Inside 208

The finalizing of the 2014-15 fiscal year budget can begin now that the state’s economic forecasters have agreed revenues are lower than they projected in January. Leaders of the House and Senate Fiscal agencies and the Department of Treasury said revenues for the 2013-14 current fiscal year will be $317 [...]

Yesterday the House Appropriations Committee passed House Bills 5414 and 5501, legislation that would repeal Driver Responsibility Fees. The fees were enacted over a decade ago to penalize “bad” drivers. The fees have contributed more than $100 million to the state’s general fund. In addition they fund Fire Protection Grants [...]

In December of 2012 Public Act 506 was enacted that required local road agencies to certify the the Michigan Department of Transportation that the had developed and publicized an employee compensation plan or were in compliance with with PA 152 of 2011. The law requires a local road agency to [...]

Under House Bill 4916 a city, village or township may by written authorization allow a charitable organization to solicit donations in the public right-of-way within their geographic boundaries. Individuals soliciting donation must be at least 18 years of age and must wear high visibility safety apparel. The written authorization must [...]

Late last week the House introduced a package of bills, House Bills 5566-5575, that seek to deal with the bankruptcy in the City of Detroit. The state will appropriate $194.8 million dollars that will go toward the city’s pension system. In exchange there are a number of conditions set forth [...]

The House today voted out ten bills that represent another step forward in providing additional funding for our transportation system. These bills would eliminate the gas tax paid at the pump and instead charge a 6% tax on the wholesale price. They would ensure taxes paid on diesel are equal [...]

This afternoon the Michigan Senate reported its version of the budget that scraps the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) and reworks the revenue sharing formula. The Senate’s proposal includes an additional $31 million for revenue sharing for local communities. The proposal would give a 1 percent increase to all cities, [...]

The Michigan Municipal League is encouraging its members to join us in support the August 5, 2014, ballot proposal, that if approved, would complete much needed reform to the state’s personal property tax. The League is part of the Strong & Safe Communities coalition that is supporting the ballot question. [...]

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has released a Frequently Asked Question document regarding the changes recently made to the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) and the areas of impact these changes affect. That can be found here: Right to Farm FAQ. It is important to note [...]

The House Transportation and Tax Policy committees voted out a series of bills today that represent the first step in securing more road funding for our local communities. Each of the bills received bipartisan support, but the acknowledgement still remains that there is more work to be done. This is [...]