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Conyers: U.S. attorney general reviewing Michigan emergency manager law

David Shepardson/ Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington — U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is reviewing whether the state of Michigan can legally appoint an emergency manager to oversee the Motor City's finances, Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, said late today.

Conyers said he spoke to Holder about his request that the government move to block the law.

"(Holder) said, 'I've got my lawyers working on it right now,' " Conyers said, adding he spoke to the attorney general about 4 p.m. today. "He's trying to find out if my allegations of great constitutional concerns are valid. That's what he's got several hundred lawyers for."

The Justice Department confirmed Holder and Conyers spoke — and reiterated that the Justice Department is reviewing the letter.

Conyers said the law "is being applied in a discriminatory fashion."

He also said the law may also violate the Voting Rights Act and the constitutional right to a "republican form of government."

Conyers said Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, has asked to meet with him about the issue and he has agreed to do so at a later date — though no time has been set.

"The clock is ticking," Conyers said, saying Holder needs to act quickly.

The state Legislature passed and Snyder signed into law a beefed-up bill that gives state-appointed emergency managers added powers to end financial crises, including voiding contracts, laying off employees and consolidating services.


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111206/POLITICS02/112060427/Conyers--U.S.-attorney-general-reviewing-Michigan-emergency-manager-law#ixzz1fokgCBjS


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111206/POLITICS02/112060427/Conyers--U.S.-attorney-general-reviewing-Michigan-emergency-manager-law#ixzz1fokBm2Po