Michigan Report Top Stories

Volume #49, Report #48--Friday, March 12, 2010

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NEWSMAKER FRIDAY: DISTRICT SAYS FOUR DAY WEEK SAVES, IMPROVES LEARNING

In the face of almost certain drastic cuts to education funding, one tiny, rural school district in Montmorency County made a proactive decision this winter to lower its costs any way it could, which included trimming a school day. But while the four-day week started as a cost saving measure for Atlanta Community Schools, officials quickly realized the intangible benefits of giving students longer class times and Fridays off far outnumbered the estimated $50,000 a year the district could save, said Superintendent and Principal Teresa Stauffer.

READING, MOST MATH SCORES UP ON M.E.AP.

A growing proportion of Michigan students are proficient in reading and mathematics, according to scores on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests released Friday.

A.F.L.-C.I.O ENDORSES BERNERO FOR DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION

The largest coalition of unions in Michigan has endorsed Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero for the Democratic nomination for governor, saying he was the candidate who best represented traditional Democratic values.

TEA PARTY MOVEMENT GETTING ITS SEA LEGS

The Tea Party movement is comprised of more than 50 different groups across Michigan, has no leadership hierarchy and isn't interested in endorsing any gubernatorial candidates and that's exactly how Common Sense In Government President Wendy Day wants to keep it.

SWITALSKI TAKES OVER AS HOUSE DEM CAMPAIGN CHAIR

The House Democratic Caucus recently went through another shakeup in its campaign structure as Rep. Tim Melton stepped down as chair and has been replaced by freshman Rep. Jon Switalski.

HOUSE COULD BE FIRST TO TAKE UP GRANHOLM RETIREMENT PACKAGE

While Governor Jennifer Granholm couldn't get a Democrat to sponsor her worker retirement package, it looks like the Democratically-controlled House could be the first to take up the bills.

MICH. FIFTH IN FORECLOSURES FOR FEBRUARY

More than 20,025 properties in Michigan received some type of foreclosure filing in February, ranking the state fifth in terms of activity, according to RealtyTrac.

C.M.H. OFFICIALS BLAST SENATE BUDGET

A proposed Department of Community Health 2010-11 budget that would cut $54 million from community mental health would put the state on the "brink of eliminating a comprehensive system of mental health care," CMH supporters said.