22 replies to this topic

[Melissa34]

In case anyone needs their drivers license renewed or their license plates renewed anytime soon you may want to do it. October may be a difficult month for most state agencies to get anything done as a lot of "non essential" state employees may be on lay off. As of tonight the budget for this fiscal year has not been met which means things are up in the air as to what will happen come Oct. 1




SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today advised Michigan residents concerned about a possible Oct. 1 state government shutdown of the options for renewing driver's licenses or plate tabs early.

"Because of the state's uncertain budget situation, those needing Secretary of State services within the next couple of weeks may wish to act now and avoid possible delays," Land said. "There are a number of convenient service options. Just stop by a branch or skip the trip to a branch office altogether and renew tabs via the Internet, phone or mail. Or you can renew vehicle tabs instantly at Self-Service Stations in Secretary of State PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers across Michigan."

Online, Self-Service Station and touch-tone phone license plate renewal is available to those customers with a renewal notice that has a personal identification number (PIN). Self-Service Stations are ATM-style machines that feature simple touch-screen instructions and can dispense new license tabs within seconds. Customers simply scan the bar code on a renewal notice that has their correct name, address, vehicle information and PIN, and swipe any branded debit or credit card to pay their registration fees. (Many Self-Service Stations are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. See list below.)

[Arda]

Melissa; What is going on. I guess I've been doing too much running (of my mouth and the van) and am out to lunch. The state is broke? Fill me in.

[Melissa34]

The State is WAY broke. The budget hasn't been met. Nobody is agreeing on anything. If concessions are not met by Oct 1 basically the entire government is on shut down except those individuals that are necessary for the protection of the public safety, health and welfare.

One plan is to raise state income tax, raise sales tax AND give a minimum 20 days shut down (AKA Lay off) to non essential state workers which would be Secretary of State, Department of Human Resources, Child Protective Services, Many Department of Corrections employees, the list goes on and on.

Although...somehow I doubt that the senate, directors, and governors will find themselves in layoff.

[Melissa34]

This is the latest (09/25/07) Department of Corrections Newsletter that came out yesterday which is available on their website:

Dear Colleagues:
Today, Governor Granholm convened a meeting of department directors to discuss contingency
plans for a partial shutdown of state government in the event there is no agreement on a comprehensive
solution to the state’s budget crisis. Without a comprehensive solution that prevents massive
cuts to public safety, health care, and education, the Governor cannot support a continuation
budget.

The Michigan Constitution prohibits the payment of any money from the state treasury except as
authorized by a lawful appropriation that would be included in a budget. Authority to expend money
and operate state government programs ends Sunday, September 30, unless there is an approved
budget in place on Monday, October 1. If an approved budget is not in place, government
will shut down, and only those services deemed essential to protect imminent threats to public
health, safety, and welfare may be maintained on a voluntary or emergency basis.

I and the other state department directors are keenly aware of the uncertainty this budget crisis has
created for you who are on the front lines of state government. I want you to know that the Governor
is doing everything she can to avert a shutdown of any government service. Budget negotiations
are ongoing, and we will keep you informed of the situation throughout the week. Look for a
special edition F.Y.I. each day as information becomes available, and please be sure to share this
information with your co-workers who do not have email or internet access.
On behalf of the administration, I thank you for your support and understanding as we continue to
seek a solution that will fi nally put our fi scal house in order and allow Michigan to move forward.

Sincerely,
Patricia L. Caruso
Director, Michigan Department of Corrections

[Stacie]

Why doesn't she get rid of the permanent truck tags - we lose tons of $$ because the trucking companies don't have to renew their plates ever - oh, maybe because that benefits her husband!!! I am so sick of these gov. officials using us to fix their problems and I'm sorry if any of you work for the gov. but all of them should get laid off up to the gov. - let her lose some $$ and maybe she will see why everyone is moving out of Michigan!! She has driven this state to the ground and ruined so many people's lives and their businesses that I am so ready for a change. Not to mention our President is just as bad if not worse!

[Melissa34]

Just remember Stacie...as you hope for all of them to get laid off (which I neither agree or disagreeing with) that this lay off includes numerous departments. Please also remember that this would be a "lay off" of sorts. Not designed into which the employees would be allowed to draw unemployment but rather they would be forfeiting 20 days of pay in a 25 work day month. Hence - during the month of November - the "non essential" Government employees would recieve two paychecks for a total of 5 working days on them. Now, think about how that may or may not trickle down into Michigan economy. Every employee receiving basically no money during an entire month! The money will not be reimbursed through unemployment. Small business will suffer again because these employees will not be spending during November.

