March | 2014 | | The U.P.'s Political Press and News

Kivela Press Release

Posted by toddp | Mar 31, 2014 | Political Press Releases |

For more information please visit my website. Office Address S1488 House Office Building Mailing Address P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Phone: 517-373-0498 Fax: 517-373-9366 Toll-free 1-888-429-1377 E-mail Dear Neighbors, Welcome to my e-newsletter! As your state representative, one of my objectives is to keep you updated on issues at the state Capitol and in our community. A lot has happened since my last e-newsletter that will have a direct impact on the Upper Peninsula, and I have been working really hard to establish good relationships with my colleagues on the floor, along with every department of state government. If at any point you have a question, please feel free to contact my office and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also visit my website at www.kivela.housedems.com to find up-to-date information and news on my work in Lansing. I hope you find my e-newsletters useful and informative. In this Edition: Crisis in the U.P. Legislative Update Marquette County Water Safety Task Force in Lansing Contact Me Crisis in the U.P. Recently, I presented a bipartisan letter to Gov. Rick Snyder requesting that he declare a state of emergency for frozen water lines. With historic cold temperatures, many communities are struggling to maintain necessary services despite the utilization of mandated “let water run” orders, private contractors to assist in thawing water mains and the...

Gov. Snyder remarks on retirement of U.S. Rep. Dave Camp

Posted by toddp | Mar 31, 2014 | Governor |

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today issued the following statement after U.S. Rep. Dave Camp announced his decision to not seek reelection and retire from Congress. “I have long admired Dave Camp’s tireless dedication to reforming taxes and restoring fiscal responsibility, and under his leadership as chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he has helped guide our country’s economic, health and social policies. “Dave Camp is truly a man of the people, and his commitment to his constituents and to customer service has helped make him one of the most respected members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation for more than 20 years. “Residents throughout mid and northern Michigan have come to know and trust Dave Camp for more than two decades, and our state is going to miss his steady leadership in Washington, D.C. On behalf of our entire state, I thank Dave Camp for his service and I wish him and his family nothing but the best for the future.” Bookmark It Hide...

Best Of Show Today on In The Right Mind with Dan Adamini

Posted by toddp | Mar 29, 2014 | Other News |

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Center for Rural Affairs: Western Elected Officials call for Balanced Public Land Use

Posted by toddp | Mar 28, 2014 | Political Press Releases |

Lyons, NE – Today, a delegation of western elected officials brought their call for balancing energy development with other important uses of federal public lands to the U.S. Department of Interior in Washington, DC. They presented Department officials with a letter, addressed to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and signed by 75 state legislators and county commissioners from seven states. The letter implores Secretary Jewell to restore balance to the use and management of public lands and equalise the priority given to recreation, conservation, wildlife habitat and responsible livestock grazing as compared to that given to exploration of fossil fuels. The delegation pressing the case for balance with Interior Department officials – Commissioner John Olivas, Mora County, NM; Rep. Donna Pence, Gooding, ID; Rep. Bridget Smith, Wolf Point, MT; and Rep. Nate Cote, Organ, NM – have participated in meetings with Representatives, Senators and Administration Officials over the last three days focusing on the public lands issues delineated in the letter to Secretary Jewell. To view or download a copy of the letter go to: http://www.cfra.org/www.cfra.org/balanced-use-of-public-lands-letter “My constituents and I share a great concern for a balanced use of public land because our economic survival and the quality of our lives hang in this balance,” said Representative Bridget Smith of Wolf Point, Montana. “Montana offers much to humanity in way of sheer beauty, recreation and peace of mind. Valuing our...

Rep. Dianda Proposes Bill to Increase Available Road Funds

Posted by toddp | Mar 28, 2014 | Transportation |

Legislation would provide early retirement for MDOT employees LANSING – State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) proposed House Bill 5443 this week, legislation that would provide an early retirement package to Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) employees for the purposes of trimming the ranks at MDOT and applying those budgeted funds to road surfaces. “As a legislator, it is my job to ensure state agencies are spending taxpayer dollars wisely,” Dianda said. “As we look toward putting together a road funding package, we need to look at our current expenditures and how we can adjust those to make sure that we have the funds we need to fix and maintain our roads. Creating a leaner, meaner MDOT through an early retirement could help us do that.” More specifically, the bill would: provide for a “70 and out” retirement, adding age plus years of service; add a 1.75 multiplier to the employee’s final average compensation; eliminate age restrictions on retirement; and allow MDOT employees to purchase up to five years to get to 70. “This bill will help Michigan taxpayers save money,” said Dianda. “With those savings, we can work toward improving our roads and show that we are committed to major structural changes for the betterment and efficiency of MDOT operations.” Bookmark It Hide...