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NEW POLL OVERVIEW:<br />
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A new 11-bill package introduced in the Michigan House would allow using the state's </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>rainy day fund</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> for a lump sum payment to speed up the Detroit</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span>s exit from bankruptcy and reduce pension cuts for retirees.<br />
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The state would send $195 million to Detroit from the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>rainy day fund</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>. The bills would require pensions be moved to 401k retirement plans, oversight of city finances for at least 20 years.<br />
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House Speaker Jase Bolger stated that, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>The consequences of not acting now would not only negatively impact Detroit, but negatively impact all of Michigan,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> .<br />
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The bills calls for creation of a 7-member </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>oversight commission</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> that would&nbsp; monitor the city finances, budgets, debt issuance and revenues.<br />
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According the the bills sponsor the commission could operate for at least 20 years but go </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>dormant</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> during times of fiscal health.<br />
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The committee, which would have broad authority to approve contracts and collective bargaining agreements, would include appointees of the governor, treasurer, state budget director, legislative leaders and the mayor of Detroit -- but not members of the city council.<br />
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Additional legislation would prohibit Detroit from opting out of state cost-sharing requirements for healthcare premiums, cap retirement and health benefits for new city workers at the level of state employees and move the city from a defined benefit to a defined contribution 401k plan when recently-negotiated collective bargaining agreements expire.<br />
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The package would also codify pension </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>investment committees</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> outlined in Detroit's latest bankruptcy plan of adjustment, which creditors -- including retirees and bondholders -- will vote on during a period that begins next week and runs through early July.<br />
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The $195 million is less than Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span>s original proposal for $350 million over 20 years, but the smaller lump sum option was requested by city pension officials. The money would come out of the state Budget Stabilization Fund, which would be replenished through tobacco settlement revenues over the next two decades.<br />
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The state contribution would be coupled with $366 million pledged by philanthropic foundations and another $100 million from donors to the Detroit Institute of Arts.&nbsp; <br />
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In addition to minimizing pension cuts the plan would protect prized artwork at the Detroit Institute of Art from potential sale.<br />
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Another bill would prohibit the DIA from renewing an existing millage as the city transfers ownership to a private trust. Detroit</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span>s plan of adjustment requires preservation of the existing millage, according to House Republicans, but does not address renewals or extensions.<br />
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NEW POLL QUESTION:<br />
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Should Michigan pass a package of bills to bailout Detroit with oversight by a committee to guarantee their solvency?<br />
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Yes<br />
No<br />
Undecided<br />
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TO VOTE IN THIS POLL CLICK ON THIS LINK<br />
<a href="http://www.clinton-countygop.com/content/should-michigan-pass-package-bills-bailout-detroit-oversight-committee-guarantee-their-solve">http://www.clinton-countygop.com/content/should-michigan-pass-package-bills-bailout-detroit-oversight-committee-guarantee-their-solve</a><br />
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(To enter your comments click on </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>Add new comment</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> after you vote.)<br />
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PREVIOUS POLL QUESTION:<br />
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Should the minimum wage in Michigan be raised?<br />
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54% - No - do not raise the minimum wage.<br />
35% - Yes - raise the minimum wage from $7.40 to $8.15.<br />
8% - Yes - raise the minimum wage gradually from $7.40 to $10.10 by 2017.<br />
2% - Undecided<br />
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TWO COMMENTS WERE MADE ON THIS POLL:<br />
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COMMENT #1<br />
minimum wage<br />
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Minimum wage issue should be one for the states. There are vast differences in cost of living and one federal one is not reasonable. Also, any increase in minimum wage has to have an option to have a </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>training</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> wage and/or one for students (under 21 years old). This is the only way not to penalize people who need to learn and be trained. Businesses will NOT hire people that take their time and cost them money during training, probation. The government already provides Income tax </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span>income</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span></span> from low wage earners, so it is not necessary for those who are dependents and/or have not in the past had the education or training or skills to work in a specific field or area to have a higher wage from the start.<br />
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COMMENT #2<br />
Minimum Wage<br />
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From a free market economic point of view a minimum wage makes no sense at all. The problem is that Conservatives have never been able to make a case for opposing it without being painted as cruel and heartless. Republican candidates and office holders loose votes, including Republican votes, if they oppose it.<br />
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