No government shutdown, lawsuits top legislative news
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) said there will be no government shutdown because “there is no reason for it” in recent comments he made on WJR. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer suggested a continuation budget be prepared in case budget negotiations go beyond October 1–the start of the next fiscal year, but Leader Shirkey said legislative leaders are making “good progress on the budget and some creative ways to address roads.” Some members of the Michigan Legislature allege Attorney General Dana Nessel is trying to “usurp the lawmaking power of her office,” and they are asking to intervene in Enbridge’s lawsuit against her. Enbridge filed the lawsuit in June seeking to enforce its Line 5 Tunnel agreement with the state. Nessel has filed suit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, joining more than a dozen states charging a new rule denying green cards to legal immigrants who use public assistance, or might use it, is unconstitutional. Over a dozen Republicans have filed suit in U.S. District Court’s Western Division against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in an effort to stop the state’s new citizen redistricting commission and invalidate Proposal 2. A sales tax holiday is propoosed under legislation, HBs 4824 and 4825. If passed and signed into law, parents and teachers wouldn’t pay the 6 percent sales tax on back-to-school pens, glue sticks, clothing and computers under $1,000 on the third Saturday in August. Please click on the August 2019 Karoub Report for more details on these and other legislative issues.
MESSA offers wide range of affordable healthcare choices for MAP members
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Affordable quality healthcare is what most people are searching for given the rising costs of health insurance. MAP members now have a full range of options to choose from through a new agreement between the Union and Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA).
Underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Delta Dental, MESSA was originally established as a non-profit health plan or VEBA by the Michigan Education Association (MEA) for its members in 1960. As a 501©(9) Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA), MESSA is a tax-exempt trust used to pay for members’ medical services and administering those benefits.
MESSA’s VEBA status already makes their costs lower than competitors to start with. Add to that the savings of not paying agent commissions and it’s easy to understand how MAP members and their Employers can save money on healthcare.
“We are an ally in Michigan for Union employees. We will try to be as competitive as possible,” said Heather Scott, MESSA Field Representative. “We want to give you an accurate rate for the best insurance at the best price.”
Read more: MESSA offers wide range of affordable healthcare choices for MAP members
Road funding plans underway, pipelines closure sought, legislation to clear low-level marijuana crimes
The Michigan Legislature is on recess, but work continues to find at least $2 billion to address a road funding plan. House Republicans have moved a budget premised on the idea that the 6-cent sales tax stop being collected on gasoline and a penny-for-penny gas tax or excise tax be installed in its place to collect close to $1 billion in road revenue. That would amount to about a 15-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase. Another idea is a 30-year $10 billion bond that would prefund the teacher retirement system and free up $1 billon in the School Aid Fund being diverted from classrooms to pensions. Four alternative road funding bills that would increase the 6 percent Corporate Income Tax another 2.5 percent, raise the fees on heavy trucks, and make a pension income exempt from the income tax have been introduced by House Democrats. Still basking in its 2018 passage of the independent redistricting commission amendment to the state constitution, the grass roots group Voters Not Politicians (VNP) is mulling over running a ballot proposal in 2020 or 2022 that would either extend or eliminate term limits. Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) has introduced legislation (SB 416) that would automatically clear misdemeanors involving low-level marijuana use and distribution from Michiganders’ records. The measure would allow some 235,000 people to have those records automatically expunged without having to go through the courts. Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court seeking to close the controversial pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac. She also filed a motion to dismiss Enbridge’s Court of Claims suit that seeks enforcement of agreements made at the end of former Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration that allows the company to build a 4.5 mile, $500 million tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to rule on partisan gerrymandering opining the issue presents political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts. Two gun-related bills (HBs 4200 and 4201) have been introduced that would reduce the penalty for license holders who conceal and carry in “no-carry” zones. Click here for the July 2019 Karoub Report for more details on these and other legislative issues.
Shared Blessings: Sterling Heights Police help expand program to feed needy children
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
MAP Executive Board Vice President Mike Kunath, a Sterling Heights Police Officer, got to know Bob Maynard through his son’s high school baseball team. Maynard, a grandfather of one of the players and Kunath, a coach, later teamed up to help feed local children.
