State Roundup

Gaines Township
ACLU joins debate over size limits on  political signs

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan on Monday joined a farmer’s challenge of a local ordinance that limits the size of political signs to 20 square feet, instead of the 32 square feet allowed for commercial signs.
The ACLU filed a friend-of-the court brief in 63rd District Court in Kent County claiming that the Gaines Township ordinance is unconstitutional because it sets different standards for commercial and political speech, making it more difficult for people to advocate a political position.
“The right for Americans to express their political opinions has long been considered a cornerstone of American democracy,” said Miriam Aukerman, ACLU of Michigan staff attorney.
The farmer, Vern Verduin, was cited for violating the ordinance by attaching signs that exceeded the 20-square-foot limit to two trailers on his property near Grand Rapids. They read “Obama’s Mission Accomplished: 8% unemployment. 16 trillion debt.” and “Marxism/Socialism (equals) Poverty & Hunger.”
A hearing is scheduled Thursday.

Grand Rapids
Privatization at veterans’ home upheld by agency

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A state commission has rejected union appeals and upheld the privatization of about 150 nursing aide jobs at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans as part of a cost-cutting effort.
The Michigan Civil Service Commission heard two appeals from Michigan AFSCME Council 25 last month in Lansing. According to information released Monday, the commission upheld the decision to privatize the jobs, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The issue made it into the courts in 2011 as Republican Gov. Rick Snyder sought to privatize certain state services to save money.
Critics argued that the plan could harm residents. At the hearing, veterans and state workers testified that more than 600 veterans are endangered by low staffing levels and inadequate care. Contract workers are paid about $10 an hour, about half what the state workers were paid.
“It’s very unfortunate,” AFSCME attorney Richard Mack said. “If anybody is deserving of high-quality care, it’s people who have been injured on the battlefield fighting for our freedoms.”
Mack said he will consider an appeal to the Ingham County Circuit Court.
JoAnne Cripps, nursing director at the home run by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said the facility is going through a transition period but “we have basically the same level of care.”
The Civil Service Commission said it rules on privatization decisions based on whether a savings of at least 5 percent can be achieved. According to the case, state officials have shown savings will exceed 40 percent — or about $4 million a year — from privatizing the jobs.
The concerns raised by the union “may be entitled to review in ... other forums,” the opinion said.

East Lansing
MSU gets $24.5M grant to study sustainable food

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University researchers will get $24.5 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development as part of a long-term effort to help developing nations find sustainable and secure food sources, officials said.
The East Lansing school announced Monday that funding for the USAID’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Grain Legumes aims to increase productivity of smaller farmers and enhance diets of the poor in the U.S., Africa and Central America.
The Future Innovation Lab is led by Michigan State University and the funding extends a more than 30-year partnership with USAID on international research. The effort involves a number of researchers, agriculture research institutions and development organizations.
“Beans and related legumes are critical crops in developing countries,” said Irvin Widders, Michigan State University horticulture professor and director of the lab, said in a statement. “They are nutrient dense staple foods that help ensure household food and nutritional security.”
Key areas of study include genetics, plant breeding, soil health, integrated pest management, human nutrition and marketing.
“The lab will continue the incredible legacy of MSU’s commitment and scientific leadership,” Widders said. “We will tackle new changes resulting from population growth, climate change and persistent malnutrition, especially among young children and women around the world.”
The USAID renewed its support for the effort in part due to past efforts involving Michigan State University. In Central America, for example, the introduction of improved high-yielding bean varieties and the creation of community seed banks have boosted farmers.

Saginaw
City approves $7,500 settlement over sidewalk

SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — Saginaw City Council has approved a $7,500 lawsuit settlement with a woman who said she was hurt due to a poorly maintained sidewalk.
The Saginaw News reports the settlement agreement with Shirley Rice was approved Monday night.
Rice sued in Saginaw County Circuit Court, saying she was injured after tripping and falling on cracks in the sidewalk twice in 2010. Rice blamed on the city for failing to maintain the stretch of sidewalk and sought $25,000, but she’ll drop suit with the agreement.
Rice has filed several complaints in the past, saying weeds and other forms of blight are being ignored in Saginaw’s neighborhoods.

Lansing
State starts autism treatment Medicaid coverage

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Young children in Michigan with autism spectrum disorders are now able to receive treatment coverage through Medicaid.
The Michigan Department of Community Health announced Monday that children ages 18 months to 5 years can begin receiving coverage for applied behavior analysis services through Medicaid and MIChild programs.
Applied behavior analysis teaches skills by breaking them down into smaller skills so they are easier to learn. The Health Department says the treatment can improve behavior, communication and social skills especially during early childhood.
Since October, Michigan insurance companies have been required to provide coverage for autism services for children through the age of 18.
The department says within the first year the state expects to provide about 1,600 children with autism with applied behavior analysis services.n