Daily Briefs

Michigan Treasury overhauling several old software systems


LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Department of Treasury is working on a massive overhaul of several decades-old software systems, including a program that collects electronically filed individual tax returns and checks them for errors.

The Lansing State Journal reports that officials say the multi-year, multimillion-dollar initiative to upgrade the systems is necessary because they’re becoming increasingly outmoded.

Scott Lonberger, the department’s director of tax processing, says the systems run well, but if there’s a problem they’re difficult to fix.

The department already has upgraded some of its biggest programs, including the ones that oversee sales and use taxes and the corporate income and business taxes. The department recently took on the income tax collection for Detroit, so that was put onto the upgraded system.

 

President Obama shortens sentences of 4 men in drug crimes
 

DETROIT (AP) — President Barack Obama has shortened the federal prison sentences of four people from Michigan convicted of drug crimes.

The cases were among 214 commutations announced Wednesday by the Obama administration.

William Freeman’s 40-year sentence will expire on Dec. 1. The Detroit man has been in prison since 1990.

Samuel Grooms of Clinton Township got a life sentence in 2005. It has been cut to 20 years. Vince King’s life sentence from 1996 will expire on Dec. 1 after 20 years.

John Tolliver of Holly was given a 20-year prison in 2005. It also will expire on Dec. 1.

 

AG Schuette says  charities have no right to solicit on roads


SEBEWAING, Mich. (AP) — Attorney General Bill Schuette says Michigan communities can bar charities and nonprofit groups from collecting money from drivers on public roads.

Sen. Phil Pavlov requested an opinion after Sebewaing, a village in Huron County, said it would stop groups from collecting money.

Schuette says state law clearly states that people are prohibited from soliciting money, especially if it interferes with traffic. He says there’s no law that expressly authorizes it.

Schuette says local governments have a “significant ... interest in preserving the orderly flow of traffic and pedestrian safety.”

 

WCCDBA Golf Outing – Best-Ball Scramble
 

Join the Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association for an afternoon of golf with dinner following. The event will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, August 26 at Warren Valley Golf Club, 26116 West Warren in Dearborn Heights. A $75 fee includes nine holes, cart and dinner; $30 for dinner only. Shotgun start for golf is at 2 p.m., followed by dinner at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Wyatt Harris at (313) 549-7659 or harris5489@gmail.com.
 

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