Insider Intelligence

This week, Governor Rick Snyder signed into law bills providing flexible financing plans for local governments working to conserve energy.  The financing agreement is known as the Tax Exempt Lease Purchase.  It allows for a lease-purchase agreement, under specific conditions, among the mechanisms a local unit uses to achieve energy conservation.  The partnerships can be […]

On Wednesday, Governor Rick Snyder welcomed a delegation of senior Chinese government officials, as both sides signed six memorandums of understanding designed to boost two-way direct investment, one of which was a sister state agreement between Michigan and Guangdong Province.  In addition, they established the Michigan-Shenzhen Trade, Investment, and Innovation Cooperation Center. In March, the […]

On Monday, Governor Rick Snyder announced that Craig Ruff will rejoin the executive team on an interim basis as a special advisor on educaiton.  He will focus on issues such as the 21st Century Education Commission, Detroit Public Schools restructuring, and talent development.  Mr. Ruff previously served in the role until his retirement in 2015.  His appointment […]

On Tuesday, Governor Rick Snyder announced several senior staff changes within the executive office.  Elizabeth Clement, currently the governor’s deputy chief of staff and cabinet secretary, will become chief legal counsel.  Mike Zimmer director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), will become the governor’s cabinet director, responsible for coordinating efforts with department […]

The House and Senate passed a concurrent resolution approving Governor Rick Snyder’s request to extend the emergency declaration for the City of Flint and Genesee County through August 14.  The extension coincides with the federal emergency declaration extension and enables federal, state, and local partners to continue coordinated efforts.

On Monday, Governor Rick Snyder signed an Executive Order creating the 21st Century Education Commission, something which he announced in January’s State of the State address.  The commission will be responsible for analyzing top performing education systems nationwide, identifying issues impacting Michigan’s academic success, and recommending changes to restructure the state’s education system.  The commission […]

On Tuesday, Governor Rick Snyder signed a supplemental funding bill appropriating $48.7 million to Detroit Public Schools (DPS).  The additional funds will ensure DPS has enough money to remain open through the end of the current school year.  Without the additional appropriation, DPS only had enough funds to remain open for a couple of weeks.  […]

On Monday, Governor Rick Snyder released his seventy five point action plan for the City of Flint.  The proposal focuses on improving public health, repairing infrastructure, supporting educational services, and creating more and better jobs.  Several departments within state government are working together to implement the plan, including the Department of Education, the Department of […]