Search for “emergency manager”
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Whitmer’s support for local control may give way to push for solar and wind power
Local zoning decisions stand in the way of state directives
… Snyder signed into law, let state-appointed emergency managers take control of local governments in deep … grab that allows these appointed, not elected, managers to operate above the law and often against the … Supreme Court struck down her pandemic-related emergency powers, Whitmer said it was important to make … more
Brighton school board members challenge union’s office space at high school
For decades, teachers union at Brighton Area Schools has been using district resources to conduct daily business
… The district had an $8.5 million deficit in 2012-13. Conely says the school system was on the verge of being turned over to a state-appointed emergency manager.
When the union officials were confronted, Conely told CapCon, they replied that the collective bargaining agreement gives them a right to use … more
Supreme Court: Nessel ‘cut corners’ in using one-man grand jury to secure Flint Water Crisis indictments
… counts of misconduct in office against Flint emergency manager Darnell Earley; four counts of misconduct in office against emergency manager Gerald Ambrose; two counts of willful neglect … system in 2014, a time when the city was under emergency management.
The switch from Detroit’s water … more
State Health Department Wants $1,000 Penalties For Breaking Its Rules
Agency also determines who conducts quasi-judicial trials
… then-director of the state health department, issued temporary COVID-19 emergency rules in April 2020, which created $1,000 fines for violating department … relevant state board to dismiss the case.
James Freed, Port Huron city manager said, “My heart breaks for all the small businesses and mom-and-pops that … more
Detroit Public Schools Debt Was Homegrown, Not A Product of State Management
In 3.5 years, it went from zero operational debt to $327.3 million
… school board, not the state of Michigan’s emergency manager, controlled the district in late 2005. At … Jennifer Granholm stepped in and appointed an emergency manager and the operating deficit continued to increase under the emergency manager and hit $417 million by 2016, according to … more
Former State Health Director Wanted ‘Credible Threat’ Of Police Lockdown Sanctions
‘People who see local violations ... can contact local police’
… Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency orders during COVID-19 lockdowns, … “Each violation of this Emergency Ordinance is a municipal … current East Lansing epidemic emergency ordinance that replaced a … Mosteller, assistant to the city manager.
In October 2020, Robert … more rigorously enforce emergency orders his department had … more
Heavy Agency Email Chatter Before Lockdown-Defying Restaurant Owner’s Arrest
Attorney General staffers were monitoring social media posts and complaints critical of their actions
… hundred businesses that faced government sanctions for not following COVID emergency orders, one appears to have garnered extraordinary attention from the … to Marlena during an attempted arrest.”
Shanon Banner, public affairs manager of the state police, was asked about monitoring citizens’ social media … more
Detroit Schools Get Clean Audit, Released From State Fiscal Oversight
… both been corrected.
In October 2020, the district was released from 11 years of state-imposed fiscal oversight, which included control by emergency managers and a financial oversight commission within the state Department of Treasury. more
Governor Used State’s Emergency Alert System To Broadcast Face Mask Mandate
… Gretchen Whitmer used an official State of Michigan emergency alert system on Monday to order people to wear … Michigan website states, “The goal of Michigan’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a fully automated system that allows emergency managers to provide citizens quickly with vital information. … more
Was Not Wearing A Face Mask A Crime In Michigan? Hard To Say
… arenas, cinemas, theaters and other “places of public amusement.” Instead, managers at those places are under order to “encourage or require patrons to wear … 135 Executive Orders since March 10, 2020, when she first declared an emergency," said Patrick Wright, Mackinac Center for Public Policy's vice president … more
‘Senseless’ Elective Surgery Lockdown May Put Hillsdale Hospital Under
Testing, x-rays, blood draws, operating room, staff: ‘We lose everything’
… surgeries. The letter also requests emergency aid from the state, saying that … patients to travel to the next closest emergency room 30-45 minutes away. Hillsdale … transported to the hospital for cardiac emergencies or auto-accidents,” Smith said. … community."
