Government

Bills could raise speed limits on state roads

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By JOSH THALL
Capitol News Service
LANSING — A new package of bills would result in higher speed limits on state roads across Michigan and fewer “speed traps” set by local police departments, if passed and signed into law. The bills are designed to set optimum speeds on state roadways by relying on driver behavior, road conditions and accident data, according to officials with the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The package would also restrict local governments from arbitrarily lowering speed limits on sections of roadway, supporters said. A similar proposal was introduced two years ago by Republican Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, a former county sheriff who supports the bills. “The Michigan State Police gave a presentation on how, for 40 years, speed limits have been set scientifically and it has been shown to be the safest speed,” Jones said.

Government

Bill would take some bang out of Michigan fireworks

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By JOSH THALL
Capital News Service
LANSING — Unregulated fireworks are keeping some Michigan residents up at night, and a lawmaker is moving to quiet them down. Rep. Martin Howrylak, a Troy Republican, has introduced a bill that would give local governments more control over when fireworks can be used. Howrylak has received complaints from his constituents. Concerns about fireworks range from their waking children to stressing out combat veterans, said Judy Allen, the director of government relations for the Michigan Townships Association. Howrylak said he was on the Troy City Council in 2011 when the state legalized larger consumer fireworks.

Business & Economy

Government jobs open, but not in Michigan

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By JUSTINE McGUIRE
Capital News Service
LANSING – This could be a good year to get a public sector job in parts of the country, according to the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. But apparently not in Michigan. The association’s new survey reveals that, nationally, more governmental bodies plan to hire for new positions while fewer plan on layoffs, compared to recent years. The Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association and Michigan Civil Service Commission didn’t have statewide projections for hiring and layoffs in 2013. Alpena and St.