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Click here for past issues of Advisory January 19, 2001
BLANCHARD FORMS COMMITTEE IN RE-RUN FOR GOVERNOR Former Governor James Blanchard on Wednesday filed papers with the Michigan Secretary of State's office creating a candidate committee that, under state law, allows him to raise and spend money for elective office.
In December, Blanchard sent a letter to supporters advising them he was considering making a run for governor in 2002. The 58-year old Blanchard, served as Michigan's governor from 1983 through 1990. John Engler defeated Blanchard in 1990 by about 17,000 votes. Blanchard has set no timetable for a final decision.
Meanwhile, Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara, who is hinting at a fifth term, this week urged Attorney General Jennifer Granholm to get into the race for governor. Granholm, who is looking at a possible run, says she won't make a decision until later this year.
Other possible Democratic contenders include: U.S. Congressman David Bonior, former U.S. Senator Don Riegle, and state senators Gary Peters (D-West Bloomfield) and Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Ann Arbor).
On the Republican side, Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus and Secretary of State Candice Miller are considered the two likely candidates. Posthumus appears to be the frontrunner. In a recent poll, however, Miller posted a 68 percent approval rating.
Governor John Engler is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
CANDIDATES LINE UP IN 33RD DISTRICT HOUSE RACE The race for the Republican nomination to replace State Representative Janet Kukuk (R-Macomb) who died late last year could field a large number of candidates.
Kathy Vosburg who worked as a legislative assistant and district aide to Kukuk has formally filed for the 33rd district seat.
Other likely candidates include:
Considered a safe Republican seat, the special GOP primary will be held February 27, 2001.
If State Treasurer Mark Murray is correct, and he usually is, don't expect Governor John Engler to call for any tax cuts in his 11th State of the State address he will deliver to a joint session of the Legislature January 31, 2001. Murray says all tax cuts are on hold for now.
In a recent television appearance, Murray said voiced opposition to an acceleration of a rollback in the state income tax rate cuts or halving the time for a phase out of the Single Business Tax.
Murray, however, stressed the Engler Administration remains committed to tax cuts in the long term but a slowing economy calls for caution now. His comments come on the heels of the Revenue Estimating Conference last week that showed a slowing in the state economy and a reduction of revenues for this year.
STATE OVERPAYMENTS TO COST MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES It appears an error by the Department of Community Health in calculating payments is going to cost 49 community mental health agencies in the state some $27 million this year.
The payments are being deducted from what the state pays each agency monthly and could result in reduced services for 224,000 mentally ill and developmentally disabled people in Michigan. The error began in October 1998, when the state began requiring agencies to switch to a managed-care system, but wasn't discovered until paperwork was being filled out for the federal government last fall.
Nancy Vreibel has been named by Speaker Rick Johnson (R-Leroy) to serve as chief budget analyst for the House Republican caucus. Vreibel will work closely with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Marc Shulman (R-West Bloomfield) and handle issues before the numerous appropriations subcommittees. A long-time House GOP staffer, Vreibel most recently has been director of the House Republican Programs and Research staff.
House Majority Legal Counsel Michael Gadola is leaving that position to join the Michigan Supreme Court staff. Gadola also served as Governor John Engler's deputy legal counsel from 1991 to 1995 and 1997 to 1998. He was deeply involved in the Administration's tribal compact and casino negotiations.
Also joining the Michigan Supreme Court staff is Carl Gromek, chief clerk and research director of the Michigan Court of Appeals. Gromek was chief clerk for the past two years and for the previous ten years served as director of research for the court.
* Vote by mail reintroduced. For the fourth consecutive legislative session, Senator Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Ann Arbor), who is seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, has reintroduced legislation requiring the Secretary of State to promulgate rules to conduct elections by mail. Creation of a uniform statewide ballot for voting by mail could also result.
* Engler makes appointment to MIOSHA Commission. Michael Eckert, director of Safety Services for the Michigan Road Builders Association since 1998, has been appointed to the commission responsible for promulgating standards to prevent accidents in places of employment in accordance with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act.
* Attorney General Commission has two new members. Governor John Engler has appointed William Pridgeon, a farmer from Montgomery, and Nora Viau, a partner in the Three V Ranch in Escanaba, to four-year terms on the Michigan Agriculture Commission expiring December 31, 2004. They replace Commissioners Deanna Stamp and Shirley Skogman whose terms expired.
PAAdvisory SCHEDULE OF IMPORTANT DATES
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