Hodshire says hospital managers have been financially prudent and … more
Resident Wants City Official Removed For Committing Lockdown Protest
Subject line of local realtor's complaint: ‘Dan Fox Protesting in Lansing’
… Harrier, the Saugatuck city manager, said the city received complaints … COVID-19 pandemic.
The city manager said in an email that the … violation of the Governor's emergency stay at home order. He appeared … there were no issues with emergency vehicles getting through. … Hospital was blocked and emergency vehicles were delayed access. … more
Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Today
The state is in a more resilient position to weather an economic storm than at any time before
… control the coronavirus during this state of emergency.
5. Wasteful corporate welfare spending has … in bankruptcy proceedings or living under an emergency financial manager.
Michigan’s biggest city is no longer suffering … more
All On Its Own, Flint Was A Financial Basket Case For Years
Evidence from years gone by contradicts current effort to blame past Flint misgovernance on state
… state government and the emergency managers it appointed to run … years ... we've had an emergency manager in control of the city … half of that time — emergency manager, RTAB (Receivership Transition … in the person of an emergency manager appointed by the governor. … the city’s own leaders and managers, not under a state-appointed … more
Detroit Schools Fiscal Decline Began Before Emergency Manager
Media narrative blames school district’s deficits on state, ignore its previous history
… then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm to appoint an emergency manager in January 2009 have been blurred.
Notably, … million.
That’s when Granholm appointed an emergency financial manager halfway through the school year, effectively placing … more
Detroit Schools Betting The Post-Bailout Future On Enrollment Turnaround
It hasn’t happened yet, but district is spending for success
… enough annual revenue to pay their expenses.
But the Detroit district’s managers are confident they are on the right path, according to spokeswoman Chrystal … contracts for art, music, and behavior support at schools. The philosophy of Emergency Management was to disinvest in people and internal processes and instead … more
Funding Up, But Detroit School Official Claims ‘Budget Cuts’ Stole Recess
Detroit schools getting $212 more per student this year, after $617 million taxpayer bailout in 2016
… Jennifer Granholm appointed Robert Bobb as emergency manager, placing the district under a form of state receivership. He was succeeded by two managers appointed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, the … appointed Judge Steven Rhodes as a transition manager for the district. Rhodes left the district in … more
First Time Since 2000, No Local Governments Under State Receivership
… e Michigan Department of Treasury announced on June 27 that the Highland Park School District is no longer operating under a state-appointed emergency manager.
The department says this is the first time since 2000 that no municipality or school district is under state financial oversight. more
Recent Corruption Scandals Involving Some of Michigan’s Largest Unions
Embezzlement, financial malpractice plague unions
… embezzling nearly $500,000 from the union.
Last year, a former office manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 876 was … years in federal prison.
SEIU Healthcare Michigan was placed under an emergency trusteeship in 2017 by its parent organization after allegations of financial … more
Did You Know? Post-Water Crisis, Fed and State Money Pours Into Flint
$347 million so far — nearly five times the city’s annual budget — delivered for infrastructure and more
… of $347 million so far. By comparison, the city of Flint’s general fund budget was $52.1 million before it was placed under a state-appointed emergency manager in 2011.
In March, the federal Environmental Protection Agency gave the state’s Department of Environmental Quality a $100 million grant for … more
28 Months After Bankruptcy, Detroit Misses Fiscal Report Deadline A Second Time
Missed it in 2015, missed it in 2016; missed first extension, official says this time for sure
… 2016. Troy officials had their annual report ready to go on Nov. 30, 2016.
Even the troubled city of Flint, which was under a state-appointed emergency manager from 2011 to 2015, had its most recent audited annual report out by Dec. 15, 2016.
But Detroit is on a second extension for the report that … more
Detroit Schools Implosion Stumps Parents – And City Makes It Worse
Media report blames choice for failing traditional schools
… Public Schools.”
The story tracks the impact of closing the Oakman Elementary/Orthopedic School. It reports that then-Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Roy Roberts informed Oakman parents they could send their children to one of two other district schools, Noble Elementary and Henderson Elementary. … more
Budget Gimmicks, Debt and Deficit Smokescreens Preceded Flint Lead Crisis
State reviewers: City officials lacked 'political will ... to confront reality'
… have challenged the emergency manager law that was used to … law that authorizes emergency managers, and some have sued … read in part:
“The emergency manager’s powers may be vast, … of the existing financial emergency,” said the report.
