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Advocacy

Advocacy

Legislative Link June 3, 2008

State Affairs Report

TIF Reimbursement Bills Heading to Governor – HBs 5539-42, which create the mechanism for locals to retain lost tax increment finance (TIF) revenues due to the personal property tax exemptions in the Michigan Business Tax, were passed by both the Senate and House last week and are expected to be signed soon by the governor. Local communities must have the data requested in the bills to the Department of Treasury by June 15. Treasury has not yet indicated the format communities should use to provide the information (i.e.: use a form prepared by Treasury or one prepared by the community), so please be ready to provide what was passed in the legislation. The information needed to be prepared is available in the bill (go to page 2, line 27 through page 4, line 12). Contact: Andy Schor

Revenue Sharing and Fire Protection Grant Restoration Fail in Senate – The Senate last week passed the general government and Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) budget bills. Two amendments were offered on the Senate floor to restore funding to locals that was cut by the Senate Appropriations Committee: One amendment brought back the governor's proposed 4-percent increase in revenue sharing, offered by Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) and another restored the $1 million for fire protection grants, offered by Sen. Martha Scott (D-Highland Park). Both amendments failed on a 19-18 vote (20 votes needed to pass). All 17 Democrats and Sens. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) and Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) supported both amendments while 18 Republicans opposed the amendments. Sen. Alan Cropsey (R-Dewitt) did not vote on either amendment. These budgets will likely go to conference committees. Click here to read senators' comments on the revenue sharing amendment. Contact: Andy Schor (revenue sharing), Samantha Jones (fire protection)

House Labor Committee Takes Testimony on New Mandatory Binding Arbitration Bill – The House Labor Committee took testimony last week on HB 6112 (Miller, D-Mt. Clemens) which would create a new act to extend binding arbitration to county corrections officers. Although the bill does not directly open up PA 312, extending binding arbitration to corrections officers would have significant costs for local units of government. In addition, the League has been pushing for extensive PA 312 reforms and cannot support extending binding arbitration without reforms to the original act. Contact: Samantha Jones

House Prepared to Move a Problematic Version Great Lakes Water Compact Assessment Tool – As the House and the Senate continue negotiations on the Great Lake Water Compact, a version of HB 5068 (Coulouris, D- Saginaw) could be voted on this week! HB 5068 could be problematic for public water supplies as it will base future withdrawal criteria on highest water use since 2002, and not what the highest permitted water capacity has been. Without grandfathering our capacity, cities and villages may find it difficult to provide new public water services in the future. Members are asked to adopt the League's sample Water Compact Resolution which supports the Senate's version of this legislation and ask their representatives to protect the abilities of public water supplies. Contact: Dave Worthams

There's Still Time! Transportation Funding Task Force Survey Deadline Extended – The deadline for the survey that was mailed to members a few weeks ago regarding road agency investments is extended to June 6, 2008. Please complete and return this survey to David Worthams (fax: 517-372-7476/mail: Michigan Municipal League, 208 N. Capitol Avenue, 1st Floor, Lansing, MI. 48933) by the new deadline as the information will provide Gov. Granholm's Task Force accurate data regarding the future of our roads and bridges and what communities need to bring local systems up to "good" standard. Contact: Dave Worthams

Mackinac Island, Here We Come! Register Today for the 110th Annual League Convention – Join hundreds of local and elected officials for four action-packed days at the League's 110th Annual Convention on Mackinac Island, October 1-4, 2008! The public service profession continues to grow at a rapid pace with new tools, fresh perspectives and challenging opportunities to serve. At the League, vision, passion, countless new technologies, and a unique sense of purpose provide the contexts for informative hands-on engagement with local leaders. Register June 2 – September 12 at the early bird rate and save!

Phase II Stormwater Regulations Workshop – Since 1993, several communities have been working to implement the federal NPDES Phase II stormwater requirements which impact more than 150 communities statewide. The Southeast Council of Local Governments (SEMCOG) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have planned a workshop June 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at SEMCOG in Detroit to bring members up-to-speed on the new permit. The workshop will cover: application requirements and timing; permit scheduling details for 2008–2013; collaboration opportunities and; available resources to meet permit requirements. For more information email Amanda Polcano of SEMCOG or register online. Contact: Dave Worthams

GR Mayor Honored as an Afterschool Champion in Nation’s Capital – The Afterschool Alliance last week honored Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell for his support for afterschool programs at the “Breakfast of Champions,” a gala event in Washington, D.C. Nominated by the Michigan Afterschool Partnership, Mayor Heartwell was one of 16 individuals and four organizations honored for their tireless work on behalf of afterschool programs. Mayor Heartwell has a long history of advocating for children’s issues and the League commends him for this recognition. Read more...

Governor Appoints League Member to State Commission – Congratulations to Rosalynn Bliss, Grand Rapids city commissioner, for her appointment to represent the Michigan Municipal League on the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2010.

Federal Update

Climate Change Legislation Includes Funds for Locals – With Congress returning this week, the Senate will begin debate on comprehensive climate change legislation, S3036, which includes $136 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and $171 billion to support mass transit. The League supports efforts by groups like the National League of Cities who are working to ensure resources are allocated to local governments as this legislation moves forward. Members are urged to contact Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and ask them to support funding for these initiatives in S3036. Contact: Arnold Weinfeld