Filter by category:

House Local Government Committee Begins Discussion on TIFs

This week the House Local Government Committee chaired by Rep. Lee Chatifield (R – Levering) began taking testimony on Tax Increment Financing authorities. The goal of each presentation, as requested by the chair, is to provide input as to what each stakeholder organization feels needs to be changed through legislation [...]

Dark Store / Big Box Retail Assessment Legislation Introduced

Two pieces of legislation were introduced this week that would help communities facing tax assessment appeals by big box retailers.  The League has been working closely with bill sponsors, State Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) and State Rep. John Kivela (D-Marquette) to craft Senate Bill 524 and House Bill 4909 and soliciting [...]

Senate “Sanctuary City” Bill Jeopardizes Revenue Sharing

League staff testified this week in opposition to Senate Bill 445 in the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The bill would prohibit any community in Michigan from adopting or enforcing a “sanctuary city” ordinance or policy.  Introduced in the wake of a tragic murder in San Francisco that is being tied to [...]

Medical Marihuana Legislation Passes House Committee

Three bills creating a medical marihuana regulatory framework passed out of the House Judiciary committee this week, HB 4209, HB 4210 and HB 4827.  HB 4209 (Rep. Callton) provides for state and local regulations of medical marihuana provisioning centers/dispensaries.  HB 4210 (Rep. Lyons) allows for and regulates marihuana infused products.  HB 4827 [...]

Legislation Introduced to Classify Presidential Primary as a Regular Election

Following the recent legislative change that eliminated the February regular election date, a bill was introduced this week to clarify that the Presidential Primary election, held every four years, be classified as a “regular” election, allowing local units of government to include local ballot questions during that election.  This bill, [...]

Congress Making Strides to Avert Shutdown This Week

The United States Senate appears to be making the first move in avoiding a federal government shutdown this Friday, with Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss) introducing a Continuing Resolution that would fund the government through December 11, 2015. This is being done, allegedly, to provide time for Republican leaders to negotiate [...]

Apply Now for National League of Cities Advocacy Committees

Get more involved in shaping federal advocacy efforts by applying to serve on one of the National League of Cities’ advocacy committees! There are seven federal advocacy committees and you must be from an NLC member city to serve. In addition, the Chairs of the Committees will serve as a member of [...]

Act 51 Compliance Requirements Due September 30th

Act 51 compliance requirements are due September 30th as a result of changes that were made to the compliance requirements of Public Act 51 of 1951, Section 18j, MCL 247.668j related to funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation for roadways within local units of government. To comply, by September [...]

Treasury Provides Grant Application for Financially Distressed Communities

Treasury recently announced that the FY 2016 Financially Distressed Cities, Villages, and Townships (FDCVT) grant application is now available (FDCVT Press Release – FY 2016 Applications Available).  There is $5.0 million in FDCVT funding available to award.  Applications are due to the Michigan Department of Treasury by Thursday, October 15, [...]

After Serious Negotiations It Is Back To The Drawing Board On Transportation Funding

Legislators spent the majority of the week once again trying to find a way to invest more money in Michigan’s roads. Talks began with the most serious negotiations of the summer and at one point there was some belief that a deal was close. At the end of the day [...]

Popular Categories