Below is a list of all Government Agencies on the Michigan.gov website


Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture promotes agricultural interests of the state and develops safeguards to protect the public from disease and unsanitary conditions in connection with food production and ...


Attorney General
The attorney general is the lawyer for the State of Michigan. When public legal matters arise, he renders opinions on matters of law, and provides legal counsel for the legislature and for each officer, ...


Civil Rights
The Department of Civil Rights, in implementing the mission of the commission, secures the full enjoyment of civil rights guaranteed by law and the constitution through the elimination of discrimination. ...


Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission has overall responsibility for regulating conditions of employment for classified civil service workers in all of the departments of the executive branch of state government.


Community Health
The Department of Community Health (MDCH) strives for a healthier Michigan. The functions of MDCH include development of state health policy and management of the state's publicly funded health service ...


Corrections
The Department of Corrections administers Michigan's adult prison, probation, and parole systems. The department has jurisdiction over all adults convicted of felonies who are sentenced to prison. ...


Education
The Department of Education, under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, carries out the policies of the State Board of Education. The Department implements federal and state ...


Environmental Quality
The department is dedicated to protecting human health and to preserving a healthy environment. The department will exemplify good environmental stewardship and affirm that a healthy environment is ...


History, Arts and Libraries
The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), created in 2001, works to enrich quality of life for Michigan residents and strengthen the economy by providing access to information, preserving and ...

> More
Human Services
The Department of Human Services directs the operations of public assistance and service programs, through county family independence agencies, in every county in Michigan. It administers assistance ...


Information Technology
The Department of Information Technology is responsible for the professional management of the state's technology resources. The department's nearly 1,800 employees lead efforts to create centralized p ...


Labor & Economic Growth
Governor Granholm created DLEG to promote job creation and economic growth in Michigan by centralizing and streamlining the state's job, workforce, and economic development functions under one department. ...


Management and Budget
The Department of Management and Budget is an interdepartmental service and management agency responsible for providing financial management, property management, capital facility development, procurement, ...


Military and Veterans Affairs
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also known as the state military establishment, has 3 primary missions: to execute the duties laid down by various statutes and the governor, administration ...


Natural Resources
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use, and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations, a role it has ...


Secretary of State
The Department of State is the oldest department of Michigan state government and is administered by the secretary of state. Elected to a 4-year term, the secretary of state is a member of the executive ...


State Police
The purpose of the department is to provide 24-hour statewide quality police service for the safety and protection of the people and their property in the state of Michigan. Its primary responsibilities ...


Transportation
The primary functions of the Department of Transportation are the construction, improvement, and maintenance of the state highway system -the 9,620 miles of interstate, U.S.- and M-numbered highways, ...


Treasury
Treasury exists to provide quality financial, tax, and administrative services. The state treasurer acts as principal advisor to the governor on tax and fiscal policy issues. The state treasurer is the ...

[Melissa34]

Message from the governors office today:

"Under a partial shutdown of state government, citizens can expect a variety of services to cease operation,
among them: state-licensed casino gaming in Detroit, sale of lottery tickets, distribution of packaged liquor,
state parks, and welcome centers. Already, the Secretary of State has signaled that branch offices around
the state will be closed, preventing citizens from renewing driver licenses, vehicle registrations and processing
vehicle titles in person due to office closings.
Without an agreement on Thursday, the state will begin to take steps on Friday to prepare for a partial government
shutdown on Monday."

So, for a non-government employee - does the state budget effect you? Do you have children in the public school system? If you do, do you realize that a certain percentage of all money earned at the Casino in Detroit goes directly into the budget for public education? If the state-licensed casino gaming in Detroit is layed off then the public school system will have less of a budget to work with. The proceeds from the vehicle registration and titles is spent on fixing our road systems. A percentage of the Lottery ticket sales goes into the public school systems. State Park admissions....where is that funding designated to go to?

This issue is much larger than the state employees themselves being laid off for any duration of time. If anyone does not see this as a "Michigan" problem that will affect everyone that lives in this state, then that is really unfortunate.

[bumpster]

state-licensed casino gaming in Detroit, sale of lottery tickets,

Let's see, casino licensed by the state, NOT run by the state, Lottery tickets sold by retailers, NOT by the state. Governor Granholm is the engineer driving the train and the wreck is happening now. It took her much less the five years to have us blown away. Just like the leaves in the empty parking lots of the abandoned factories. More taxes is not the answer. A lot less government is.

[Kennysmom]

This issue is much larger than the state employees themselves being laid off for any duration of time. If anyone does not see this as a "Michigan" problem that will affect everyone that lives in this state, then that is really unfortunate.