Maynard is fundraising chairperson for Blessings in a Backpack – Utica, a program that provides weekend meals for needy children at three Sterling Heights elementary schools throughout the school year. Every Friday children, who receive free breakfast and/or free lunch at school during the week and are signed up for Blessings in a Backpack through their schools, pick up their backpacks filled with six meals, which are easy for kids to prepare themselves.
“There might not be an adult who’s there to help prepare the meal,” Maynard said. “Everything that is done is coordinated so it can be prepared by a kid.”
When the weekend is over, they return their backpacks to school to be refilled by program volunteers. This 40-week program is made possible by corporate and community donations and volunteers.
“Mike came to me after hearing more about what we do. He basically said we’d like to be involved,” Maynard said. “He asked if we would consider adding Havel Elementary and that he would try to get us as much support as he could for it. (Officer) Bob Wojciechowski and Mike have worked very hard. Based on Mike and Bob’s input we added Havel. They’re funding comes up to roughly 25 percent of the money needed for that school.”
Sterling Heights Police Officers Association donates to the program throughout the school year. They are even planning to produce a police calendar to sell with proceeds going to Blessings in a Backpack.
“Our organization started in January 2018 to help feed students at Havel Elementary,” Kunath said. “We donated money for the second semester at Havel Elementary and we donated enough money for the school year for 2019. They made us the keynote marquee sponsor for Havel Elementary,” Kunath said.
“We could not do that third school without their assistance,” Maynard said. “They also have come to (backpack) packing. They’ve given us support through the bowling fundraiser - they show up. We’re going to have a run in Shelby River Bends Park in October. I’m confident that the Sterling Heights POA is going to support that event in some fashion. It’s not just writing out a check. It’s showing up and giving the human support that’s needed, and they do that.”
Read more: Shared Blessings: Sterling Heights Police help expand program to feed needy children
Scholars 2019
2019 Carl Parsell Scholarships awarded to law enforcement, medical field students
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Two college-bound students, who are planning careers in law enforcement and the medical field, were honored with $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarships during the 29th Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing on June 13, 2019 at Links of Novi.
Lily Campbell of Brownstown is pursuing her dream of helping others through medicine and Brennan Surman of White Lake is following in his parents’ footsteps in public safety. Their 2019 scholarships will help them accomplish those goals.
The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 to continue the legacy of Parsell, a law enforcement union movement pioneer, by improving the lives and futures of others, through education. Scholarships are awarded each year to Michigan family members of Michigan Association of Police (MAP), Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) and Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) union members.
In its 29th year, $125,500 in Carl Parsell Scholarships have been awarded to help students obtain a college education. Funds for the scholarships are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing.
Pre-pharmacy student fulfilling her dream of helping others with aid of Carl Parsell Scholarship
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Lily Campbell’s plan to pursue a medical career became a lot more focused after visiting Wayne State University. The Carl Parsell Scholar plans to use her $2,500 award to pursue a pre-pharmacy and health sciences degree.
“When I toured Wayne State, my leader was through the pharmacy program and it just sounds like me,” Campbell said. “I want to help people.”
The daughter of MAP member Jason Campbell, a Woodhaven Police Officer, and Melissa Campbell, was awarded the 2019-20 scholarship in June. She graduated Woodhaven High School with a 4.00 GPA and plans to eventually obtain a pharmacy degree in graduate school.
“(The Carl Parsell Scholarship) means a lot to me because pharmacy school and a bachelor’s degree are a lot of money,” Campbell said.
The Brownstown Township resident is off to a great start with scholarships, also receiving a $24,000 scholarship from Wayne State based on her grades and SAT score. Campbell balances her academics with athletics, community service, and work. This summer she’s working to earn money for college as a waitress and new hire trainer at Leo’s Coney Island and a cashier at Ulta Beauty, both in Woodhaven. She also babysits.
