limbo $62 million in assistance for heating and electricity. By Sam Inglot. FOR LUDINGTON AND ALL POINTS.
UNFUNDEDMANDATES – Counties, cities and townships are seeking relief from providing services the state requires without providing the funds to accomplish them. Particularly at issue is a court system that county officials say costs half a billion dollars to administer. By Nick McWherter. FOR MACOMB AND ALL POINTS.
DROPOUTS – Michigan’s high school dropout rate improved 40 percent in a decade, although it remains in the middle of the pack nationally.  Is it the best we can do?  With local numbers.  By Courtney Culey. FOR ALPENA AND ALL POINTS.
BUSINESSTAX – Michigan businesses seek relief from personal property taxes. By Shannan O’Neil. FOR HARBOR SPRINGS, PETOSKEY, TRAVERSE CITY AND ALL POINTS.