GM announces cuts, changes

Here we go again: round infinity-billion of US auto makers crying about tough times and how it is sooo hard for them to have to let people go to return to profitabilty, but it must be done.  To be quite honest, I believe a lot of people in Michigan have had it with all the talk and the whining.  Yes, it’s true the Bush Administration doesn’t care about the auto industry and the entire state is suffering because of this, but the auto manufacturers based in Michigan have to start at least partially blaming themselves for being so wrapped up in big profit, low fuel efficient vehicles.  Now their employees are paying the price.

From CNN.com:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — General Motors Corp. said Tuesday it will suspend its dividend, sell off $4 billion to $7 billion worth of assets and cut 20% worth of salaried cash costs in an overall plan to save billions of dollars.

“We need to take some very tough actions to ensure our survival and success,” said Chief Executive Rick Wagoner, in a press conference, referring to the current market conditions as an “unprecedentedly difficult time.”

…

Trash washes up on Lake Michigan Beaches

Check out this disturbing article from the AP:

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — Hundreds of pounds of garbage have washed onto a 10-mile stretch of Lake Michigan beaches in Manistee and Mason counties.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the source of the garbage, which includes medical waste such as prescription drug bottles and even needles.

…

In Manistee, officials closed a beach where some junk piles were up to eight inches high before crews began hauling it away by the truckload. Authorities have warned people not to touch or swim near the trash.

Especially considering that we just approved the Great Lakes Compact, people should be outraged that someone would just throw this disgusting stuff into our beautiful lakes.  The article mentioned that some of the medical supplies had indicators and names of people living in Wisconsin.  If thats true, let’s invade Wisconsin!!  (I’m just joking of course, we’ve got better things to do)

Reform Michigan NOW Proposal hits snag

A controversial ballot proposal which would reform much of the state government (see this previous post for more information) appeared to hit a legal snag today when it cited a portion of the Michigan Constitution which does not exist and is not established under the proposal. 

From the Detroit News:

The mistake in the ballot proposal petition is contained in a section that prescribes how a new director of state elections would be selected. It calls for procedures “as provided for in Article II, Section 11″ of the Michigan Constitution.

The problem is there is no Section 11 in either the current constitution or the proposed ballot amendment.

According to the article this type of legality stopped a previous proposal in 2002 and I am sure Republicans will jump at the chance to challenge this small error; the MI GOP has already said they will challenge the proposal.  The mistake is most likely a result of writing the proposal too quickly and not having the wording reviewed prior to circulating the petition.  The backers of the proposal have led the campaign in secrecy (one of the top reasons I am voting AGAINST the measure) and that may eventually be the downfall of the proposal.

I’ll do my best to keep you all updated on its fate.

DCCC puts aside money for MI-7 and MI-9

The AP reports:

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats have reserved millions of dollars worth of television advertising in 31 congressional races in all corners of the country, according to documentation that provides an early roadmap of the party’s drive to strengthen its majority in the fall elections.

The list includes 19 seats currently in Republican hands, from Connecticut to Alaska, with two each in Ohio and New Mexico. It also reflects a determination on the part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to protect its own first-term incumbents in Kansas, New Hampshire, Florida and elsewhere.

In all, the documentation obtained by The Associated Press shows the DCCC has reserved nearly $35 million in advertising to begin in September and October.

It is exciting to note that two of these races are in MIchigan, both attemtping to oust Bush-Republicans.  In Michigan’s 7th district Mark Schauer, the current state senate minority leader, will challenge Tim Wahlberg, a first term ultra-conservative congressman who ousted a moderate republican in the 2006 primaries. 

In Michigan’s ninth district, Gary Peters is attempting to oust Joe Knollenberg.

It sure is nice to see the DCCC really pushing the limits this year and targeting resources in competitive races in Michigan.  I sure would be nice to see a Democratic-led Michigan delegation.

Race for MI-1: The ‘Lumberjack’

I used to live in Marquette, which is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michgan and is in the first congressional district.  The area is currently represented by Bart Stupak (D) and I think he does a nice jb of balancing democratic values with a rather conservative political climate in the district – although I strongly disagree with his stance pro-life stance.

On the Republican side, he has three potential challengers:  Tom Casperson (current state legislator), Linda Goldthorpe (lawyer) and Don Hooper (crazyman).  I can confidently say that I expect Casperson to be the nominee after the August 5th primary because he has the name recognition, ‘experience’ and the establishment support; he already seems to be running his campaign as though he is in the general election.

And I sure do have some insight and thoughts to share on Mr. Casperson.

Bigger Paycheck?