The review … the state appoint an emergency manager to take over Flint’s … more
Before Flint’s Lead Crisis, City Council Raided Money from 'Water Fund'
State reviewers: Officials took cash water department needed to do its job
… Flint’s books, which led it to recommend that the state appoint an emergency manager to take control of the city’s finances.
While that state review is … requires. That is not a decision made by a governor, a mayor, or an emergency manager. The more complicated story, which certainly factors into the climate … more
Union Claims Experienced Teachers Make Less Than $30K; They Don't
Benton Harbor teacher pay below average, but apparently not low enough for union rhetoric
… Benton Harbor school district to illustrate its claims that Republicans in the state Capitol have not spent enough on public schools. Also, that emergency managers appointed by the state to rescue this and other fiscally failed school districts have been ineffective.
The article in the Michigan Education … more
Understand the Emergency Manager Law Before Changing It
Making sure that local governments meet their financial obligations
… discuss reforms to the emergency manager law. Any attempt to change … insolvency. When it appoints an emergency manner, it takes the last … also may appoint an emergency manager, enter into a “neutral … statewide referendum on the emergency manager law, the only way a local … also say it does not give managers a “revenue option” — the … more
When Was Flint 'Run Like a Business'?
'Never waste a crisis' becomes rewriting history
… million, $13.4 million, $24.3 million and $25.7 million — dug too deep a hole for Flint to climb out from. The result was the appointment of an emergency manager.
What business could stay open with that track record of overspending? more
WSU Prof Responds to CapCon Article On His Study: Readers Deserve Better
Professor argues 'structural racism' responsible for Flint water crisis
… distress, the main claim is:
Emergency Management can be a cruel … society. In addition, Emergency Managers imposed progressive … appointment of Flint’s first Emergency Manager – Michael Brown. Contemporary … Treasury and the various Emergency Managers can be charged with … sitting mayor or an Emergency Manager.
“Ultimately, however, … more
Financial Emergency Over: Elected Government Returns to Pontiac
Ready to operate 'like a professionally managed city'
In March, after years of emergency management, the city of Pontiac … from a state-appointed emergency manager to the elected mayor …
Lou Schimmel, who was emergency manager of the city from 2011 … advisory board amended one emergency manager order and repealed another, … past emergency financial managers and emergency managers have … more
School Choice Withstands Twists and Turns of Detroit Debate
… and well-paid central administration that lags in downsizing. The local school board led DPS into deficit and financial distress, while state emergency managers have been unable to stop the trend.
For the sake of the city's children, education needs to improve in Detroit. Unfortunately, the proposed … more
Detroit Was Just the Beginning: The Crisis of City Pension Systems in Michigan
Local government pensions are less than 65 percent funded
… million unfunded liability. Until late 2015, Lincoln Park had an emergency manager to resolve its financial crisis.
James Freed, the city manager of Port Huron, discussed the crisis of unfunded pension liability.
“Our … more
Six Numbers Showing Detroit’s Pension Problems
Retiree costs are still crowding out services
… failed pension system. Detroit isn’t alone, though, as lots of cities around Michigan haven’t been putting away enough money. Flint has had an emergency manager put in place six times since 2002, but its pension system remains at only 47 percent funded with a $285 million liability.
3. $1.33 billion … more
I Don’t Have Answers to These Questions
There aren't always easy answers to policy questions
… you would expect.
Why have there been corruption charges against Detroit Public School employees? The district’s been under state-appointed emergency managers for some time now, and the law is designed to fix mismanagement. After all, you can’t steal thousands from your employer unless your employer … more
Group at Fore of Detroit School Preservation Effort Has Mixed Record
Well-funded Excellent Schools Detroit favors bailout
… reform the district by appointing a series of emergency managers. Neither the managers nor the EAA has ever closed a school because … selling closed school buildings to charter school managers. The city had acquired dozens of buildings and … more
Ban Closing a Detroit School, No Matter How Bad?
