PA 54 Exemption Still in Committee -- CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS to Stop This Bill!
 Thursday morning the House Local Government committee held a second hearing on a new bill introduced this summer that would amend PA 54 of 2012, the law prohibiting retroactive wage increases, to exempt police officers and firefighters. The committee held testimony but did not take a vote.HB 5780 seeks to undo one of last year's important reforms by exempting those employees who are subject to PA 312. Our members have hailed PA 54 as a success because it has allowed for the settlement of contracts more quickly and has resulted in cost savings and fewer PA 312 arbitrations. MORE>.
State
Affairs Update
 Personal Property Tax A Priority in Lame Duck? - Lansing's local political publication, MIRS, indicated the Speaker has personal property tax reform as a top issue to handle in the lame duck session being held the end of November/beginning of December for 2-3 weeks. The League, along with our partners in the Replace Don't Erase coalition, have continued concerns about an identified guaranteed replacement for PPT revenue. One source that has been identified is expiring battery tax credits. MORE>
Interacting with the State - Michigan Shared Services Community
Federal Update
With the Election Over, Congressional Leaders  Stake Out Position on Fiscal Cliff - Wasting no time at all, both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (R-NV) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) have made statements today saying they have no plans to back down from their stances regarding expiring tax cuts and massive spending reductions which will go into effect at the end of the year, a situation known as the "fiscal cliff." They are set to return to work today.The League has been advocating for a balanced approach to resolving the crisis, which the Congressional Budget Office has warned could result in another recession.
US Department of Transportation Seeking Local Feedback on National Environmental Policy Act
Tell Your Story: The FCC Wants to Hear About PEG in Your Community
MAP-21 Resources Available
21st Century Communities
 Michigan Economic Center Announces "Dream Restored Project" - The Michigan Economic Center at the Prima Civitas Foundation has announced a two- year project to develop policies for a "public goods" investment strategy in Michigan. Dubbed the "Dream Restored Project" MEC Director John Austin, notes that the time is past for Michigan to figure out how to invest in critical assets such as great universities, good roads, clean water, public safety, and overall quality of life. The projects goal is to provide research-driven, policy ideas through citizen input to inform future debate on state and budget and legislative priorities and offer additional solutions. MORE>
Well I'm Glad That's Over!
Art's Contribution to the Gross Domestic Product Will Be Calculated
Technology and Civic Engagement
"Our Town" Art Grants Available
Redistribution of Wealth - The Socialists Are Coming!
MiCNU to Begin West Michigan Meet Up
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
