Michigan Political Week in Review

Not surprisingly, the Michigan Legislature’s July 1 deadline for passing a balanced budget has come and gone, with little to show for it. Agreement was reached on only one budget, for K-12 schools. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has encouraged legislators to get to work on the rest of the budget, but lawmakers are currently on summer vacation until July 21.

In addition to the School Aid budget, the House also passed the Complete Streets package of legislation last week. Unfortunately, neither the House nor the Senate voted on legislation to permanently ban drilling in the Great Lakes, as we hoped they would.

On a positive note, Michigan LCV announced its third endorsement of the election season, State Rep. Deb Kennedy.  The Brownstown Democrat earned a 100% score on the 2009-2010 Michigan Environmental Scorecard.  

Race for Governor:

Democratic candidates Virg Bernero and Andy Dillon slammed each other on Tuesday, during the final debate before the Aug. 3 primary. Jobs, state infrastructure, a new bridge to Canada, and alternative energy were all discussed. While both candidates advocated for expanded investment in renewable technology, Bernero was once again the more vocal proponent of renewables. You can watch the debate here.  The next Republican debate will be July 13 in Rochester.

A report from the Michigan Campaign Finance Network reveals that gubernatorial candidates have spent $3.4 million on TV campaign ads so far, and that Republican candidates Rick Snyder and Mike Cox account for 79% of this spending. This may seem like a hefty sum, but it pales in comparison to the $13 million spent on pre-primary TV ads during the 2006 gubernatorial race. Both Republican candidate Tom George and Democratic candidate Virg Bernero have yet to air any TV ads, although the Bernero campaign is expected to begin its TV campaign in the coming weeks.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs spoke with the candidates for governor to get their position on a variety of conservation issues. You can view the results here.

In reaction to the bighead carp found in Lake Calumet two weeks ago, and the recent discovery that Asian Carp are only one flood away from invading the Maumee River near Lake Erie, Michigan lawmakers are taking urgent steps to address the problem. U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow introduced the Permenant Prevention of Asian Carp Act last week. The Act would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete a study of potential seperation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi river watersheds within 18 months. Environmental groups have also appealed to President Obama to lead a coordinated and dedicated effort to stop the movement of the invasive carp.

--- Photo courtesy of Brian Miller