“I have participated in multiple school activities during my four years of high school,” Campbell wrote in her application. “I started in Track & Field as a freshman, but later focused on helping others after being inducted into the National Honor Society. I currently hold the rank of green belt in Jiu-Jitsu and sometimes assist in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to police officers.”
Her dad is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and instilled a love of martial arts in her from a young age. “She has practiced judo and Jiu-Jitsu since she was four years of age,” wrote Woodhaven Police Officer Brian Baker. “Starting in her teenage years, Lily began assisting in teaching Jiu-Jitsu to female police recruits, called Police Explorers. It appears that Lily brings as much commitment, patience and teaching ability to the Jiu-Jitsu mat as she does to the school classroom.”
As National Honor Society Treasurer, Campbell was involved in community service activities, including raking leaves for neighbors of Bates Elementary, and was a National Society of High School Scholars member. She served as a Howell Nature Center camp counselor for Bates Elementary fifth graders and tutored Bates Elementary and Woodhaven High School students. Campbell also wrapped Christmas gifts for families in need through Veterans of Foreign Wars in Monroe and helped package food for needy children through Kids Against Hunger.
Scholar plans to follow parents’ public service example
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Brennan Surman looks up to not only his parents, but his step-parents in the careers they’ve chosen to pursue for the benefit of society and he plans to use his $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship to make them proud.
“Growing up the eldest son of a 911 Dispatcher, a firefighter, stepson of a Police Officer and Emergency Trauma Nurse, I had a unique childhood,” Surman wrote in his scholarship application. “There were trying moments when my parents missed holidays and special events but overall my life in a law enforcement, community service-based family has been rewarding and full of pride.”
Surman of White Lake Township is the son of MAP member and Waterford Township 911 Dispatcher Ashley Zoltowski and Anthony Surman of Waterford. He will be attending Michigan State University studying Criminal Justice.
“Being awarded the Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship would greatly assist me and my parents in helping fund my education at Michigan State University (MSU), ultimately putting me one step closer to my dream of pursuing a career in law enforcement,” Surman wrote.
“I’m very honored and proud to receive it and I’ll do my duty with it,” Surman said. “After graduation, I look forward to continuing to serve my community just as my parents have.”
Surman graduated Lakeland High School with a 4.17 GPA and was awarded a $1,000 MSU Competitive Scholarship. The National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society member received awards for Perfect Attendance three years in a row, Academic Excellence all four years, DECA Award of Excellence, was Delegate at Michigan DECA’s State Career Development Conference and was on Homecoming Court.
On the high school Baseball Team four years, he was Freshman Co-Captain and earned a Scholar Athlete Award and Block L Baseball Leadership Award for being one of seven leaders on the Varsity Team, who helped manage 70 players. He also received the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Academic All-District Award, a Tommy Award for hardest working player on the team, and Junior Varsity and Varsity awards.
He was a LINK Crew mentor for freshman high school students for two years. As a Lakeland Student Leadership member, he organized student activities such as Homecoming, assisting with Milford Memories Community Fair fundraisers and Holiday Hope for Kids. The Junior Optimists International Club member helped with the float for Milford Memories Parade. He participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk at Lakeland High School and was Teen Ambassador for American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure 2015. He also participated in fundraisers for Oxbow Elementary School.
Surman worked three different places during high school and is earning money for college this summer working at Brentwood Golf Course in White Lake Township as a Cart Boy.