Why is it that the citizens can see this, but the ones that are making the decisions can't? Can she be impeached? Can a petition make a point that raising income taxes aren't going to help, but will hurt those of us that are already struggling? I don't get it. Why can Granholm say - hey....we 'the government' are just going to have to start paying towards our own insurance just like the rest of the state and then we can use that surplus to pay this budget.

Or, is she really just trying to get everyone to leave Michigan all together so that they can turn it into a garbage dump?

[Arda]

I don't understand why only the effected are seeing the mess. Seems like those in high places never look at their shoes. I went after dog food today. The malls and office complex's all the way have for sale; lease available; and rent signs up. Mile and mile of it. All the way up Telegraph. Malls with few cars in them. And construction everywhere on the highways. Very depressing. And so I worry. Kathye and I unloaded dog food and we feel grateful for the furkids winter stash. And we will continue to stash and pray the winter isn't too harsh. Predictors in the markets claim there will be 10 more years of this in our region. And we pray.

[Annie Moon]

My birthday is Nov. 5th. Last week I got my plate renewel papers in the mail.
Seems like it's awfully early.
I'm sending them out tomorrow, just in case...

I work for a Mental Health non profit, so my job is secure.
I worry about how people are going to make it thru the winter.
There are lots of forcloseures. Lots of houses for sale.... not selling.
Indirectly it effects our Shelter dogs, because no one can afford to adopt.
We had a dog left with a note that said " This is Doozie. He's a good dog.
Can't keep because Mom is homeless."
A sad state of affairs...

[Stacie]

We had a dog left with a note that said " This is Doozie. He's a good dog.
Can't keep because Mom is homeless."
A sad state of affairs..

I know that we need government and that we are fortunate to have it but, when it comes to our state I think we really need to do something about Granholm. I have personally met with her to discuss stem cell research issues for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and she is very fake. She assures you that she is behind you 100% when she really isn't. I have seen 10 houses out of 55 in my sub go up for sale - 3 were foreclosures - 1 was abandoned and a few sold for way under the asking price - needless to say, most of those people moved out of state! We are fortunate enough for my husband having a secure job but we def. feel the effects of our poor economy - we haven't had a contract in 5 years but our fire guys are making double of what my husband makes and they don't do nearly 1/2 of what my husband does. It infuriates me to see what Busch and Granholm have done to this state and country! I do think that layoffs in the gov. should happen but not the blue collar jobs - I think the gov. and senators etc. should take the time - they do get paid the most - how about giving up the new cars and as said previously - pay for insurance like the rest of us! And then to see the innocent people losing their homes and jobs and not being able to keep their families together - that kills me and I can only imagine how it must feel to have to give up your family pet because of it! I would have such a hard time with that! Ok - I'm done ranting and raving - our state of affairs just makes me so angry!

[Kiah's mom]

As someone who is facing a potential lay-off ( I work for the Department of Human Services- Child Protective Services) I can tell you that it is beyond stressful. All of the rumors we hear everyday are enough to make you crazy. I know for one, we as State Employees have already done our part to help with the budget problems. For over a year I worked for 80 hours during a pay period, but was only paid for 76--that money went directly towards the budget shortfall. We also had 5 manditory 'furlogh days' where we had to take the day off without pay. We have already had many of our 'state cars' taken away from us. That means we have to go into all of the neighborhoods most people avoid, in our own cars--this causes a huge safety issue; as our clients can get our license plate numbers, got to Sec. of State, pay $5 and know where we live!!

This issue is so far reaching and there a so many people who will be at significant risk of harm--all of the kids we see daily to investigate child abuse/neglect, all of the helpless adults who are involved in Adult Protective Services, or the people who have a shut off notice and are going to lose their power or water--I can only image!!!

So we wait---we wait to find out if we are to go to work Monday morning, if we will be paid on Thursday, if we can make our house payment or will be be in the same boat as our clients are!! Granholm may be the target, but we, the State Employees, are those who will suffer the consequences!!

[Stacie]

how about giving up the new cars and as said previously -
When I said this I meant for the higher end of our government - not the workers who actually do need to use gov. cars (i.e. - police, social workers...). I find it appalling when our Government officials drive high end cars on the tax payers dollar. And I don't think that the workers who do go out there and do the jobs that are meant to help others should be laid off - but there are workers who get paid good money for doing nothing that benefits us - why not them! I see our township officials talking about cuts here and there but not one of them is willing to take a cut - as a matter of fact they keep taking from the police department which has been under budget for years but keep giving to the fire department which is constantly over budget - not to mention that they have had 2 fires in the past 3 years and both the buildings burnt to the ground - one of them was maybe a mile from the station! Makes me wonder why they keep getting and are paid over a 100,000 a year when the police are making 1/2 that with no overtime offered and they work their behinds off! Oh, and the fire guys have unlimited overtime and sick days - so they call off sick - get paid for it and someone comes in and works a 24 hour shift (cooking and watching tv) while getting paid time and a half! Our Government officials everywhere need to take a step back and make cuts on themselves before taking it out on the people who work hard and have done more than their share to help reduce costs! I blame Granholm 100% for our economic state and I think she needs to find a way to fix it w/o cutting into our pockets and yours!

