Gary Austin
Automakers Could Face Additional Government Regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency could be given more authority to regulate materials automakers use when building and painting cars and trucks. Congressional lawmakers are reviewing proposed legislation now that would clear the way for the government agency to have additional oversight...
Michigan Utility Provides Additional Help
Consumers Energy is allocating more funds to help the needy pay their utility bills this winter. A number of statewide non-profits are getting the grant money directly from the power company and they include: The Heat and Warmth Fund, The Salvation Army and True North Community Services...
More Seniors Opt to Keep on Working
A new study finds more than ever are deciding to wait longer before retiring. The research was done by CareerBuilder and it found the reasons were wide and varied. Over 400 full time workers over 60 years old were questioned and 58% said they plan to keep on working...
State Readies to Spend More on Winter Maintenance
Lawmakers in the Michigan House are looking over a spending plan that would allocate more money to help localities that are trying to deal with the exorbitant price tag of clearing and maintaining roads this winter season. Many cities, townships and villages are now using money that was supposed to go for summer projects...
Today a Long Time Michigan Congressman Announces Re-election Bid
Michigan Democrat U.S. Representative John Conyers is running for re-election in the 13th District. It covers Detroit and parts of Wayne County. He was first elected in 1964. Before that he was on Michigan U.S. Representative John Dingell's staff...
Today M.S.U. Construction Project Gets Much Needed Funding
Everything is right on track for Michigan State University to start constructing the Facility For Rare Isotopes Beams building next month. Today the state approved a funding package worth nearly $100 million.
The F.R.I.B. facility is so specialized and high tech it will take nearly six years to complete...
This Winter is Setting All Sorts of Records
Not only has the winter of 2013-2014 been much colder than usual the amount of snowfall is way up as well. On average temperatures are about 35% lower and it's snowed about twice as much. As a result MDOT has had to nearly double its use of road salt...
Legislators to Consider Changing State Gun Regulations
Michigan law now says there are a number of places where guns are not allowed. For example it's illegal to have one in a sports facility, in a church or a school. But now state lawmakers are looking over legislation that would make it legal for those who have been domestic violence and abuse victims to be able to carry them in zones now considered gun free...
Michigan’s and America’s Longest Serving Congressman to Retire
Michigan Democrat U.S. Representative John Dingell's long career in Congress will soon come to an end. It's being reported he will not run for re-election. He's been in Congress since 1955 and no one has had the job any longer than he has. He's now 87 years old and has served 29 terms representing southeastern Michigan...
Encouraging Students Not To Leave the State
Efforts are ongoing to help entice college students to stay in Michigan. A new state policy is now in place that will let those who are taking automotive technology classes at community colleges to more easily transfer from one school to another and still keep their course credits they already have...