Karoub Associates named top-tier firm, fetal heartbeat bill introduced, auto insurance reform signed into law
Karoub Associates was distinguished as a top-tier firm in the Capital Insiders Survey. Every two years, MIRS News and EPIC-MRA commission a survey of capital insiders, which include lobbyists, lawmakers, legislative staff, department directors, and various others who actively participate in the legislative process in Lansing. With 520 respondents to this year’s survey, Karoub Associates came in second for most-effective multi-client lobbying firm with 15 percent of the vote, up from 4 percent in 2017. Fetal heartbeat bills were introduced in the Senate last week. Performing an abortion when the heartbeat of a fetus can be detected would be outlawed under Senate Bills 357 and 358. With House and Senate GOP leadership at her side, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Senate Bill 1 that brings about changes in the state’s “no-fault” auto insurance law. Pending criminal charges against eight charged in the Flint water crisis have been dismissed as the Attorney General’s Office expands the investigation. The decision was based on the Attorney General's Office identifying “…additional individuals of interest and new information.” Charges can be brought against the individuals again if necessary. A highlight of the $57.7 billion House FIscal Year 2020 budget is the Republican proposal to phase out the sales tax paid on gasoline and replace it with a higher gas tax. Drivers would see no net increase in what they pay at the pump. Despite expressing “significant reservations,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law legislation (SBs 106 and 155) that prohibits teenagers 17 and under from possessing e-cigarettes and levies a $100 fine against vendors the first time they sell “vaping” products to the under-aged. Click here for the June 2019 Karoub Report for more information on these and other legislative issues.
29th Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing
Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing - June 13, 2019 at Links of Novi.
Click here for more information on event.
Kettering University Campus Safety Officers
CONTRACT
“Immediately upon ratification, they shall receive a wage increase of 50 cents an hour for the whole unit. After Jan. 1, 2021, the base rates went up 30 cents an hour for new hires,” said MAP Labor Relations Specialist Jim Steffes. “There’s a reduction in how long it takes to get on the merit system. It used to be 30 months. Everybody over 6 months is eligible for a merit raise every year. Paul Vaughn, the (Local Union) President, is going to oversee the scheduling of Overtime so its equalized as best as possible according to the language we got added. Vacation, Sick and Personal time will be counted as hours worked so you can reach your 40 hours sooner for Overtime pay. We have increases for shift premiums and we also got language added that shift premiums will be included in all Overtime calculations. They used to receive 8 hours of Additional Floating Holiday Pay, now they’re getting 16. It’s two days extra pay, and it gives them that pay right before the Christmas holiday,” and Steffes said, “If you have leftover Vacation days, you can cash them out.”
Contract Duration: 3-1/2-year agreement ratified March 19, 2019 and effective March 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2022.
Wage Increases:
.50 increase effective March 1, 2019 for all Employees.
Increase based on Merit System effective Jan. 1, 2020 for all Employees.
Increase based on Merit System effective Jan. 1, 2021 for eligible Employees.
Increase based on Merit System effective Jan. 1, 2022 for eligible Employees.
$.30 increase for New Hires base pay effective Jan. 1, 2021.
$.25 increase for New Hires upon completion of probation.
$.20 increase for New Hires at 1 year of service.
$.30 increase for New Hires at 2 years of service.
Dems propose slashing insurance premiums, Right to Life launches petition drive, civil asset forfeiture law signed
After Gov, Gretchen Whitmer threatened to veto separate bills recently passed by House and Senate Republicans to reform the state’s no-fault auto insurance, House Democrats rolled out their own plan that would mandate an across-the-board cut of at least 40 percent in total premiums paid by Michigan drivers; Right to Life of Michigan has filed paperwork with the Department of Secretary of State to launch a petition drive in an effort to bypass Gov. Whitmer’s promise to veto legislation to ban dilation and evacuation abortions; Gov. Whitmer signed into law bipartisan legislation, SB 2, HB 4001, and HB 4002, forcing law enforcement to return confiscated goods to suspected drug dealers and others who were never convicted of a crime; Attorneys for Michigan Republican lawmakers have filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court to suspend the April 25 judgment of a federal court panel ordering the state legislature to redraw legislative and congressional districts in Michigan by Aug. 1. Under the ruling, if that date is missed, the court will draw the new maps; The Department of Treasury is balking at lending support to the eight bill online betting legislation pending in the House because of fears it would negatively impact the state’s i-Lottery, thus costing the State School Aid Fund (SAF) revenue. For more information about these and other legislative issues, click here for the May 2019 Karoub Report.
Area departments mourn loss of longtime K9 handler, MAP Labor Relations Specialist Rich Heins
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Several area police departments were represented by their Officers and K9s during a May 6 memorial service honoring Sterling Heights Police K9 Officer Rich Heins, who passed away after developing serious infections.
