New EM law in the works includes bankruptcy option
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By Tim Skubick Fox 2 News
LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) -- The voters said no to the governor's original emergency manager law, so the governor is offering Plan B that would include more public input.
An AFSCME lobbyist argues that's exactly what the voters wanted -- a restoration of democracy.
"I think the voters very clearly said that what they want is democracy at the local unit of government, that they expect their elected officials to have a clear role in the decisions on any financial problems that occur," said Nic Ciaramitaro.
Dick Posthumus, the governor's lobbyist, said they heard the voters, who were saying, "We were taking decision making away from the local units of government. This would give it back to them."
The Republicans are offering three choices -- vote for an emergency manager, vote for bankruptcy or work out a consent agreement such as the one in Detroit.
"We will offer some things and one of them will be an emergency financial manager potentially. Maybe you go on with the kind of agreement that they're talking about now or maybe if you don't want to and you have to go into federal bankruptcy, you can explain that to your constituents," said Senate GOP leader Randy Richardville.
Unions oppose giving the emergency manager the right to cancel union contracts, but the administration argues that must stay.
"If they go that route, it'd be just like a bankruptcy judge. They'd have to have the ability to cancel contracts and reset that municipality so that they can get themselves back on sound footing," Posthumus said.
The new EM law could be ready by the end of the year.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
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Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:03:31 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
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Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
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This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
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Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
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