I am writing today to announce the closure of the Michigan Messenger. After four years of operation in Michigan, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news into a single site, The American Independent at Americanindependent.com. This is part of a shift in strategy, towards new forms [...]
An abstinence-only presentation provided to numerous school districts in Calhoun and Eaton Counties in October of this year provided false and misleading information to students about HIV, experts allege.
Two county registers of deeds filed a class action lawsuit Monday on behalf of Michigan’s 83 counties alleging that the Mortgage Electronic Registration Services owes millions of dollars in property title transfer taxes.
Despite evidence of the impact of mercury on children and public health, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette last month joined with 24 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to scuttle new EPA regulations that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants.
East Lansing City Manager Theodore Staton writes on his official city website that GOP-proposed cuts in state grants for local fire protection could have a devastating effect on his and other municipalities as well.
Fire Protection Grants, as they are commonly known, were first authorized by Public Act 289 of 1977. Essentially, this funding is allocated annually to support fire protection in communities that house state-owned facilities such as public universities, prisons and government buildings. This funding is needed because state-owned properties, like Michigan State University, are exempt from local property taxes that would typically pay for fire protection. Don’t misunderstand me; having MSU located in East Lansing gives a tremendous boost to the local economy and adds to the vibrancy and quality of life residents enjoy. However, its tax exempt status necessitates alternative funding sources for fire protection.
In our particular case, at least half of East Lansing’s fire resources exist to protect University structures, faculty and student residents. The high rise dormitories and other significant structures require special equipment and staffing needs that include a Haz-mat team, an aerial truck and a confined space team. We are required to provide for the “health, safety and welfare” and as such, have made significant investments over time to prepare for whatever fire suppression or hazardous cleanup needs should arise. We take seriously our responsibility to protect students as we have been entrusted for their safety.
What do the proposed cuts mean for East Lansing?
The proposed 22% cut to fire protection grant funding would have a tremendous and devastating impact on our Fiscal Year 2012 budget. Of our proposed $7 million budget for the fire service (only a slight increase over last year’s), the 22% cut would result in a $280,000 reduction.
Staton said that he hopes those cuts, already passed by the state House, will be restored by the Senate in further budget negotiations.
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