Mackinac Policy Conference kicks off today
The annual Mackinac Policy Conference gets underway today on Mackinac Island. The conference is sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber and has been taking place since 1981. It's a place where policy makers, politicians, and business and thought leaders get together to discuss ideas and policies that could shape Michigan's future.
Conference organizers hope to "spur a comprehensive dialogue on innovation, collaboration and the 21st century global market" at this year's conference.
If you feel compelled to tweet about the event this week, the hashtag for the conference is #mpc12.
Michigan Governor Snyder will deliver welcoming comments today at 3:30 p.m.
Michigan Radio's Zoe Clark and MPRN's Rick Pluta will bring us updates from the conference. You can also watch online coverage of the event sponsored by Detroit Public Television.
Update on wildfires in the Upper Peninsula
The AP reports that the 3,400-acre Pine Creek North wildfire in Schoolcraft County is mostly contained:
Officials say some crews are leaving the area as mop-up operations continue. Firefighters on Tuesday planned to patrol the perimeter of the fire looking for hot spots. The wildfire was ignited by lightning and first reported on May 21.
However, the Duck Lake Fire continues to burn. More from CNN wire services:
The Duck Lake Fire has burned more than 22,000 acres and is still going despite recent rains, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported on its website.The state agency estimated Monday the blaze is about 51% contained, thanks to progress made by firefighters in maintaining a firm perimeter.
Moving up income tax cut called a "gimmick"
The Michigan House of Representatives will begin taking up plans today to move a planned income tax cut up by a few months.
The tax rate will drop from 4.35 percent to 4.25 percent next January. The Associated Press reports Michigan House Republicans want to start the tax cut in October 2012.
House Republican Speaker Jase Bolger wants to return $90 million from a budget surplus to taxpayers. The tax rate would drop from 4.35 percent to 4.25 percent. The Michigan League for Human Services says the move is an election-year gimmick. It says the money would be better spent offering preschool or dental care to low-income children. Democrats say tax changes passed last year by GOP lawmakers will require that individuals pay $1.4 billion more in taxes next year. They say the $90 million cut is insufficient.
