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Advocacy

Advocacy

Legislative Link June 9, 2008

State Affairs Report

Keep Your State TIF Reimbursement $$$ – Legislation passed and was signed into law that will allow locals to continue capturing tax increment finance (TIF) revenues promised by the state. Eligible TIF districts include those currently capturing state dollars (i.e.: pre-1994 downtown development authorities and tax increment finance authorities that still capture state dollars to pay off bonds and; brownfields and smartzones that capture state dollars). To retain these TIF dollars, communities must complete this form and send it to Treasury by June 15. Communities must also complete an independent form for each brownfield or other program that captures TIF. Contact: Andy Schor

House Sends Great Lakes Water Compact to Senate Committee – The House passed the remaining Great Lakes Water Compact bills (HBs 5068-69 and 5071) by 56-52 votes, sending them to the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Discussions on the final disposition of the Compact continue between Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) and Rep. Rebecca Warren (D-Ann Arbor); League staff will continue to keep members updated on this issue. Contact: Dave Worthams

Tomorrow: House Committee to Vote on New Mandatory Binding Arbitration Bill – The House Labor Committee will consider and vote on HB 6112 (Miller, D-Mt. Clemens) which would create a new act extending binding arbitration to county corrections officers. Although the bill does not directly open up PA 312, extending binding arbitration to corrections officers could mean significant costs for local governments. In addition, the League has been pushing for extensive PA 312 reforms and cannot support extending binding arbitration without reforms to the original Act. A bill to this effect was considered for testimony as well. Members, please urge your representative to oppose this bill. Contact: Samantha Jones

Downtown Bills Glide Through Senate, Now in the House – The Senate last week unanimously passed three bills in the downtown package supported by the League, the business community and the Granholm Administration. SB 974 (Richardville, R-Monroe) would recreate the Commercial Redevelopment Act, allowing downtowns to access local and state abatements for commercial development (similar to PA 198s for industrial/commercial property). SB 980 (Pappageorge, R-Troy) would allow new personal property tax abatements in distressed areas. SB 978 (Stamas, R-Midland) would require the Natural Resources Trust Fund to give urban trails priority. The House Commerce Committee will consider these bills Tuesday; please urge your state representative to consider them without significant amendments. Contact: Andy Schor

Granholm Says We Must Invest in Communities to Attract/Retain Young Professionals – Streaming Audio: In a speech broadcast live from Mackinac Island May 30 on WWJ Newsradio 950, Governor Jennifer Granholm says that to attract young professionals "we have to invest in the places they want to live..."

Senate Committee Considers Retail Renaissance Zones – The Senate Commerce Committee accepted testimony last week on SB 971 (Clarke, D-Detroit) which would allow up to 25 new "retail” renaissance zones in downtowns. The League opposed the bill as introduced because it would remove all taxes captured by downtown development authorities, hampering their ability to provide services. Committee discussion indicated the bill will be adjusted so local taxes are not affected, a positive development. The League will work closely with committee members and staff on this legislation. Contact: Andy Schor

Mayor's Summer Workshop: Register Now to Save – Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) members are reminded that the early-bird registration deadline for the MAM Summer Workshop (August 6-8, 2008) is July 9. Co-hosted by the cities of Sterling Heights and Utica, this year's workshop features a fantastic lineup of speakers and sessions to help chief elected officials and their communities address legacy costs. Click here to download the on-line registration form. Contact: Nikole Brown

Save the Date! League Partners in Public Purchasing Conference – Join the League for a conference to clarify Proposal 2 requirements and identify best purchasing practices, June 25 in Livonia. Best Practices for Public Purchasing, hosted by the League, the Department of Management and Budget, and other state organizations, will address requirements of the 2006 amendment to Michigan's Constitution which prohibited programs that consider race, or gender in contracting, employment and educational opportunities. Speakers will help clarify these requirements and identify best purchasing practices. Click here for additional information. Contact: Arnold Weinfeld

League Announces Region 6 Community Excellence Award Finalist – The village of Elk Rapids was nominated as the Region 6 finalist for the League's 2008 Community Excellence Award! Elk Rapids won the peer-nomination in a spirited competition among neighboring communities for implementing a Community Character Council (CCC). Click here to read more about this local initiative! Elk Rapids will go on to represent Region 6 in the Community Excellence Award finals at the League's Annual Convention, October 1-4 on Mackinac Island!

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