Every Senate Dem voted in favor
… past decade. Under state law, a school that is under the rule of the emergency manager can't be put under the review of the state reform office, so it would be up to the emergency manager to shutter DPS schools. DPS didn't respond to an email asking if it … more
A Hopeful Vision for Education in Detroit
… track record of DPS under state emergency management cannot be defended. Academic … mismanagement prompted the need for emergency managers in the first place. Even so, … agent as a contract or portfolio manager. Rather than focusing on enacting … not even to Detroit. Former emergency manager Robert Bobb floated a similar … more
Fact-Checking Teacher Union Math on Detroit Schools
Follow the union dues
… Overspending happened again the next year, and the debt jumped to $219.0 million. At that point, Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed an emergency manager to take control of the district’s finances, effective March 2, 2009. DPS hasn’t been out of debt or state receivership since.
Charters don’t … more
A Path to Real Regulatory Reform: Decrease Michigan’s Licensing Burden
If you want to be an emergency medical technician in Michigan, the state requires 26 days of training. But if you want to be an athletic trainer, a state … licenses.
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Jarrett Skorup is a policy analyst and digital engagement manager at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute … more
Detroit Teachers Make More Than Twice Average Household
But still less than most Michigan teachers
WXYZ-TV did a story about the salaries of the emergency manager and other top administrators for Detroit Public Schools. But rather than just report on the salaries and benefits of those individuals, the TV station also allowed Detroit teachers to comment about their pay. However, the TV station didn't … more
How the Flint Water Story Was Uncovered
ACLU and Michigan Radio shed light on government accountability dodges
… official made a plea in a statewide newspaper hoping to exonerate himself from a growing crisis. In October 2015, Darnell Earley, who had been the emergency manager for Flint from September 2013 until January 2015, made his nearly 600-word plea in The Detroit News.
Earley said he wasn’t at fault for the … more
Teachers in 'Worst Urban District' Twice as Likely to be Rated 'Highly Effective'
81 percent of Detroit teachers given highest marks
… Now that this three year period is over, the district will be reviewing its evaluation process as a part of the 3-Point Transition Plan that Emergency Manager Darnell Earley's has put into place to guide the final six months of his tenure. During this time, the district will be focused on the assessment … more
Blame Engler, Granholm and Snyder for Detroit Public Schools Financial Woes?
Don’t leave out parents choosing better, safer schools for their children
… experiencing its fourth Emergency Manager.”
Except, DPS hasn’t … Granholm appointed an emergency manager to once again take over … Granholm appointed an emergency manager to take control of the … district. Three more emergency managers would be appointed by … and 2015.
None of the emergency managers could downsize and cut … more
Detroit Public Schools Debt Increases By $1 Million Every School Day
Governor pitches $715M bailout plan
… schools.
“This is not a Detroit bailout,” Rakolta wrote. “This is a state bailout of the state. The state managed the expenditures of the money as emergency managers of the district. The state issued the state aid notes and bonds to cover the debt using the full faith and credit of the state. The state decided … more
Repeat After Us: Detroit Public Schools Is NOT Proof Michigan Needs a Better Funding Model
It is proof the state needs a new pension model
… when Robert Bobb took over DPS as the first Emergency Financial Manager in 2009, the school had a $137.1 million deficit … Granholm as the Detroit Public Schools’ emergency manager effective March 2, 2009. Just three months … more
Corruption, Mismanagement Closed Highland Park High; Not Insufficient 'Investment'
… to a report from Michigan Radio. In 2012, the state appointed an emergency manager to run the Highland Park School District following persistent fiscal … “investment.” In 2011-12, the last year before a state-appointed emergency manager took over from the elected school board, the district received $15,795 … more
Protecting Detroit School Choice is Critical
… achievement.