Heins began working full-time as a MAP Labor Relations Specialist after vacating his longtime MAP Executive Board President seat due to his March retirement from Sterling Heights PD. He died April 28, 2019 at the age of 54, following six weeks in intensive care at Henry Ford Hospital.
Over 300 memorial attendees passed underneath a large American flag poised atop fire truck ladders at the entrance to Heins Field inside Baumgartner Park in Sterling Heights, where the service was held. The field was named in Heins' honor in late 2018 for his many years training K9s there. During his nearly 30-year career with Sterling Heights, Heins helped start the K9 program, becoming a handler in 1996 and K9 Trainer in 1998.
Honor Guard members presented his family with a large wreath, folded flag and performed a 21-gun salute. Speakers included family, friends and co-workers like MAP Executive Board Vice President Mike Kunath. Kunath took over Heins position as Sterling Heights Police Officers Association President, a position Heins held for 23 years.
MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner spoke about Heins’ numerous fine qualities as a parent, a Police Officer and as a Union Representative at the luncheon that followed. “He was respected by all on both sides of the bargaining table,” Timpner said.
Heins leaves behind two sons, Josh, 25, a Marine Corps Sergeant currently assigned to Paris Island, South Carolina and Jacob, 23, a student in the accelerated nursing program at Madonna University, completing his post-graduate studies.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are being accepted for the Richard C. Heins Memorial K9 Fund, 1433 Lochridge, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. 48302 or by going to any branch of PNC Bank and asking to make a deposit to the Richard C. Heins Memorial K9 Fund. Funds will be used for Sterling Heights K9 Unit training needs and care of K9s on the force or retired. For more information, call the city of Sterling Heights at (586) 446-2489.
Court of Appeals remands FOIA request in officer involved deadly shooting back to lower court
The Michigan Court of Appeals recently made an interesting ruling on a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for police reports regarding an officer involved deadly shooting.
In the case of Tom Rotta v. City of Manistee, the Court upheld in part a trial court decision to not disclose the reports based on an ongoing Michigan State Police investigation. However, the trial court refused to privately review the police reports in question to determine whether all the documents met the requirements to be exempt from FOIA.
Therefore, the Court of Appeals remanded the case back to the trial court to make a decision after privately reviewing the disputed documents.
Click here for the full Court of Appeals decision in Tom Rotta v. City of Manistee.
Heins passing a tremendous loss for MAP, Sterling Heights and K9 community
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Michigan Association of Police (MAP) suffered a tremendous loss April 28 with the passing of former longtime MAP Executive Board President Rich Heins, who just began working as a MAP Labor Relations Specialist.
Heins had just retired from Sterling Heights Police Department in March when serious infections set in following multiple foot and ankle surgeries. After six weeks in intensive care at Henry Ford Hospital, he succumbed to the infections at the age of 54 surrounded by his loved ones.
“He was a very fine professional Police Officer who was unselfish of his time and talents and he would help with whatever he could to improve the lives of law enforcement officers and their families,” said MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner.
Heins broke his left foot and ankle during a K-9 training exercise in September 2017. He took a year off police work and went through many surgeries. Heins returned to light duty for a short time in 2018, but doctors recommended yet another surgery in early 2019. Suffering with pain and swelling, he decided to retire from police work.
Heins suddenly fell ill in mid-March and was admitted to the hospital. As his health deteriorated, doctors put him into a medically-induced coma. Sadly, he never regained consciousness.
“The nurses were so nice to him in intensive care. To cheer him up they would show him pictures of his dogs,” Timpner said. “But Chase (Heins recently retired K9) has been really missing him. He actually moves furniture around the house.”
So, when doctors realized Heins would be passing soon, the nurses wanted Chase by his side. “Henry Ford Hospital staff put a call out to the family to bring the dog down,” Timpner said. “Unfortunately, Sterling Heights Police sent a K9 Officer to pick Chase up, but before they could get down there he passed away. But I thought, ‘What a class move.’”
Read more: Heins passing a tremendous loss for MAP, Sterling Heights and K9 community
