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Pontiac Times

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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  • Local Government

    Kuhn, Tisdel Call for Expansion of FOIA Laws in Michigan

    State Reps. Tom Kuhn and Mark Tisdel are advocating for the expansion of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the governor's office and the Legislature, as reported on March 14, 2024.Kuhn and Tisdel, sponsors of a bill package aimed at broadening FOIA coverage, emphasized the need for increased government transparency. Kuhn highlighted the importance of the legislation, stating, "A resolution is nice, but how about you move some actual legislation? We have a detailed package of bills that will meaningfully improve the public’s access to information, and...

  • Local Government

    Rep. Steele Calls for Expanded Transparency in Michigan Government

    State Rep. Donni Steele, speaking in honor of Sunshine Week, emphasized the need for increased transparency in Michigan's government. Steele introduced a plan to expand the scope of Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to cover all state government activities. She expressed her concerns about the current state of affairs in Lansing, stating, “Too many well-meaning folks have been elected only to sell their souls and embrace the swamp culture. It needs to end. Passing our plan to expand the scope of FOIA would be the first step in lifting the clouds that has covered...

  • Local Government

    Sen. Webber Requests Data and Guidelines for Psychiatric Care Facility for Minors

    Sen. Michael Webber has requested patient weight change data and nutritional guidelines from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel and Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital Director Mary Clare Solky. The senator expressed concerns about children not receiving adequate food and losing weight under the state's care. In a letter to the directors, Sen. Webber stated, “Unfortunately, it continues to be more difficult than it should be to acquire acceptable data and answers to address this serious situation.”During a Senate subcommittee...

  • Local Government

    Bill to Rename Highway in Honor of Congressman Who Represented Defunct 19th District Approved by House

    The Michigan House of Representatives has approved a bill to rename a section of M-150 in Oakland County in honor of former U.S. Rep. William Broomfield, who served in Congress for 36 years. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Mark Tisdel, aims to rename a stretch of the highway as the “William S. Broomfield Memorial Highway.”Tisdel, speaking about Broomfield's legacy, stated, “Thirty-six years in Congress, 32 years as ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he was part of the SALT talks under Reagan – Broomfield was an instrumental player.” He highlighted...

  • Local Government

    Sen. Webber recognized for 100% small business support

    LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michael Webber was among a small group of lawmakers recognized by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) on Feb. 27 for their work to reduce tax burdens on small businesses, support for the redevelopment of brownfield sites, and opposition to measures that stifle relationships between employers and employees."In many ways, Michigan’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy," said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. "Everything we do in Lansing to support the growth of small businesses has a positive impact on the economic...

  • Local Government

    Rep. Steele: Hands off teacher pensions

    State Rep. Donni Steele is speaking out against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal to divert funds from the teacher pension system, a move that could jeopardize educators' retirement benefits. Steele, from Orion Township, criticized the plan, stating, "Those same teachers who work tirelessly to teach kids to live within their means now have to watch as their state government leverages their retirement accounts to fund unnecessary initiatives and programs."Steele highlighted the significant underfunding issue within the Michigan Public Schools Employees' Retirement System...

  • Local Government

    Rep. Steele to host local office hour

    State Rep. Donni Steele, R-Orion Township, will soon host a local office hour in Auburn Hills. The meeting will take place at the Auburn Hills Community Center on Tuesday, March 26, from 8 to 9 a.m. located at 3350 E. Seyburn Drive in Auburn Hills. "No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those who are unable to attend but would still like to share their thoughts with the representative may call her Lansing office at (517) 373-1771 or email [email protected]," said State Rep. Donni Steele.Steele represents the 100th District, which includes the city of...

  • Local Government

    Sen. Webber honors 100 years of Michigan Jaycees

    LANSING, Mich. — On Feb. 24, state Sen. Michael Webber presented Junior Chamber International (JCI) Michigan 99th President Carena Townsend and 100th President Michelle McGrann with Senate Resolution 97 and a legislative tribute honoring the organization’s 100th anniversary during its annual Year-End Celebration."Since 1924, JCI Michigan has an esteemed history of supporting and developing young leaders," said Webber, R-Rochester Hills."Today, hundreds of Jaycees serve their communities from the 25 local chapters that make up JCI Michigan," added Sen. Webber."The...

  • Local Government

    Sen. Webber to Host Local Office Hour in Troy on March 18

    State Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, has announced that he will be hosting a local office hour in Troy on March 18. The event is open to residents of the 9th Senate District, which includes the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, and Utica, along with parts of Oakland Township, Shelby Township, and Sterling Heights.Webber will be available to meet with constituents from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18, in Room 403 of the Troy Community Center, located at 3179 Livernois Road in Troy. No appointment is necessary to attend the office hour.For those who...

  • Local Government

    Sen. Webber appeals for consideration of FOIA clarifying legislation

    LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michael Webber on Thursday urged the Michigan Senate to take up his bill to clarify what and who is covered under the Freedom of Information Act as a case involving a Rochester Community Schools teacher continues to unfold in court."My bill would expand access to information to meet what the citizens already believe is covered under the current law. Parents have demanded accountability from their schools, and I am listening," said Webber, R-Rochester Hills."No parent should be denied access to what is being taught inside the classroom. We must...

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