First and foremost, a bailout for DPS is likely unavoidable. Bailout advocates have a point when they argue that past state-appointed emergency managers failed to take the drastic steps needed to address the district’s financial woes. Both Gov. Rick Snyder and a coalition of Detroit organizations … more
U.P. Road Commission Taking On EPA
Environmental agency stands in the way of 21-mile road project
… 595’s construction, the EPA is doing nothing to improve the access of emergency, commercial, industrial, and recreational vehicles to a key area of northwest … build a very important road for Marquette County,” Jim Iwanicki, engineer manager of the Marquette County Road Commission, told reporters.
Earlier this … more
DPS Emergency Manager Could Make Big Changes
Steps in the right direction are possible without changing laws
… change. With a state emergency manager already overseeing DPS, … educating students. Emergency managers of both the Highland … Highland Park, the emergency manager's operating plan for the … and Muskegon Heights emergency managers were able to make such … district has been under emergency management for years, and … more
The Real Story About Highland Park Schools
Not easy to turn around long-lasting damage from mismanagement
… district being taken over by an emergency manager and then the charter school … general fund) in 2011-12, when the emergency manager was ordered to take over the … when the state appointed an emergency manager.
Enrollment is crucial to funding … 2011-12. The state appointed an emergency manager in January 2012 after it was … more
Illegal Strike by Detroit Teachers Shuts Down 18 Schools
Lawbreakers may not suffer consequences for causing 12,000 students to miss school
… Emerson and Thirkell. School profile reports have 12,206 students attending those schools this year.
Officials with the Detroit Public Schools’ Emergency Manager, Snyder’s office and the Michigan Department of Education did not respond to requests for comment.
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See also:
The West Bloomfield Teacher … more
Pro-School Choice Group: Let Detroit Students Attend School Anywhere They Want
Plan would allow state dollars to go to private schools
… its plan this week calling for an Education Innovation Zone which would replace the troubled Detroit Public Schools. The district's current Emergency Manager would relieve DPS of all teaching responsibilities and redeploy its assets, such as school buildings, to various public education providers. … more
Coalition's Vision for Detroit: More Bureaucracy; Less Innovation
Doubling down on what doesn't work won't fix Detroit schools
… rest of the state pay off some of DPS' debt, take on some of DPS' employee retirement costs, increase school funding and remove the district's emergency manager to hand back control to a local school board. The coalition does not mention how much all of this will cost. But with the coalition's recommended … more
State Superintendent Advocates Hiring More Teachers in Detroit
But MDE approved DPS plan to reduce deficit by eliminating teachers
… to $169.46 million, prompting Gov. Rick Snyder to appoint another emergency manager to oversee the district’s finances, the fourth in a row.
Asking the … students.
"DPS can't hire more teachers – the district is in a financial emergency,” said Audrey Spalding, the education policy director for the Mackinac … more
December 5, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Vote Report
Road funding, religious freedom, film subsidies & more
… actions.
Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”
Senate Bill 953, Authorize emergency manager for school district that fail to address deficits: Passed 23 to 15 in the Senate
To authorize appointment of an emergency manager for a public school district that fails to comply with actions required … more
UAW Dues Hike was Unnecessary
… the wisest decision.”
Selling the dues hike as gathering funds for an “emergency” allows union leadership to cloud the issue to workers while using the … Vernuccio is the director of labor policy at the Center. Digital Engagement Manager Jarrett Skorup contributed to this article. more
Detroit Expected $55 Million in Property Tax Revenue; It Brought in $6.7 Million
Finance expert: Missed projections 'compares to that in many third world cities'
… $48.3 million short of what it expected.
The city revealed the shortfall in its most recent filing with the Michigan Department of Treasury by Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr.
“It's a combination of many factors,” said Bill Nowling, spokesman for Orr. “Clearly, collections is an issue, but so it is the assessment … more
State Budget Savings Idea: Eliminate Revenue Sharing
… million destined for 20 counties as part of a Granholm-era tax shift, plus monies slotted for distressed communities (including the salaries of emergency managers appointed by the state to work in these local units).
More than $40 million of the total is considered “county incentive program” dollars. … more
What Will Cities Do To Solve Their Pension Problems?
