Oct. 14, 2011 CNS Budget

Oct. 14, 2011 – Week 6
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.)
 
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HERE IS YOUR FILE:
INFANTDEATH – Michigan officials are holding a summit on the state’s infant death rate that is higher than all but 13 other states. A major concern is the lack of accessible healthcare for poor families. By Nick McWherter.  FOR LAPEER AND ALL POINTS
TAXRELIEF – Home sales between relatives would get property tax relief under a bill lawmakers are considering. But local officials worry about the headaches of proving whether people are related.  “Are we going to start doing DNA tests to see it they meet the criteria?” said one local assessor.  By Shannan O’Neil.  FOR TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY, HARBOR SPRINGS AND ALL POINTS
DUALENROLL – Some state lawmakers want to let any high school student dual enroll in college courses. Right now they have to score high enough on a subject exam to qualify. The proposal may give more students a jump start on higher education, but local high school officials worry about having to pay for the additional tuition, especially for students now in private school. By Alex Mitchell. FOR ALL POINTS
FEDFUNDS – State changes to programs that aid the poor and unemployed may save money but they cost Michigan millions of dollars of federal aid, advocates say. By Jacob Kanclerz.  FOR ALL POINTS
TASERS – Michigan residents could carry Tasers if they are regulated as concealed pistols under a proposed bill. But critics worry that training provisions may be insufficient. With county figures for number of people with concealed pistol permits. By Sam Inglot.  FOR LUDINGTON AND ALL POINTS
MERCURY – Attorney General Bill Schuette asked federal courts to delay new mercury emissions rules just before a new study revealed that the toxic element is increasing in some Great Lakes fish. By Paige Houpt. FOR LUDINGTON, CHEBOYGAN, TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY, HARBOR SPRINGS, ALPENA AND ALL POINTS
MICHIGANMERIT – State graduation requirements may prepare students for college but some lawmakers worry that they harm those who wish to pursue skilled trades. Key lawmakers say that revising them should be a legislative priority. By Jacob Kanclerz. FOR MARQUETTE, CADILLAC AND ALL POINTS
PERSPROPTAX – Local governments are nervously watching how Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature overhaul personal property tax to relieve a burden on business. At stake are millions of dollars local governments now rely upon to provide vital services. By Alex Mitchell. FOR BLISSFIELD AND ALL POINTS
LANDCAP – How much land Michigan can own would be capped under a bill pushed by some lawmakers. Their concern: The state has a lousy record of paying its taxes, harming the ability of local governments and schools to deliver services. By Courtney Culey. FOR MARQUETTE, ST. IGNACE, CHEBOYGAN, TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY AND ALL POINTS
DEERBAIT – The economic fallout from a deer bait ban continues in northeast Michigan some three years later. By Paige Houpt.  FOR CHEBOYGAN, TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY, ST. IGNACE, MARQUETTE AND ALL POINTS
PICKET – Some legislators are trying to protect businesses from picketers but the bill they introduced is classified as a labor law, causing union leaders to cry foul. The bill sets heavy fines for picketers who break existing laws and allow for court injunctions to stop picketers. By Sam Inglot. For MICHIGAN CITIZENS, ALL POINTS.
MEDICALLICENSE – Doctors and dentists convicted of sexual assault can regain their licenses to practice. That has one state lawmaker pushing a bill to make the license reinstatement subject to board approval. By Shannan O’Neil. For LANSING, ALL POINTS