Gov. Snyder appoints commission to improve legal representation for the poor

A commission to investigate how to improve legal representation offered to low-income criminal defendants was created Thursday by Gov. Rick Snyder through an executive order.

Snyder said the commission is necessary because the quality of such representation varies greatly around the state.

“A core principle of our criminal justice system is to guarantee that an individual charged with a crime be entitled to legal representation, even if they are unable to hire private counsel,” Snyder said in a release. “The Commission will work to ensure that all criminal defendants receive effective assistance of counsel.”

The 14-member Indigent Defense Advisory Commission is charged with recommending changes in the system, due to the governor and Legislature by July 15, 2012.

www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/10/gov_snyder_appoints_commission.html

Welfare recipients to get another reminder that they've lost cash assistance

More than 11,000 Michiganders who get cash assistance from the state might find a bit of déjà vu in their mailboxes this week. The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) has reissued 11,162 notices alerting recipients of Family Independence Program (FIP) that they’ve about to lose those benefits.

That’s because they’ve reached their lifetime limits, and recipients are encouraged to call 1-855-763-3677 to talk to a DHS social worker who can connect them with other programs and resources.

The letters, which DHS director Maura Corrigan said are the fourth notice to go out, were sent again after a ruling by U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman last week.

www.freep.com/article/20111012/NEWS06/111012019/Welfare-recipients-get-another-reminder-they-ve-lost-cash-assistance