Michigan Report for Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Senate Report
House Report
Indigent Defense Bills Clear House Committee
Legislation aimed at improving Michigan's system of providing lawyers for indigent criminal defendants was unanimously reported from the House Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday.
Michigan's current system of indigent defense has been routinely condemned and was belittled at a gathering in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Gideon decision by a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Governor Rick Snyder named an Indigent Defense Attorney Commission which issued its findings nearly a year ago, and which served as the basis for the legislation.
Canvassers Approve Abortion Coverage Petition, Certify Wolf Hunt Referendum
Right to Life of Michigan will begin collecting signatures soon for an initiated law that would prohibit insurance companies from including abortion coverage, voters will get a now moot chance to vote on the state's first wolf hunt law and those submitting recall petitions will have a clearer process to follow under actions Wednesday of the Board of State Canvassers.

Rutledge Elected New Minority Floor Leader
House Democrats elected Rep. David Rutledge as their new House minority floor leader on Wednesday in response to current House Minority Floor Leader Rudy Hobbs leaving his post to run for Congress.
Lawsuit Accuses Banks Of Sexual Harassment, Cheating Mileage Reimbursement
Rep. Brian Banks' troubles continue to grow with the filing this week of a lawsuit from a former aide accusing him of sexual harassment and a news report in which the ex-aide says Mr. Banks had him do no work and manipulate the House's mileage reimbursement system.

Teacher Pay Bill Clears House Education
Legislation requiring school districts to base pay increases for teachers hired after the implementation of a new statewide performance evaluation system on those evaluations, not longevity, cleared the House Education Committee on Wednesday.
Also In Gongwer
More Headlines
News
'Tough to cut ... any more'; Grand Haven school officials and parents on Tuesday discussed the district's $3 million projected deficit for the next school year
Grand Haven Tribune, 5/22/2013
Lawsuit against Rep. Brian Banks alleges sexual harassment
WJBK-TV, 5/22/2013
Gov, GOP reach deal on surplus
Detroit News, 5/22/2013
IRS chief to take fifth at hearing
Associated Press, 5/22/2013
Competitor charges Mike Duggan violated residency rule in run for Detroit mayor
Detroit Free Press, 5/22/2013
Opinion
Jack Lessenberry: Is the system hopeless?
Metro Times, 5/22/2013
Labor Voices: GOP's agenda sells Michiganians short
Detroit News, 5/22/2013
John Gallagher: Remaking Detroit means not relying on the city government alone
Detroit Free Press, 5/22/2013
Editorial: Americans need protection online
Lansing State Journal, 5/22/2013
Phil Power: State leaders navigating a route to new dollars for roads
Bridge Magazine, 5/22/2013
Today’s Events
May-22-2013
House Tax Policy - 9:00 am
House Agriculture - 9:00 am
House Appropriations - 9:00 am
House Military and Veterans Affairs - 9:00 am
Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers - 9:00 am
Board of Medicine - 10:00 am
Senate Session - 10:00 am [Webcast]
Board of State Canvassers - 10:00 am
House Education - 10:30 am
House Commerce - 10:30 am
Special Coverage
- 2013-
14
Budget - Abortion
- Medicaid
Expansion


