Corrections Budget Stalled
With less than two weeks to go before the state legislature must balance the budget, it appears prison spending is getting in the way of a deal between Democrats and Republicans. Governor Granholm wants to save money in the corrections department by reducing the number of prisoners in the state and by closing prisons. Republicans, however, want to cut prison spending by lowering the costs of housing inmates. The state faces a more than $450 billion budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins October 1st.
More Repairs for Enbridge Pipelines
The Associated Press reports that more repairs may be required before Enbridge Energy can restart the pipeline that caused more than 800,000 gallons of oil to spill near Marshall, Michigan. Federal regulators sent a letter to the company that says they want, "dozens of pipeline anomalies fixed within 180 days of a restart." Regulators have not approved any plans so far that would let the company restart the line.
Courting Women Voters
Democratic candidate for Governor Virg Bernero and his running mate, Brenda Lawrence, spent yesterday courting the state's female voters. The two held a series of news conferences to announce the endorsement of Planned Parenthood. Lawrence said the endorsement shows that Democrats will better serve the needs of women. In recent polls, Republican candidate for Governor Rick Sndyer held a large lead over Bernero.
Flint Serial-Stabbing Suspect Faces New Charges
Elias Abuelazam, the man police say brutally attacked some 14 men in the Flint area, could face the rest of his life in prison. The Genesee County prosecutor filed an open murder charge against Abuelazam yesterday. He now faces one charge of murder and five counts of assault with intent to murder. Abuelazam is also a suspect in similar attacks that occurred in Virginia and Ohio.