Part 2 in a series looking at municipal retiree funds in the state
… in 2004. The city now operates under an emergency manager and representatives declined to comment. … percent), Hamtramck (54 percent and has an emergency manager), Genesee Township (55 percent) and Jackson … compensation exclude overtime.”
Patrick Burtch, city manager for Jackson, said the upfront costs have delayed … more
Double Standard On School District Deficits
Some perspective on overspending
… initiated the preliminary review process under PA 436."
He added, "If an emergency exists, the school chooses between an emergency manager, consent agreement, mediation or bankruptcy."
Gary Naeyaert, executive … more
Grazed and Confused
Detroit's response to goats exposes bigger problem
… n the midst of the city going through a bankruptcy, talk of a Detroit turnaround is in the air from Gov. Rick Snyder on down.
And while the emergency manager and bankruptcy process are making solid strides toward fixing the city's fiscal mess, it is in the other ways of governing that Detroit needs … more
Agenda for Detroit: What Role Should State Play Post-Bankruptcy?
… state’s report certifying a financial emergency, the city’s managers were overspending budgets for years, … quality suffers, such as through emergency furloughs, thus causing more residents … approach in Pontiac, where an emergency manager is transitioning the city back … more
Detroit’s Dilemma Tests Lansing’s Leadership
… everywhere to rescue Detroit, but there remain many reasons not to bailout the city.
First, it went bankrupt “openly and notoriously,” to quote Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr. State and city officials were warned of the city’s impending fiscal problems as early as 2000 and did little of substance to help … more
Legislature Lacks Credibility in Detroit Bailout
Now they want you to fix their mess
As I noted in a previous blog post, Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr has suggested that Detroit's lenders in effect deserve to lose their shirts because they should have known the city was "openly and notoriously" driving itself into bankruptcy.
Gov. Rick Snyder took a similar shot at lenders last … more
Detroit Bailout Bill Leaves Taxpayers On The Hook For New Pension Underfunding
Committee version guts original pension reform bill; full House could vote today
… News.
House Bill 5568 now allows the city's Plan of Adjustment to set the terms until 2023. There have been several plans. The latest backs off Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's initial push to close the defined benefit system. The plan also calls for more conservative funding assumptions and requires employees … more
Detroit 'Openly and Notoriously' Went Bankrupt
Its reward? Maybe a state bailout
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr visited Lansing last week trying to persuade … violations should have triggered an emergency financial review by the state. The … state may be forced to appoint an "emergency financial manager" to run the city under Public Act … more
The Winners and Losers in Detroit Bankruptcy
… returns.
That figure is disputed. The city's pension fund boards argue that investments should be assumed to grow at a higher rate than the emergency manager assumes is prudent. An additional gap is due to asset "smoothing," which delays recognition of investment gains and losses.
Overall, the projections … more
Agenda For Detroit: What Role State Government Should Play After Bankruptcy
… on March 12.
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's introduction … report certifying a financial emergency, the city's managers were overspending budgets … service delivery operations. Emergency response is uncoordinated … in Pontiac, where an emergency manager is transitioning the … more
Look at Municipal Finance Trends Before Pumping In More Money
… 1,856 governments have triggered emergency financial reviews, the first step … privatization.
What's more, emergency managers across the state have found … Pontiac recently ended its financial emergency after the emergency manager contracted out services and … more
Detroit: Possibility of Real Privatization, Savings
Emergency manager's plan filed in bankruptcy court
… of cuts.
Page 116 of the Disclosure document makes it clear that Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is prepared to contract out for some if not all the operations … have accrued $360 million in savings by now.
Additionally, the emergency manager's report alludes to the possibility of outsourcing city airport work … more
Detroit Should Look to Pontiac
… their bottom lines.
Kevyn Orr, Detroit's emergency manager, has taken sound steps to fix Detroit's financial … four years, two governors appointed three emergency managers for the city of Pontiac. Lou Schimmel, the … collective bargaining agreement with Detroit's emergency medical (ambulance) services. Why not just contract … more
Michigan Taxpayers Have Already Bailed Out Detroit
Again and again and again
… on the table, Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr responded: … rewrote its local government emergency bonding laws in 2010 to allow … local governments in fiscal emergencies might now feel entitled … Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient … Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration … more
Don't Bail Out Detroit with State Tax Dollars
It would be unfair to taxpayers statewide
… that if something wasn't done the state "may be forced to appoint an emergency financial manager" to run the city.
