MEC Capitol Update
3-05-07

Last week, it was discovered that DEQ staff had suppressed key technical reports that questioned the mine’s safety. This appalling discovery is evidence that the mine does not meet safety standards, which is what environmental groups have been arguing all along.

The DEQ has now rescinded its preliminary decision to approve the mine and cancelled public hearings scheduled for this week and next. There also needs to be a thorough investigation into how major technical reports were buried, who buried them, and what the next steps on the permit will be.

SENATE

In Committee:

Appropriations: 

Agriculture will meet on Thursday (3/8) at 2pm and take public testimony.

General Government will meet on Thursday (3/8) and 3 pm.  They will be looking at the Department of treasury budget that includes diverting $24 million for underground storage tank cleanup to repay bonds.  

Transportation will meet on Wednesday (3/7) at 8:30 am to continue the discussion on the FY 07-08.

Standing Committees:

Agriculture will meet on Thursday (3/8) at 9:00 am for:

Presentation by Gene DeRossett, State Director, USDA Rural Development.

Health Policy will meet on Wednesday (3/7) at 3:00 pm for:

SB 279 – A bill to create a “Michigan Outdoor Fitness Award”.

SB 281 – A bill to provide preference to companies that have wellness programs when deciding on state purchasing contracts. 

SR 14 – A resolution to encourage the Governor to urge the Civil Service Commission to institute a wellness program that includes incentives for healthy behaviors for state employees.

Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs will meet on Wednesday (3/7) at 1:00 pm for:

Presentation on Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHS) by Gary Whelan, Fish Production Manager, Fisheries Division of the Department of Natural Resources

Presentation on Commorants by Dr. William Moritz, Chief, Wildlife Division of the Department of Natural Resources

PENDING REFERRAL:
SB 336 – A bill to repeal the sunset on operating requirements for airboats

Transportation will meet on Tuesday (3/6) at 1:00 pm for:

Presentation by Metro Valley Council

Presentation by Michigan Association of Counties and Wayne County

Presentation by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)

 

HOUSE

Adopted:

HR 17 – A resolution to memorialize the US Congress to enact the Great Lakes Asian Carp Barrier Act.

Calendar:

HB 4143 – A bill to designate certain marine safety misdemeanor violations as a civil infraction.

In Committee:

Appropriations:

Natural Resources will meet on Tuesday (3/6) at 10:30 am for:

Executive Budget Recommendation for HB 4354: FY 2007-08
- Law Enforcement
- Forest, Mineral, and Fire Management
- Parks and Recreation

Standing Committees:

Agriculture will meet on Wednesday (3/7) at 2:30 pm or after session for:

HB 4327 – A bill to repeal a prohibition against selling tomatoes that are not vine-ripened.

Presentation by Michigan Department of Agriculture on Bovine TB and Animal Health
Dr. Steve Halstead, MDA State Veterinarian

Energy and Technology will meet on Wednesday (3/7) at 9:00 am for:

Presentation on P.A. 141 of 2000 by Jackie Langwith, Legislative Service Bureau

HB 4064 – A bill to establish a home heating credit fund.

HB 4280 – A bill to provide for a check-off option on income tax returns to contribute some of an individuals refund to the home heating credit fund.

PENDING REFERRAL:

HR 33 – A resolution to urge the President and Congress to appropriate additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

HCR 5 – A concurrent resolution to urge the President and Congress to appropriate additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Intergovernmental, Urban and Regional Affairs will meet on Wednesday (3/7) at 10:30 am for:

PowerPoint presentation on the State of Michigan Cities report released by the Michigan Higher Education Land Policy Consortium 

Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources will meet on Tuesday (3/6) at 10:30 am for:

HB 4323 – A bill to allow local jurisdictions to approve and create a fund for enforcement and environmental remediation of the operation of off-road vehicles on road shoulders.

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