Financial review begins today for Detroit
State auditors will start to comb over Detroit's financial books today.
State Treasurer Andy Dillon announced the state review last Friday. He said the "preliminary financial review" does not necessarily mean the state will appoint an emergency manager for the city. A state-appointed emergency manager could strip power from Detroit city council and the mayor. The EM could also void union contracts under state law.
The pressure is on for city leaders to get concessions from labor unions:
From the Detroit Free Press:
With time running out and hopes pinned on deep concessions from labor unions, Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown said the city soon must enter into a consent agreement, a pact between the state and city that would authorize the council and Mayor Dave Bing to make sweeping budget cuts and eventually impose a contract on labor unions.
Governor Snyder will sign anti-bullying legislation today
The anti-bullying bill that passed the legislature gives school districts six months to develop anti-bullying policies. From the Grand Rapids Press:
“The Governor is pleased that both chambers and aisles came together and are sending him a strong and comprehensive anti-bullying bill that's the right thing for Michigan's students, schools and communities,” spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said last week after the Senate voted 34-2 to approve a measure that originated in the House. “He believes it's more than time for Michigan to provide a safe environment for all students and to join all the other states with laws on the books. And that bullying at any time, under any circumstances, is wrong-- period.”
Pontiac firefighters protest planned closings
Firefighters from Pontiac are expected to picket today to protest cuts to their department. From the Detroit Free Press:
Pontiac firefighters are picketing outside Waterford Township’s town hall and fire department today in opposition to a proposal to shutter the Pontiac Fire Department and contract services with Waterford Township. A portion of Pontiac’s 57 firefighters are expected to walk a picket line through 7 p.m. today, said firefighter and paramedic Kenneth Estell, trustee with Pontiac Firefighters Union Local 376.