Inside 208

This week, US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told Congress that the deadline for the United States running out of cash to pay its bill is now November 3rd. There are only 10 legislative days left before the deadline, and the House still has not determined who they will be electing [...]

Today, the Senate Economic Development Committee heard testimony on SB 556, a bill to eliminate the sunset on the Commercial Rehabilitation Act.  This act has been used in communities across the state to assist in eradicating blight and putting properties back to productive use. I would like to extend a [...]

Last week Congress passed another short term budget measure, a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund federal programs at current levels through Dec. 11, 2015. This happened a few hours before a federal shutdown would have begun. It was a narrow escape, but more difficult deadlines are approaching as the House [...]

This week, the Senate Local Government Committee took testimony on SB 394 S-1 (SB 394 S-1).  This legislation folds townships into the mix of those local communities who qualify for the act, clarifies that inspection programs are optional at the local level, and states a rental inspection fee cannot be [...]

The House Local Government Committee continued with presentations on Tax Increment Financing this week.  The League testified in regards to the importance of these types of economic development tools and their role in revitalizing not only local economies but economics surrounding it.  The lack of reporting compliance is continual discussed [...]

This week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the three bill package regulating Medical Marihuana.  A few changes were made on the House floor to gain the necessary votes to pass the package. One of those changes is the annual registration fee cap a local can charge to assist in covering [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]