Report: State Budget Cuts Impact Birth Statistics
A new report from the Michigan League for Human Services says cuts to the state budget are negatively affecting pregnancy in Michigan. As reporter Laura Weber explains, "over the past eight years, budget cuts to Maternal and Children's Health Services was cut from more than $20 million a year to about $3.5 million." The report shows a disproportionate percentage of low birth weight and teen pregnancy among African American and Hispanic women in poorer communities.
Revenue Windfall
The state is set to get more than $200 million than previously expected in increased tax revenue. Yesterday, Governor Granholm said she thinks part of the money should be used to restore funding for the Pure Michigan tourism campaign. It would take about $25 million to pay for the advertisements. The governor says the state gets back as much as $5 in economic activity for every dollar spent on the Pure Michigan ads.
Palin Endorses Michigan campaign
Sarah Palin, former Republican Vice Presidential nominee, has endorsed a candidate running for election in Michigan's 1st Congressional District. In a Facebook post on Monday, Palin says, Tea Party favorite Dan Benishek is a, "common sense" voice. Republican Benishek is running against Democratic state Representative Gary McDowell. The 1st District includes the Upper Peninsula and the northeastern Lower Peninsula.
