Michigan City Officials' Power Stripped by State

(Benton Harbor, Michigan) This latest action by the Michigan state government has many people upset.

In a move believed to be the first under sweeping new state legislation, Emergency Manager Joseph Harris suspended decision-making powers of city officials Friday.

Officials only can call meetings to order, adjourn them and approve minutes of meetings as part of the order issued Friday.

The action is likely the first since Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law in March a new statute that grants more powers to emergency managers appointed by the Treasury Department to take over distressed schools and communities.

It all boils down to the nickels and dimes. If local elected officials can't control the budget, the state will.