toddp | The U.P.'s Political Press and News

Sen. Schmidt to Host March Coffee Hours

Posted by toddp | Mar 15, 2018 | Politicians |

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Wayne Schmidt will hold coffee hours with constituents throughout the 37th Senate District during the month of March. The senator will be available to answer questions and provide information and assistance, as well as take suggestions on issues affecting communities and businesses in the district. No appointment is necessary. For more information or to contact Schmidt, please visit SenatorWayneSchmidt.com or call 517-373-2413. Schmidt’s March coffee hours are as follows: Friday, March 16 11 a.m. – noon Country Girl Diner W11617 U.S. Highway 2 Naubinway 1 – 2 p.m. Zellar’s Village Inn 7552 State Highway M-123 Newberry 4 – 5 p.m. Clyde’s Diner 5324 W. M-80 Kincheloe Bookmark It Hide...

First Round of Underfunded Retirement Benefits Reporting Completed Under New State Law

Posted by toddp | Mar 12, 2018 | Taxes and Treasury |

LANSING, Mich. – A new law requiring local units of government to report underfunded retirement benefits is being implemented, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. For the first round of reporting, the state Treasury Department has found more than 110 out of 490 local units of government have been preliminarily identified as having an underfunded pension plan or retirement health care plan, or both. The review was conducted as a part of the Protecting Local Government Retirement and Benefits Act. “Collaborating with communities to identify underfunded retirement benefits is our focus,” said Deputy State Treasurer Dr. Eric Scorsone, head of Treasury’s State and Local Finance Group. “By working together, we can help ensure the benefits promised by communities are delivered to their retirees and help ensure that the fiscal health of communities allows them to be vibrant now and into the future.” Local units of government with a fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2017, or earlier, were required to report their pension and health care plan finances by Jan. 31, 2018. Entities with fiscal years ending after June 30, 2017, are required to report their retirement benefit plan finances six months after the end of their fiscal year and will be included in future rounds of reporting. The identified local units may apply to the state Treasury Department for a waiver. In doing so, the local...

Governor Honors Thriving Food and Ag Industry in March

Posted by toddp | Mar 9, 2018 | Agriculture |

LANSING – Governor Rick Snyder has declared March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, to honor and celebrate the diversity and abundance provided by Michigan’s farmers and the state’s growing food and agriculture sector. The diversity of the food grown here, easy access to water, and the various microclimates created by our proximity to the Great Lakes make Michigan the ideal location for all facets of the food and agriculture chain. View the 2018 Michigan Food and Agriculture Month Proclamation here: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdard/Michigan_Food_and_Ag_Month_2018_615874_7.pdf “The food and agriculture sector is one of our state’s critical economic drivers, contributing more than $101 billion to the state’s economy each year,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “There is a tremendous opportunity for food and ag businesses to take a national leadership role in research and development, food processing, and exports from Michigan.” “Not only is March a great time to thank our farmers, it’s also a time to look at the industry’s abundant business and career opportunities,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director. “From technology-based careers to microbiologists to having your own food-based company, the possibilities are limitless. MDARD stands ready to help new and established companies grow right here in Michigan.” Throughout Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, MDARD will partner with Grand Traverse Pie Company, McDonald’s of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Farm Bureau, and others...

After Historic Floods, Schuette Warns Michigan Residents to be on the Lookout for Flood-Damaged Vehicles When Purchasing a Car

Posted by toddp | Mar 8, 2018 | Law & Legal |

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette cautioned Michigan drivers searching for a new vehicle to be on the lookout for flood damaged cars, trucks and SUVs. Flooding in many parts of the state over the last week has likely damaged vehicles, and many will end up on the used car market. Vehicles with flood damage can appear for sale on the internet or at car lots far away from the storm area, without any mention flood damage or obvious signs of damage. “It is important to do your research before making a car purchase, and I urge anyone looking into purchasing a used vehicle to take extra time in examining their potential new car,” said Schuette. “While most auto retailers would never sell a damaged vehicle, unfortunately there are still unscrupulous vendors who take advantage of hard-working individuals to make a buck.” Water can damage vital parts of a car including airbag sensors, brakes, and electrical systems —and the damage may not show up right away. Weeks or months could pass before evidence of damage is known, putting the purchase past warranty and leaving the driver without a working car. PROTECT YOURSELF BEFORE PURCHASING Have the vehicle inspected by an independent, competent automotive technician who has no relation to the seller. Since water damage can be hard to spot, paying an expert mechanic for an inspection is a...

Schuette Celebrates March is Reading Month

Posted by toddp | Mar 7, 2018 | Political Press Releases |

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today released the following statement recognizing the start of March is Reading Month and the importance of strong literacy for everyone: “Reading with my children when they were young was one of the activities we did that created our close bond as a family. Reading is the foundation children need to succeed. As we celebrate March is Reading Month, let’s highlight how important reading is while also showing children how fun it can be.” March is Reading Month is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that coincides with the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss on March 2. Schuette will continue this year as in years past to celebrate March is Reading Month by reading to elementary school students across the state. Bookmark It Hide...