News Briefs

Category: Chronicle Archives Published on Tuesday, 29 August 2006 20:00 Written by Michigan Chronicle

Teachers Vote To Strike

According to published reports, teachers’ consideration of a pay freeze was offset by their annoyance at bureaucratic mismanagement and their concerns about crimes in the schools. The District has proposed a 5.5 percent pay cut and seeks $88 million in concessions from the union as part of a two-year contract. The union seeks 5 percent pay increases each year over a three-year contract period. There are almost 10,000 teachers in the District, which has a $105 million projected budget deficit.

           
According to reports, DFT President Janna Garrison argues that the 5 percent pay increase teachers seek will allow for classroom improvements and provide teachers with comparable pay.

           
At press time, District officials had plans to seek a court order forcing teachers back to work. Michigan law allows for fines of a day’s pay for each full or partial day a teacher doesn’t come to work. The Detroit Federation of Teachers could incur fines of up to $5,000 daily. If teachers do strike, parents should still send their children to school on Sept. 5.

           
Also at press time, court-ordered contract negotiations were still underway.

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Partnership agreements in progress for Tindal and Cannon recreation centers

The Detroit Recreation Department is negotiating partnership agreements for Tindal Recreation Center, 10301 W. Seven Mile Road, and Cannon Recreation Center, 5103 Guilford Street.  Detroit Recreation Department programming ended Aug. 18. When the agreements have been reached, the new operating organization for the facility will schedule community programs.

Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, 637 Brewster, is currently not involved in partnership negotiations and began programming on Friday, Aug. 25.

The criteria used to determine which recreation centers would be slated for closure and partnership possibilities included recreation center location, condition, capacity, age, services offered and number of people served.

The Detroit Recreation Department will continue to operate 15 recreation centers, with at least one in each of the two  open Monday through Saturday. 

Popular programs, such as senior programs, peewee basketball, swimming and boxing, will continue to be offered.  

For more information, please call (313) 224-1129 or visit the Detroit Recreation Department website at www.detroitmi.gov/recreation.

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Alert issued on imposter fire inspectors

           
A warning has been issued to alert the community about imposter fire inspectors. Official Detroit Fire Marshal Division Fire Prevention Inspectors do not do not solicit business, they do not accept cash for services rendered and when on-duty are in Fire Department uniforms and have picture identification.

           
If this occurs, call 911 or one of these Detroit Police District numbers: Central District, 4747 Woodward Ave.; (313) 596-1300; Southwestern District, 4700 W. Fort St., (313) 596-5300; Northeastern District, 5100 E. Nevada, (313) 596-1100; Western District, 1441 W. 7 Mile Rd., (313) 596-1200; Eastern District, 11184 Gratiot, (313) 596-5500; Northwestern District, 11450 Warwick, (313) 596-5600.

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Health Alliance Plan announces CuraNet acquisition and geographic expansion

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The Detroit-based Health Alliance Plan (HAP) has acquired Okemos-based CuraNet, LLC, a regional network of 78 hospitals and 9,100 physicians serving Michigan, northwest Ohio and northern Indiana. CuraNet’s PPO network will be available to HAP PPO customers through HAP’s two subsidiaries, Preferred Health Plan and Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company.

           
Fran Parker, HAP president and CEO, said the CuraNet acquisition strengthens HAP’s outstate provider network, enabling it to compete effectively for business in key Michigan markets while maintaining responsiveness to the local market. Parker also said current and future clients will gain access to high quality physicians and hospitals through this geographic expansion.

           
CuraNet’s sole owner and president, Harry Dalsey, said the acquisiton will enable CuraNet to better serve its existing clients. HAP will serve as the single coordination point between provider network partners and payors.

           
HAP markets PPO products to third-party administrators (TPAs), self-insured employers, Taft-Hartley/Union Health and Welfare Funds, other claims payors and groups.

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Michigan Women’s Commission to hold public hearing on issues impacting women

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The Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) will host a public hearing on Wednesday, September 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., following a one hour general meeting beginning at 3 p.m. Both the meeting and public hearing will be held at Oakland Community College, 27055 Orchard Lake Road, Building J, Room 2006, in Farmington Hills.

           
The forum is titled, “Issues Impacting Women,” and will provide participants an opportunity to present verbal or written testimony about issues of concern to women in Oakland County. Invitations have been extended to several leaders in the community to address issues like domestic violence and women in business. 

           
The Michigan Women’s Commission is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Michigan women. The 15 member commission and liaisons from various state departments are using the public hearings as a way to learn more about issues and problems relevant to women, and how the commission can assist in the resolution of these issues. The Women’s Commission has held previous hearings at several locations throughout the state, most recently in Saginaw this past July.

           
For more information about the Michigan Women’s Commission, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdcr-mwc  or E-Mail  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  The hearing is open to the public with opportunities for public comment. 

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College students should consider renters’ insurance

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According to the Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) college students purchase renters’ insurance to protect their personal property against damage or loss.

           
The personal property of students who live in rented apartments, houses or condominiums will not be covered by their landlord’s insurance in the event of a fire, theft or other unexpected circumstance.

           
Additionally, students who are dependent’s under their parents insurance may not be covered if the student lives off campus.

           
A student who is under 26 years old and is enrolled in classes and living in on-campus housing may be covered under their parents’ homeowners or renters’ insurance policy.

           
The premiums for renters’ insurance average between $15 and $30 per month, depending on the location and size of the rental unit and the policyholder’s possessions.

           
For more information on insurance or other financial matters, call OFIS toll-free at (877) 999-6442 or visit www.michigan/gov/ofis.

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