Road Funding Bills Introduced in the Senate
A package of bills to increase funding for Michigan roads was introduced in the Senate on  Thursday. Senate Bills 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, and Senate Joint Resolution J have been referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for now. Senate Majority Leader Richardville will set up a special committee to take up these road funding bills. However, there's still no name or members yet. The new panel will be announced later this week.
State
Affairs Update
 Limited Online Notice Legislation Passes Senate Committee -- Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bills 7 and 8, bills that would allow publication on a newspaper's website if there were not other options available to the local unit of government.
While the League is neutral on this legislation, we continue to push for a larger conversation that would allow legal notices to be published online, not just on a paper's website. As newspapers continue to stop publishing print copies, we need to give local units of government additional options.
In addition local units must pay to publish in newspapers, which is not the most cost effective or efficient way to publish notices.The bills will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
MSHDA Launches MI Neighborhood Program, Applications Due March 22
Save the Date
National Brownfield Association Program on Brownfield Issues Being Held Feb 21, Register Today!
It's Time to Replace the Plywood with Pavement
Step Forward Michigan Now Accepting Homeowner Applications for Loan Rescue
2013 PASER Training Announced
Federal Update
National League of Cities Announces Support of  Gun Law Changes -- The National Legaue of Cities has recently announced their support of national gun law changes, such as registration requirements and bans on assault weapons. Click here for the letter that was sent to Vice President Biden which outlines the position of the NLC, which mirrors many proposals by the President.
New Handbook on MAP-21 Federal Transportation Program Now Available
Transportation Alternatives Grant Program
US Department of Transportation Seeking Local Feedback on National Environmental Policy Act
MAP-21 Resources Available
21st Century Communities
MEDC, MPSC Launch Public Conversation About State's Energy Future -- The Snyder Administration recently initiated a public input process to gather feedback about the state's energy policy.  Specific areas of focus include the renewable energy standard, energy efficiency incentives and electric choice. We encourage League members to submit their comments before April 25 here. In addition to the website, there will seven in-person listening sessions in various locations starting February 14 and ending April 22. Click here for the complete schedule of events.
Big Rapids, Ferris State University Joined at the Hip
Residential Development in the 21st Century
Age Friendly Communities Conference
Citizens Institute on Rural Design Seeks Proposals
Applications for the MI Historic Preservation Network 2013 Awards Now Available
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
