opinion James M. Hohman Published 10:40 PM EST Nov 11, 2018 The state Legislature passed a paid sick leave initiative into law in September after supporters collected enough signatures to put their mandate on the ballot. As the law stands, it is an expensive and ineffective law that deserves to be repealed. Yes, expensive. A requirement that all employees in firms with over 10 employees get up to nine days of paid sick leave and employees in firms under 10 employees get five days of paid sick leave will cost companies $7.1 billion, based on workplace characteristics and average wage rates. Since the majority of employees in Michigan already receive some paid sick leave benefits, there will be a minimum of $2.3 billion of extra benefit costs imposed on employers. To put that in context, this leave mandate will cost business more than the state’s entire corporate income tax. While some employers are going to bear the extra costs, others are will pass them along to … [Read more...] about Opinion: Lawmakers should repeal paid sick leave mandate
Opinion
Opinion: Snyder governorship improved Michigan
opinion Keith Pretty, Timothy G. Nash, Rich Studley, Bob Thomas Published 10:51 PM EST Nov 10, 2018 The 48th governor of Michigan, Richard “Rick” Dale Snyder, is term-limited out and will complete his final year in office in January 2019. His time in office will to some degree be set in the rearview now, with the election of his successor just this week. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Robert and Janice McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Northwood University recently released the 2018 Michigan Economic Competitiveness Study. The study ranks Michigan relative to the other 49 states on multiple factors determining a states ability to compete in a complex global economy. The data illustrates the results for the Michigan economy since the late 1990s to date and also compares the state's relative performance from 2011 to now, under Snyder’s unlikely political leadership. Snyder is an accountant, MBA and … [Read more...] about Opinion: Snyder governorship improved Michigan
Opinion split as ‘hideous’ metal Christmas tree takes pride of place as Northern Ireland town breaks with festive tradition
Opinion split as 'hideous' metal Christmas tree takes pride of place as Northern Ireland town breaks with festive tradition BelfastTelegraph.co.uk It may still be early November, but a row has already broken out over a "hideous" new Christmas tree in Ballymena. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/opinion-split-as-hideous-metal-christmas-tree-takes-pride-of-place-as-northern-ireland-town-breaks-with-festive-tradition-37512675.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/article37512672.ece/13b92/AUTOCROP/h342/2018-11-10_new_45617893_I1.JPG Email It may still be early November, but a row has already broken out over a "hideous" new Christmas tree in Ballymena. The metallic tree has been erected in the town's 'Harmony Hub', the structure which replaced a bandstand in the town centre earlier this year. With the official Christmas lights switch-on due on Thursday, residents were quick to voice their views. Ulster Unionist councillor Stephen … [Read more...] about Opinion split as ‘hideous’ metal Christmas tree takes pride of place as Northern Ireland town breaks with festive tradition
Opinion: In its current format, children’s centre closure plans should NOT go ahead
PUBLISHED: 11:02 09 November 2018 | UPDATED: 11:02 09 November 2018 David Powles Families against the closure of children's centres, meet Stuart Dark, back third left, chairman of the children's services committee, and Tim Eyres, right, head of children's intergrated commissioning at County Hall. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY Archant This isn’t something I’m proud to admit to thousands of readers, but for the first time ever I took part in a council consultation this week. That’s pretty shocking really, given the impact local government decisions have on all of our lives but, until now, I guess there hasn’t been an issue I’ve either felt passionate enough about or that my opinion could make a difference.But the ongoing consultation over Norfolk County Council proposals to close up to 46 of Norfolk’s 53 children’s centres changed that and this week I logged onto their website to have my say.I’ve had several … [Read more...] about Opinion: In its current format, children’s centre closure plans should NOT go ahead
Opinion: Three of Trump’s biggest fables died Tuesday night
Greg Sargent, The Washington Post Published 7:07 am PST, Wednesday, November 7, 2018 President Donald Trump looks at his watch near the end of a campaign rally Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. President Donald Trump looks at his watch near the end of a campaign rally Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP 2018 midterm elections: A look around the country at what seats (and governorships) flipped parties. 2018 midterm elections: A look around the country at what seats (and governorships) flipped parties. Photo: Blend Images - Hill Street Studi/Getty Images ARIZONA, HOUSEDemocrat Ann Kirkpatrick wins southern Arizona's 2nd Congressional District seat held by Republicans for years ARIZONA, HOUSE Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick wins southern Arizona's 2nd Congressional District seat held by Republicans for years … [Read more...] about Opinion: Three of Trump’s biggest fables died Tuesday night