[brownsmom]

[quote name='bumpster' post='52935' date='Sep 26 2007, 06:43 PM']Let's see, casino licensed by the state, NOT run by the state, Lottery tickets sold by retailers, NOT by the state. Governor Granholm is the engineer driving the train and the wreck is happening now. It took her much less the five years to have us blown away. quote]
Maybe it is because Engler blew up the tracks before he left.

[Melissa34]

A personal opinion of mine... I believe that fireman, like the police - are true heros. You can not place a price on those individuals that put their life at risk in the line of duty. Unfortunately so many people look at what they do on a "routine" day when there are no fires to put out or nothing more than routine traffic stops and easily judge them and say that they are Paid too much. What about those days when they are risking life and limb climbing through burning homes that are crumbling apart at the seams or implementing high speed traffic chases through crowded streets. THAT is why those individuals receive what they do...for the "what if's" in life. I COMMEND THEM!!!

I for one, would not want their job but am very thankful for those that do it on a daily basis.

[Kennysmom]

As someone who is facing a potential lay-off ( I work for the Department of Human Services- Child Protective Services) I can tell you that it is beyond stressful.

IMO your job or any of the positions that deal with the children should NEVER even be touched. I'm not saying that because I want to back peddle my last post, but to clarify my comments. There should NEVER be a budget cut involving anything with children. They cannot help themselves, they can't up and move when things get tough, they need 'us' to help them, feed them, make sure they are safe. SO, that fact that your position is even at risk is beyond asinine.

Back to my general ranting - WHO paid for the meetings in Mackinac Island and The Grand Hotel. Who paid for the food and drinks. THOSE are the 'state workers' that are causing me grief. They are the ones that refuse to open their wallets and sacrifice their top dollar wages and free insurance. Why do they need such extravagant meetings? You mean to tell me, there is no place in Lansing that could accomodate everyone? If that's the case, then should it really be our state capital?

And how stupid is it that the S.O.S. office is going to have lag time? How can 'Jenny' put in place all of those fees and penaltys for not getting your renewals in time or any of that....if she is then going to make it even harder for us to get our tags. Like a lot of us, I live paycheck to paycheck....and when my tags are due in February......I will have to wait up until almost the DAY OF to get my tags because I'm one of the lucky ones that can get my tax refund just in time for renewal.

Ok, I'm off my soap box.


EDIT: I agree with Melissa - Firemen and Policemen do not get paid NEARLY enough for what they do. Gee and they wonder why crime is on the rise......BECAUSE THERE AREN"T ANY OFFICERS TO PATROL ANYMORE!!!

Edited by Kennysmom, 27 September 2007 - 10:34 AM.

[doberpagegirl]

Why doesn't she get rid of the permanent truck tags - we lose tons of $$ because the trucking companies don't have to renew their plates ever

Stacie,
I called my mom to make sure I got this right. My parents own a trucking company. My mom paid $300 for her "permanent" plate for one semi. The plate is only good for five years. So they do have to renew their plates.

[Melissa34]

In summary: As of 1 a.m. this morning: nothing has been met, there is no guarantee that a government shutdown will not occur and there is no guarantee that state employees will not only be placed on the lay off but also will not be issued paychecks this next week for time that they worked 3 and 4 weeks ago. The legislature is meeting again at 1 p.m. today to try to resolve the budget. State income tax increases and state sales tax are on the table along with major cuts. Hang on to your hats everyone!


September 28, 2007

By CHRIS CHRISTOFF

FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF

LANSING -- Despite hours of negotiations and a looming state government shutdown, the House and Senate were unable to reach a compromise on the 2007-08 budget, although leaders continued discussions into the early morning of Friday.

The two chambers adjourned at 1 a.m. Friday and were scheduled to come back into session at 1 p.m. Friday.

Even though there was no agreement on how to fix a $1.75 billion budget deficit, lawmakers said that wasn't a sign that no deal could be reached.

"It's not a bad sign. Nobody is throwing up their hands. Everybody is still talking and trying to pin down the final details," said Sen. Ron Jelinek, R-Three Oaks.

