MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS — “Forward” Who: Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs — Pro-Proposal 3 group What: TV ad Truth Squad call: Technical foul Questionable statement: “Michigan is falling behind in the clean energy race. Thirty other states have already passed measures similar to Proposal 3.” The forward ad cites a July 6, 2012, Crain’s Detroit […]
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad says 'no foul' on Stabenow ad touting auto votes
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Companies like Mine” Who: Stabenow for Senate What: TV and Web ad Truth Squad call: No foul Questionable statement: “At American Expedition Vehicles we have over 500 employees and their jobs are in jeopardy due to counterfeit parts coming out of China.” American Expedition Vehicles is a Livonia-based company that […]
Posted inMichigan Government
No-change claim from pro-Prop 2 ad doesn't stand up; Truth Squad calls foul
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYIS: “Protect” Who: Protect Our Jobs What: Internet ad, “Protect” Truth Squad call: Foul The “Protect” ad comes from Protect Our Jobs, a ballot committee with support from union interests and Democratic elected officials, among others that is pushing Proposal 2, a constitutional amendment on collective bargaining rights. As of a July […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad blows whistle on both sides' ads
Proposal 3, one of six measures on the statewide ballot on Nov. 6, seeks to install in the Michigan Constitution a requirement for the use of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Michigan currently has a state law that mandates a 10 percent “renewable portfolio standard” by 2015. Under Proposal […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Guard knows danger lurks inside prison walls, but still loves his job
Five weeks into his new job as a corrections officer at a state prison, Robert McGaffigan received a horrific lesson on the dangers of the work. Tammy Sperle was a civilian worker who operated the prison store at what was then the Huron Valley Men’s Facility when an inmate angry about losing his job there […]
Posted inMichigan Government
House narrows, approves ‘4 strikes’ bill on felons
Concerns about prison costs this year have not deterred the Legislature’s appetite to tweak Michigan sentencing rules. Last week, the House, following the Senate, approved a version of a “four strikes” bill designed to put violent offenders behind bars for a minimum sentence of 25 years. Senate Bill 1109 passed the House last week on […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad calls flagrant foul on new round of bridge ads
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Why People Are Voting Yes on Proposal 6“ “The People Should Decide, As Simple As That“ Who: The People Should Decide What: TV ads Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul The People Should Decide is a ballot question committee funded, according to available campaign finance statements, almost entirely from interests linked to […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Anti-Prop 2 group goes too far with sexual predator claim, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Protecting Predators in the Classroom? Proposal Threatens Student Safety, Could Overturn Valuable Education Reforms.” (Press release) “Effect of “Protect Our Jobs” on Students, Public Education in Michigan” (Memo) Who: Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution What: Press release and memo to statewide media Truth Squad call: Foul Questionable statements: “Under the proposal, numerous […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Hoekstra's ad isn't 'worst,' but distortions used earn foul, says Michigan Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Meet the Parents” Who: Hoekstra for Senate What: Internet video Truth Squad call: Foul Questionable statement: “How about that Debbie Stabenow? Never met a tax increase she didn’t like … worst senator Michigan has ever had. “ These are broad generalizations, including a personal attack on Stabenow, that the video and […]
Posted inMichigan Government
New ads on Canada bridge carry same old problem, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: Multiple ads on bridge question Who: The People Should Decide What: Television ads Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul Questionable statement: “The bridge to Canada. $500 million just in interest payments. And with hidden costs — up to $8 billion.” The source of these claims is an Aug. 12 study commissioned by […]