Michigan Political Week In Review

The race for governor recently became a little more interesting as the Green Party of Michigan announced its candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.Nominated was Harley G. Mikkelson from Caro, for governor, with Lynn Meadows, from Ann Arbor, for lieutenant governor.

This year the Green Party is focusing on connecting the need for jobs to the need to move away from using non-renewable energy, and opposing nuclear energy as a solution.

More announcements are coming soon with regards to the gubernatorial race. The Bernero and Snyder campaigns plan to announce running mates for the position of lieutenant governor this weekend; both parties are hosting their conventions.

Beginning Saturday, Aug. 28, at Cobo Center, the Michigan Democratic Convention will feature a speech from Bernero and his pick for lieutenant governor.

The Michigan Republican Convention will begin Friday, Aug. 27 at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center.

Oil Firms Face Tougher Regulations

Michigan Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) has proposed amending Michigan’s constitution to hold oil companies and other businesses accountable by allowing residents to sue for damages related to corporate pollution and eliminating taxpayer subsidies that help polluters clean up spills.

He also has called for an amendment in the State Constitution to permanently ban oil drilling in the Great Lakes.

Anderson hopes to get the measure on the November ballot. Michigan LCV is gathering signatures on a petition. 

Gov. Granholm Proposes New Budget

On Aug. 18, Gov. Granholm proposed a new budget that would shift $208 million from a 2011 school-aid surplus to help eliminate a $308-million deficit this fiscal year, impose $220 million in additional cuts for all state departments, offer a 45-day tax amnesty in 2011 to recoup $88 million, refinance state bonds to save $117 million, and expand liquor hours and Sunday sales.

Granholm informed key lawmakers before announcing a mixture of new cuts and revenues she said would result in no layoffs or reductions in money to schools and cities.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), praised the plan for imposing cuts without a tax increase.

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