Personal Property Tax Hearings Could Start This Week
The League has learned that hearings on the Lt. Governor's personal  property tax plan could begin as early as this week. We are still working on an analysis of the proposal as given to us by the Lt. Governor.
All signs indicate that the Legislature would like to complete the personal property tax repeal legislation in lame duck; however, the League, along with the Replace Don't Erase Coalition, has a number of concerns and questions about the proposal.
With only three short weeks (that means nine days) of lame duck session, there is concern about dealing with such a complex and important issue. Contact your legislators and emphasize that any PPT elimination plan MUST contain guaranteed replacement.
State
Affairs Update
 Members of Congress Signal to Making Deal on Fiscal Cliff - In the past several days, some Republican members of Congress have indicated that they won't be bound by Grover Norquist's anti-tax pledge in making a deal on the coming fiscal cliff. Norquist is the head of Americans for Tax Reform. Democrats, in turn, have responded with praise that this shows a willingness to compromise, and that they, in turn, must be willing to put things on the negotiating table. The fiscal cliff is the combination of the end of Bush-era tax cuts and automatic spending cuts to defense and other budget areas, which could send the nation back into a deep recession. The League has been encouraging communities to speak to your Congresspeople regarding resolving the fiscal cliff with a balanced compromise.
Will Federal Transportation Secretary LaHood Resign?
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
Art's Contribution to the Gross Domestic Product Will Be Calculated - Many policymakers and arts advocacy groups have argued that the  creative sector impacts the economy. One of the Center for 21st Century Communities "8 Assets" that make communities better places to live is Cultural Economic Development, which hinges on the argument that artists, creative industries and professionals, museums, festivals, and other facets of the creative sector make communities attractive and generate a positive impact on the economy. However, in my time interviewing artists and arts organizations as a journalist, one of the biggest needs they frequently identify is the need for more hard data and better sources of proof. MORE>
Big Data for Small Communities
Benefits of City & University Partnerships
Grandville Community Excellent Award-Winning Project
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
