LANSING – With unanimous approval from the state House of Representatives and Senate, legislation to protect Michigan veterans who use service dogs is on its way to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk. The legislation is part of a bipartisan, bicameral package introduced in April that would protect Michigan veterans who use service dogs to better manage the effects of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Current state law does not protect veterans who use service dogs. Three of the bills would expand current statute to include … [Read more...] about Veterans service dogs legislation headed to governor’s desk
Lansing
Contest deadline nears for Red Wings star reading to classroom
LANSING — The deadline to have Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader read to an elementary school classroom is Feb. 1. The Michigan Education Savings Program is sponsoring the Red Wings for Reading contest, which encourages all kindergarten through fifth-grade students attending a Michigan elementary school to enter by reading three books selected by Abdelkader, or by having a parent or teacher read the books to them. Abdelkader, who played collegiately at Michigan State University, selected “Time to Sleep” by Denise … [Read more...] about Contest deadline nears for Red Wings star reading to classroom
Darany re-appointed to committees
LANSING – State Rep. George Darany (D-Dearborn) was re-appointed to two House committees for the 2013-14 legislation session: Health Policy, and Military and Veterans Affairs. Darany also will serve as the minority vice chairman for the House Health Policy Committee. “The health and well-being of Michigan’s citizens is of utmost important to me, and I am committed to ensuring that the polices enacted in our state reflect this priority,” Darany said. “It was truly an honor to be appointed as the minority vice chairman of the House … [Read more...] about Darany re-appointed to committees
Hunter autism insurance coverage bill signed into law
LANSING — Lt. Gov. Brian Calley April 18 signed into law legislation to provide insurance coverage for autism treatment for more than 15,000 Michigan families including state Sen. Tupac A. Hunter’s (D-Detroit) bill, Senate Bill 415. Calley also signed Senate Bill 414, sponsored by Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville), and Senate Bill 981, sponsored by Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), making Michigan the 30th state in the country to secure insurance coverage for autism treatment. “Today is a momentous day for the more than 15,000 … [Read more...] about Hunter autism insurance coverage bill signed into law
Sen. Hunter sworn in for second term
Sen. Tupac Hunter (right) takes the oath of office administered by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. in the Senate chamber Jan. 12. Sen. Tupac Hunter (second from left) is joined at his second swearing-in Jan. 12 by Jim Nagy (left) of Dearborn Heights and Herbert Wright of Detroit. Nagy and Wright are constituents of Hunter’s and were his guests at the Senate swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol. LANSING — State Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) was sworn in for his second term representing the 5th … [Read more...] about Sen. Hunter sworn in for second term
Granholm reverses own sentence commutation
By CHRIS JACKETT Times-Herald Newspapers LANSING – Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Dec. 22 commuted the sentence of a local man convicted of first-degree murder in 1988, but reversed her decision two days later after hearing from the victim’s family. Matthew Makowski, 43, of Lincoln Park, nearly got his first taste of freedom in more than two decades, but the reversal kept him behind bars as he continues to serve his life-without-parole sentence in prison. Makowski was jailed after setting up the robbery of a friend 22 years ago … [Read more...] about Granholm reverses own sentence commutation
Satisfaction rating tops for 3rd year
LANSING — Auto-Owners Insurance was ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the third consecutive year by J.D. Power and Associates. Karcher Agency Inc. in Dearborn is a local independent Auto-Owners Insurance agency. The insurance company ranked highest in providing a satisfying claims experience, and scored 902 in the 1,000-point scale J.D. Power uses for the study. The company attributes its success to the involvement of the independent agency system in the claims process. “Auto-Owners Insurance is appreciative … [Read more...] about Satisfaction rating tops for 3rd year