For many people in the state of Michigan, July 2nd passed without a second thought.  But for over 300,000 people, July 2nd meant a bigger paycheck.  The Michigan Minimum wage increased from $7.15 to $7.40 because of a bill passed in 2006 which phased in a three-tiered wage hike.  It is also believed that over 450,000 workers recieved some sort of pay boost even though they were already above the minimum wage.

In short, this means that a person working a full-time job at minimum wage, has gone from making $10,712 a year to $15,392 per year.  They did this within a two year time span.  While we should certainly be applauding this movement towards a more fair wage (but not necessarily good enough yet), it still hurts to know that it is not even enough to break the 2008 federal poverty definition for 2008:

         2008 HHS Poverty Guidelines

Persons in Family or Household	48 Contiguous States and D.C.	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$10,400	$13,000	$11,960
2	14,000	17,500	16,100
3	17,600	22,000	20,240
4	21,200	26,500	24,380
5	24,800	31,000	28,520
6	28,400	35,500	32,660
7	32,000	40,000	36,800
8	35,600	44,500	40,940
For each additional person, add	3,600	4,500	4,140

SOURCE:  Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 15, January 23, 2008, pp. 3971–3972

So thank you very much for the pay increase, but we seriously need to look at adjusting it for inflation (like the state of Washington) or requiring a vote every year on it or something of the sort.  I’m open for ideas here people. 

Michigan Decreasing Energy Costs

It’s nice to see our state government putting their money where their mouth is.  Those of you who know me, know that I am a huge fan of Governor Granholm.  But I am always even more proud when something actually gets done!

From the AP:

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Governor Jennifer Granholm says Michigan’s government is using 18 percent less energy than it was five years ago.

The state saved $21 million last fiscal year through energy-saving measures such as installing special lighting. The state spends about $101 million a year on energy.

Granholm announced the savings in Saginaw Thursday.

Saginaw has a state office building that soon will freeze and store water at night to use in cooling the building during the day.

I did a little digging and discovered that the state is doing quite a bit to cut down on energy costs.  Aside from the basic such as keeping lighting/heating/cooling to a minimum from 8pm to 6am each night and over the weekend to the above technique of freezing water at night to use for cooling.

Term Limits – Part 1: Defense

In 1992, Michigan voters approved term limits for state elected officials.  The governor, state senators, attorney general and Secretary of State can serve two 4 year terms; State house members may serve three 2 year terms.  I for one strongly oppose term limits, and the evidence seems to be stacking up against them. 

But in response to a Detroit News article about high turnover in the State House (you can see it here), I’ve decided to look a little closer into term limits and try to help some of my nonpolitical friends understand the argument better.  I’m sharing that information on here for all of you as well!

But before I get too far, I should admit there are certainly arguments for and against term limits in this state, mostly revolving around special interests and career politicians and each argument deserves a close look.  I’ll start with a defense.

McCain plans $400M campaign despite Public Financing

Wow.  $400 million is A LOT of money, but that is how much McCain’s campaign manager says the campaing is budgeting for during the election (both primary and general).  This is not all his own money, obviously, especially since McCain has chosen to keep his promise to accept public financing.  The plan looks as follows:

The McCain campaign expects to benefit from the Republican National Committee’s widening fundraising edge over the Democratic National Committee. The party committees are allowed to coordinate spending with their presidential nominees, as well as make independent, uncoordinated expenditures.

At the end of May, the RNC had more than ten times as much money in the bank as the DNC — $40.6 million to $4.4 million. June financial reports are due with the Federal Election Commission on July 20.

Both parties also have formed joint fundraising accounts with their candidates. Davis said the McCain Victory 2008 committee had $67.8 million in the bank at the end of June. Combined with McCain’s own war chest, the Arizona senator now has about $94.5 million as he prepares to enter the general election. (Full article)

With Obama opting out of public financing, there has been a lot of debate about the system and whether it works or not.

Hillary’s Legacy

Well, this may not exactly be her legacy overall, but I figured I would make the title somewhat interesting.  Today, the Clinton campaign sent out e-mails to supporters asking for help in retiring campaign debt accrued during the bitterly-fought primary.  Being a Hillary fan myself, I figured I would pass the message along. 

What is also interesting is that you can get a t-shirt if you donate $50 or more.  The e-mail says:

I know you’re as proud as I am of everything we achieved and I hope I can count on you to work with me on the issues that brought us together. By helping us pay down the debt from one of the hardest-fought races in Democratic primary history, you’re making a real difference today for all our future efforts.

Plus, if you contribute $50, you’ll get one of our winning t-shirts. It’s a great statement

I was behind Hillary all the way, and I’m debating whether I should get one or not.  Anyway, just figured I’d share this with you all, just in case you have a little extra money lying around or whatnot.   You can go to go here to contribute.