Right to Work
Governor Snyder renewed his opposition yesterday to Michigan lawmakers taking up a controversial right-to-work measure. Rick Pluta reports:
The governor says the issue would divide the state when it should be focused on an economic recovery. Snyder says the experience in other Midwestern states shows a fierce political fight could consume the Legislature’s attention and sideline other issues. Republican lawmakers are expected to roll out a measure soon that would outlaw mandatory union membership as a condition of employment. The governor is preparing to outline his priorities for 2012 in his second State of the State address to be delivered next week.
Detroit Financial Review
A state-appointed review team assessing the finances of Detroit met for the first time yesterday. “Most members of the panel say they are optimistic the city can avoid being taken over by an emergency manager,” Laura Weber reports. “The review team has about a month and a half to send a report of the city’s finances and a recommendation to Governor Snyder,” Weber explains. Emergency managers already run the Detroit Public schools as well as Flint, Pontiac, Ecorse and Benton Harbor.
Iran Detainee
Iran has confirmed that the country has sentenced an Iranian-American man to death. The Associated Press reports:
Iran accuses Amir Hekmati of bring a CIA spy. Hekmati was born in Arizona and grew up in the Flint, Mich., area. A U.S. official says Switzerland was informed of the sentence Tuesday - a day after it was reported in Iranian media. Switzerland acts as a go-between in such situations. It represents American interests in Iran because the U.S. and Iran have no diplomatic relations. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because sensitive discussions continue between Switzerland and Iran. The Obama administration says the charges against the 28-year-old ex-military translator are a complete fabrication.