Especially in the light of years of warnings and gross … more
Why Detroit Pensions are Underfunded
Plenty of blame to go around
… happens — it says that pensions should be funded as they are earned.
Managers, however, are hesitant to change estimates about the future, even when … dealing with this is to freeze and close the pension system, a reform Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is pursuing. Defined-contribution plans do not require politicians … more
Happy New Year: The Center Looks Back and Looks Forward
… smart choices were made this year, too. For example, Gov. Snyder showed real moxie in tackling the Detroit issue with the appointment of an emergency manager. There have also been attempts at modest reforms in the area of protectionist occupational licensure and alcohol distribution.
For example, … more
Documentary: The Highland Park Transformation
Highland Park schools were failing, but a charter school company is turning things around
… and ceilings were collapsing and rodents were running through the building. The district was overspending, which led to a massive deficit, an emergency manager, and eventual switch to a charter public school system.
Today, a year and a half after The Leona Group took over the schools, fundamental and … more
Constitutional Convention Delegates Wanted State Worker Pensions To Be Fully Funded
Notes from the 1962 constitutional convention show true intent of what voters passed
… year later.
Today, Detroit's Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr projects the city's …
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former … Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit … more
How to Save Cities Millions
Fiscal corner
… tough decisions.
We need not speculate over what might have been. Many Mackinac Center ideas have been adopted in Pontiac under the three emergency managers who operated the city. The most successful, Lou Schimmel, has practically halved the city's operational budget through a combination of competitive … more
More Money, Higher Taxes Not the Solution for Detroit
Left-leaning group wants state bailout, more revenue for city
… with mismanagement. Bankruptcy and emergency management may be the only things …
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former … Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit … more
Parent: 'Even after my kids graduate I'll still come back and help this school'
Charter school company proving critics wrong; garners support from parents and former adversaries
… The public school district was spending nearly $20,000 per student — the highest in the state.
Things got so bad that the state appointed an emergency manager and eventually the school district was turned over to The Leona Group, a charter management company. The teachers unions complained. So did some … more
Time for Detroit To Move Beyond Its Past
Mayor-elect Duggan must capitalize on changes already being made
Detroit has a new mayor who promises to work with the city's emergency manager. He has insisted crime will go down, street lights will go on and neighborhoods … city despite massive structural and political problems.
Detroit's emergency manager isn't in place to loot the city. He's trying to save it from its past. … more
Small Business Owners Face Significant Challenges Operating in Detroit
Video series highlights problems entrepreneurs face in the city
… Detroit's Failure
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former State Treasurer … Blame For Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit Exhausts … more
Yes, The Legislature Changed Its Emergency Manager Policies to Reflect the Referendum
And the new law gives local governments more control
… voters by passing a new emergency manager law after voters rejected a previous emergency manager law. But the new legislation …
The vote rejected the emergency manager law and reinstalled the state's older emergency financial manager law. As I wrote after the … more
Detroit To Waive Old Fees On Property Sales
City previously required new building owners to pay off building debts from previous owners
… Detroit's Failure
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former State Treasurer … Blame For Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit Exhausts … more
Detroit Still Sending Tax Notices 15 Years After Company Closed
City wants money for fire permits, gas storage, building occupancy and awnings for long-abandoned business
… Detroit's Failure
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former State Treasurer … Blame For Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit Exhausts … more
Analysis: Incorrect Population Figures Means State Has Overpaid Detroit For Past Decade
City gets more than its fair amount of revenue sharing
… Detroit's Failure
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former State Treasurer … Blame For Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit Exhausts … more
National Commentary Wrong About Detroit's Failure
Mismanagement, not lack of money, is to blame
… the rest. That's why Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr's original proposal …
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former … Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit … more
Detroit Dishes Out Excessive Taxes, Fees To Business Owners
City licensing and inspection fees among the highest measured; $400 for an awning
… Of Revenue?
