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Gov. Snyder Plans To Sign Emergency Manager Bill

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says he plans to sign a revised emergency manager bill that replaces a similar law rejected last month by voters.

The Republican governor told The Associated Press on Monday that he will review the legislation to ensure there are no significant changes and then sign it. The measure gives local governments several options, including accepting a manager, declaring bankruptcy, undergoing mediation and entering a consent decree as Detroit has done.

The legislation also includes a $770,000 appropriation to cover managers' salaries, a provision that would prevent a second defeat at the polls because spending bills are legally shielded from referendums.

Opponents of the legislation contended the measure was being rushed similar to the way right-to-work legislation reducing union strength sailed through the legislative process in recent days amid widespread protests at the Capitol. But supporters noted that the emergency manager bill was considered during a committee hearing this month.

Meanwhile, Detroit is undergoing a 30-day financial review by the state that's expected to be completed on or about Jan. 11.

The new emergency manager law won't take effect until late March. Snyder says certain decisions on Detroit's future will be made under an existing law that gives managers fewer powers.

State-appointed managers are currently in place in Benton Harbor, Ecorse, Flint, Pontiac and Allen Park, as well as in the Muskegon Heights, Highland Park and Detroit school districts.

(TM and © Copyright 201 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

 

 

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