Insider Intelligence

This week, a bipartisan coalition of House members introduced a package of legislation creating the Legislative Open Records Act (LORA).  The legislation would subject the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the legislature to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  “The package was introduced to coincide with Sunshine Week, which promotes public access to […]

This week, Governor Rick Snyder signed an extension of the sunset on the Health Insurance Claims Assessment (HICA).  First enacted in 2011, HICA is a tax paid on health claims and is used to support state match dollars for the Medicaid program.  This is the third extension to the tax.  As first enacted, HICA was […]

Last Friday, Governor Rick Snyder called for an immediate and full joint investigation of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) by the state’s Auditor General and the DHHS Inspector General, to be completed as soon as possible.  The investigation will look at the way the department handled public health issues related to […]

This week, Governor Rick Snyder signed an executive order creating the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission, something he called for in this year’s State of the State address.  The commission will identify long-term strategies to help ensure the state’s infrastructure remains safe and efficient.  Additionally, it will be responsible for identifying strategic best practices to modernize […]

This week, the Board of State Canvassers approved a petition seeking to recall Governor Rick Snyder due to his handling of the Flint water crisis.  A recall petition filed against Senator Jim Stamas (R-Midland) for his affirmative vote on the infrastructure funding package was also approved.  The board considered a third petition filed against Lt. […]

On Thursday, Governor Rick Snyder submitted an appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance denied under the original request for emergency.  The governor is requesting funding from the Category B program for emergency protective measures and the Individuals and Household Program, saying the response to the Flint water crisis requires a continued […]

This week, the 2015 Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Annual Report was presented to Governor Rick Snyder and the legislature.  It highlights the work undertaken by the commission and sets the stage for the continuing work moving forward.  The report highlights the efforts of the commission over the past year, including developing recommended legislative changes, developing […]

On Thursday, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reforms Committee announced two upcoming hearing dates related to the Flint water crisis.  On March 15 at 10 a.m., the committee will hear testimony from former Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Susan Hedman, and Virginia Tech researcher Marc Edwards.  Two days […]