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
Former State Treasurer … Blame For Detroit's Problems
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration
Detroit Exhausts … more
Commentary: Former State Treasurer Diverts Blame for Detroit's Problems
… implementing the state's emergency manager law. As such, Kleine … have declared a financial emergency long before the Detroit became … laws governing the emergency manager's powers have changed, … with emergency financial managers. Her replacement manager … sufficiency.
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr has a plan … more
Dissolved School District Repeatedly Overspent Despite Deficits
Dems blame Gov. Snyder, but Inkster approved 14 percent raises and paid 100 percent of health insurance
… blamed part of the fiscal debt on a previous emergency financial manager who had been gone for seven years and had left …
Inkster Schools Wrongly Blames Previous Emergency Manager For Its Deficit
Teacher Union President … more
Allen Park Churches, Unions Team Up To Promote Tax Increase
A video of the 'unity rally'
… request.
Allen Park is being overseen by an emergency manager for overspending — most notably on union … also:
Tough Choices Ahead For Allen Park Emergency Manager
Union Contracts, Bad Investment Force State to Suggest Emergency Manager for Allen Park
A City At the End of Its … more
Allen Park "Unity" Rally
… city political leaders in Allen Park organize a "unity" march in anticipation of the tax increase request on the August ballot. Allen Park is under emergency management for overspending. more
How Much Has the Detroit Police Force Really Been Cut?
No one knows
… hiccup.
The city's Emergency Manager Review Team report stated … financial problem."
The emergency manager's report found that the … costs," Hohman said.
Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is making progress, … Revenue?
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration … more
July 22, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report
… 331: Repeal expanded "emergency manager" powers
Introduced by … expanded the powers of emergency managers appointed by the state … Rebekah Warren (D), to require emergency room or urgent care clinics to offer “emergency contraception” to victims … particular company and its managers. Referred to committee, no … more
Detroit Bankruptcy
It should never have come to pass
… their problems and fixing the city's mismanagement issues, city officials continued to ignore and delay reforms until a consent agreement, an emergency manager and a bankruptcy filing were needed. more
Detroit Bankruptcy: Why the Emergency Manager Powers Were Insufficient
… purpose of Michigan's emergency manager law is to enact structural … city's debt.
In June, Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr laid out his … option in Michigan's emergency manager law is to allow the emergency … Revenue?
Detroit's Fiscal Emergency Cannot Wait; Manager Needs To Fix Administration … more
State Education Spending Still Increasing While Serving Fewer Students
Second in a series on education
… Student, Had Rodents In School, Holes In Ceilings and Walls
School District: Spending Up, Revenue Up, Red Ink Up - Wants More Money
Commentary: Emergency Manager Law 'Chemo' For Cancerous Fiscal Abuse
Bloated Teacher Contracts Much To Blame For Issues In Highland Park, Muskegon
Union President Blames … more
Crony Capitalism: The Movie
… materialized. A severe crisis, a huge budget deficit, attempted tax hikes and massive layoffs soon followed. The city is now under the guidance of an emergency manager.
Almost no economist or researcher not connected to the film industry who has looked at state movie incentive programs thinks they are a good … more
MEA Demands Immediate Health Insurance Payment From School District In Serious Debt
Judge ruled Pontiac School District has 10 years to pay off $7.8 million
… ruling the district has 10 years to pay off the debt.
This comes as the state reviews the finances of the Pontiac School District to see if an emergency manager should be put in charge because the district has seen its deficit quadruple to $37.7 million since 2009.
According to a Michigan Department … more
Misplaced Blame for Albion Schools Problems
District spends much more than state average, surrounding schools
… Student, Had Rodents In School, Holes In Ceilings and Walls
School District: Spending Up, Revenue Up, Red Ink Up - Wants More Money
Commentary: Emergency Manager Law 'Chemo' For Cancerous Fiscal Abuse
Bloated Teacher Contracts Much To Blame For Issues In Highland Park, Muskegon
Union President Blames … more
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