Legislators to challenge Michigan redistricting in court
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus is expected to announce a lawsuit today challenging some of the new political boundaries drawn up and approved by the state Legislature and Governor.
From the Associated Press:
A press conference has been scheduled for Thursday at a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People office in Detroit. The lawsuit's primary emphasis will be state House districts, according to Democratic Rep. Thomas Stallworth III of Detroit. Democrats are upset that maps approved by the Republican-led Legislature and signed into law by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder would force incumbent state lawmakers from Detroit to run against each other in 2012. It was not clear late Wednesday how or if the suit might address districts representing Michigan in the U.S. House.
Proposal to limit abortion coverage moving forward
Laura Weber reports a Senate panel cleared a proposal to restrict access to health care coverage for abortion procedures.
It would require individuals or employers to pay higher premiums to include abortion coverage in their health care plans.
Critics say women do not plan an abortion, so the proposal effectively strips their coverage.
Weber reports "there is no plan in the Senate to approve the abortion insurance proposal before lawmakers begin a winter break next week."
Detroit Police union leaders step down as negotiations heat up
Just as leaders from the city of Detroit are demanding more concessions from city union workers, two leaders from the Detroit Police Officers Association have announced they're retiring.
From the Detroit Free Press:
The Detroit Police Officers Association is planning to replace its leadership after the top two officials stepped down abruptly Tuesday, shocking colleagues as Mayor Dave Bing steps up his demand that police accept 10% wage cuts. Union President Marty Bandemer and Vice President Cheryl Smith plan to retire officially at the end of the year after ending discussions with the Bing administration over concessions that police officers strongly oppose.