But state Rep. Andy Meisner, D-Ferndale, said he's frustrated at the lack of progress as an Oct. 1 deadline approaches.

"I think they're working, but not with the sort of urgency that is needed," he said.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, said even if a deal was in the works, it would take hours to draft bills to vote on.

Schauer said he believes the final deal will include an income tax increase and a sales tax on some services.

"We've absolutely got to get it done today," he said early Friday morning.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm told anxious television viewers hours earlier that she and key legislators were "on the verge" of a breakthrough to resolve the eight-month-long stalemate. She urged a bipartisan agreement.

Legislative leaders continued what were described as earnest discussions to raise the state income tax, expand the sales tax to some services and come up with perhaps $400 million in spending cuts.

Services that could face the state's 6% sales tax include country and yacht club dues, dry cleaning and cable or satellite television services.

"Progress is being made," announced Senate Majority Floor Leader Alan Cropsey, R-Dewitt, as the Senate recessed indefinitely shortly after 11 p.m.

Both the House and Senate stood at the ready should an agreement unfold and they be asked to vote.

Leaders also continued to negotiate long-term spending reforms to trim the soaring costs of school employee health care and pensions and to limit welfare benefits.

State Budget Director Bob Emerson said early this morning that, even if a deal is reached before midnight Sunday, the state would have difficulty paying some bills and other obligations next week, the first week of the new fiscal year. He said it would take a few days to reprogram state computers to reflect new budget figures.

In her five-minute television statement, Granholm chided -- but not by name -- some Republican leaders for demanding unreasonable cuts to state services.

But she gave no indication she would compromise on her previous position that solving the $1.75-billion deficit can't include more than $300 million in cuts.

The Senate's top Republican went on television immediately after the governor and criticized her for using the threat of a shutdown to unduly pressure lawmakers and frighten the public.

"Take the threat of government shutdown off the table," Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop urged.

Worried lawmakers, lobbyists and state workers took some measure of hope that a deal might yet be struck.

Granholm's and Bishop's televised remarks underscored a continuing dispute whether the state has authority to keep any services running without a budget legally enacted and whether a temporary budget would help the Legislature agree on a budget, having failed to do so for eight months.

Discussions Thursday centered on raising the state income tax to between 4.3% and 4.6% and extending the sales tax to some services as a partial solution to the state's $1.75-billion deficit, lawmakers close to the negotiations said. Also under discussion was the size of spending cuts.

A stern Granholm said a temporary budget extension was not acceptable unless it included new taxes to cover the growing deficit.

"All a continuation budget does is continue to spend money we don't have," Granholm said in her address.

She urged lawmakers to stay at the Capitol until an agreement is reached. "We need to put loyalty to Michigan above loyalty to party."

Bishop said Republicans were prepared to work the weekend for an agreement. "It won't be easy, but it will be a lot easier if we remove the threat and drama of government shutdown and focus on the job at hand."

Some key lawmakers believe, if a deal is reached to raise taxes and establish revenues for 2007-08, a continuation budget over the weekend could avoid a shutdown, though some state functions would be disrupted.

Immediately after the two TV appearances, a smiling Bishop joined House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, and Lt. Gov. John Cherry, Granholm's chief negotiator, in a private room.

With a new state fiscal year days away, Granholm made a rare last-minute TV appeal -- her first as governor involving a political issue -- saying she had ordered state departments to gear up for a shutdown Monday if no agreement was reached, though a deadline remained vague.

Administration officials had set midnight Thursday as a deadline for the Legislature to set a 2007-08 budget in order to avert a disruption in state services.

Granholm urged a compromise, but said she would not accept a deal that included large spending cuts affecting education, public health programs or public safety. "I will not accept a budget with massive cuts," she said, "so the possibility of a shutdown remains real."

Bishop said Granholm was using a shutdown as an unnecessary threat to frighten the public. He continued calling on her to sign a temporary budget extension of two weeks or 30 days to ease pressure on the Legislature.

Sen. Michael Switalski, D-Roseville, said he was relieved that Granholm and Bishop took only mild partisan shots. "They could have called each other every name in the book. That would have turned this into a partisan divide."

[Kimmi]

Why doesn't she get rid of the permanent truck tags - we lose tons of $$ because the trucking companies don't have to renew their plates ever

Stacie,
I called my mom to make sure I got this right. My parents own a trucking company. My mom paid $300 for her "permanent" plate for one semi. The plate is only good for five years. So they do have to renew their plates.

I have two travel trailers..I paid $200 on each for "permanent" plates. They never have to be renewed.