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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

House hesitant to pass new bills until '07

Lindsey Poisson
November 13, 2006

Michigan legislators have only three weeks of scheduled sessions left before January brings a changing of the guard in the Senate and House, and Republicans say they don't have plans to approve any last-minute bills before they lose a majority in the House. Although Michigan politicians are hoping to pass a replacement for the Single Business Tax, health insurance reform and a $4,000 merit scholarship, analysts doubt such legislation will pass in time before Democrats assume control of the House. There's also doubt Republicans will spend time on bills likely to be vetoed by Democratic Gov.

MICHIGAN

Word on the street

"I think it's a set back for the simple fact that a lot of people didn't know what affirmative action did.

MICHIGAN

New minimum wage barely noticed in E.L.

Gabrielle Russon
November 10, 2006

Last month brought Michigan's first minimum wage increase in nine years and, so far, East Lansing businesses haven't noticed an impact. "Generally, in this area, all the jobs are already above minimum wage," said Phil Gardner, director of MSU's Collegiate Employment Research Institute. Previously, the minimum wage rested at $5.15 per hour, but rose to $6.95 in October.

MICHIGAN

16 drivers cited for illegally entering lot

Sixteen drivers in the past two days have learned the costly way why they shouldn't enter through the exit of Lot 9. MSU police cited 16 drivers on Tuesday and Wednesday for fraudulently entering the parking lot by driving up to the exit gate, causing the gate arm to rise, MSU police Sgt.

MICHIGAN

So she's back: What's next?

Kristyn Peterson
November 9, 2006

Think of Michigan as an ocean liner or an aircraft carrier. In that context, Gov. Jennifer Granholm was re-elected as the admiral of the ship, economics Professor Charles Ballard said. "An admiral can't stand on the bridge and make that thing turn around rapidly," Ballard said, alluding to the race between Dick DeVos and Granholm that focused on finding a solution to Michigan's struggling economy.

MICHIGAN

Student, statewide voters agree on mourning doves, property proposals

Brendan Bouffard
November 9, 2006

MSU students voted to ban dove hunting, keep affirmative action, restrict government seizure of property, increase education funding and help the environment. Of the five, only two weren't supported by the statewide electorate. Nearly eighty percent of votes cast in student precincts voted against Proposal 3, which would have created a mourning dove hunting season, and 69 percent of statewide voters agreed. "We went door to door, we made phone calls, we sent out fliers.

MICHIGAN

City Council to hold meeting tonight

Kris Turner
November 8, 2006

Raising the speed limit along Hagadorn Road, two redevelopment projects, creating a dog park and allowing a service to transport people from East Lansing to Detroit are some of the issues being considered by the East Lansing City Council tonight.

MICHIGAN

If passed, Prop. 5 might force cuts to city, safety

Lindsey Poisson
November 7, 2006

Voters today will need to consider which trade-off they're willing to have: More education funding or less police and fire safety. Proposal 5, which would automatically allocate a minimum of $565 million toward K-16 education if approved, would pull money from the state's General Fund to cover its costs.

MICHIGAN

A push to vote, Dean's at the helm

Lindsey Poisson
November 6, 2006

Democratic candidates in Michigan and the nation could retake control of Congress from Republicans if MSU students "go to work at the polls" Tuesday, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said. "What we're fighting for is honesty in government," he said early Saturday at a Kellogg Center rally.

MICHIGAN

Olin to offer cold, flu comfort packs for free

Gabrielle Russon
November 6, 2006

To fight off cold and flu symptoms, students can pick up free comfort packs at Olin Health Center beginning Tuesday. The packs contain a thermometer, a chamomile tea bag, cough drops, sanitary hand wipes and information on staying safe from the bird flu. "The thermometer is probably the most important thing in there," said Jonathan Kermiet, an Olin health educator.

MICHIGAN

Senate contenders split on issues, plan

Lindsey Poisson
November 3, 2006

Michigan's interests haven't been met in Washington with Sen. Debbie Stabenow at the helm, says Republican challenger Mike Bouchard. Bouchard is a former small business owner, and he said when it comes to a failing economy that forces businesses to make tough financial decisions, he can "understand those issues very personally." Bouchard formerly owned three businesses, including one in yogurt and ice cream food products, corporate consulting and security applications. "Not only do I have a record of creating and supporting job creators, but conversely, my opponent has been incredibly hostile to job creators," he said.

MICHIGAN

Young and ambitious

Some MSU students have very ambitious extracurricular activities this semester. From Michigan's House of Representatives to the MSU Board of Trustees, students and local young politicians are campaigning for public office to make needed changes, they say.