HIGHLAND PARK – Senator Bert Johnson, the Rev. D. Alexander Bullock and members of the Financial and Academic Reinvestment Commission today announced participation in the group's first public hearing by leaders of other communities under consideration for or already under the undemocratic rule of emergency managers.

HIGHLAND PARK – Today the Financial and Academic Reinvestment Commission (FARC), formed by a coalition of residents, educators and civic and faith leaders of the Highland Park community, announced the group's first public hearing for Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Ernest T. Ford Recreational Center (10 Pitkin, Highland Park, MI 48203).

Since the creation of the Financial and Academic Reinvestment Commission (FARC) on Monday, January 30th, we have held working meetings and numerous conversations with concerned stakeholders in the Highland Park community.

HIGHLAND PARK - At a press conference this morning, a coalition of Highland Park residents and civic leaders announced the formation of the Financial and Academic Reinvestment Commission (FARC), which will directly oppose Public Act 4, the emergency manager law, as it applies to Highland Park Community Schools.

LANSING - Following Governor Rick Snyder’s second State of the State Address tonight, Senator Bert Johnson (D-Detroit) noted striking similarities to last year’s speech, with several progressive-minded policies proposed; but after witnessing the legislative catastrophes of 2011, Johnson was much less optimistic that common-sense policies would be passed in 2012.

LANSING - Detroit Senators and the Michigan Senate Democrats unveiled the Michigan 2020 Plan today, a proposal that marks a significant investment in Michigan’s future by positioning our state as a leader in higher education and workforce development. Under the plan, Michigan high school graduates would be eligible to have tuition and associated costs paid for at one of Michigan’s community colleges or universities, creating a pact with our K-12 students that invests in their future as well as the future of our state by developing the highest educated workforce in the nation.

LANSING — Yesterday the state Senate passed Senate Resolution 104 to establish February 4th, 2012 as ‘Cancer Prevention Day’ in Michigan.

Reset button on mortgages, those underwater will now owe the current value, not purchased value...

DETROIT — Today State Senator Bert Johnson (D - Detroit) hosted State Sen. Tom Casperson (R - Escanaba) in Detroit and southeastern Michigan for a regional transit tour and conversation. Sen. Johnson is the lead sponsor of a three-bill package that would create a regional transit authority (RTA) in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and Sen. Casperson is one of the package’s sponsors.

LANSING — Senator Bert Johnson (D-Detroit) introduced Senate Bill 868 today which would provide much-needed relief to families still struggling with long-term unemployment. The bill would exempt unemployment insurance payments from being considered as taxable income under Michigan?s income tax.