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In this morning's Michigan news headlines...

Morning News Roundup, Monday, April 16th, 2012
Brother O'Mara
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Morning News Roundup, Monday, April 16th, 2012

Rehashing the Tax Debate

Democrats at the state Capitol see political opportunity intomorrow’s tax-filing deadline, and they intend to use it to hammer Republicans on their overhaul last year of the state tax code. Rick Pluta reports:

Democrats believe the issue of taxes is a political winner for them this year. In Lansing, Democrats hope the tax question will turn the odds in their favor to win the nine or more additional seats they need to take control of the state House. Their message will target seniors paying taxes on pension income for the first time and people who take advantage of tax breaks and deductions that won’t be available when they file next year. At the same, Republicans cut taxes for many businesses. GOP leaders say the sweeping re-write was necessary to streamline and simplify Michigan’s taxes, and free up money for businesses to create jobs.

Romney Leads Obama in MI Campaign Donations

Federal Election Commission recordsshow Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney out-raised President Obama through the end of February, the Detroit Free Press reports. “Obama had raised about $1.6 million in Michigan. That's far more than Obama had raised in the state at this point four years ago, but still less than Romney's $2-million total… Obama and Romney each have one Michigan city that towers above all others for fund-raising power. For Obama, it's Ann Arbor, where his campaign has collected $243,603. At $450,691, Romney's sweet spot is Bloomfield Hills, where he grew up,” the Freep reports.

Amtrak Delays

Amtrak says there will be some train cancelations and delays for three days beginning today on the routes from Chicago to Port Huron and Pontiac, the Associated Press reports. “Amtrak says the service interruptions are necessary to allow track work. It says normal travel times should return by early May. The passenger rail service says certain trains will be canceled Monday through Wednesday, while slowdowns of up to 90 minutes will continue until the work is done,” the Associated Press reports.

Zoe Clark is Michigan Public's Political Director. In this role, Clark guides coverage of the state Capitol, elections, and policy debates.