Inside 208

Congress is about one week away from a federal government shutdown, as both sides continue posturing on the federal budget. Late last week, the House Republicans passed a spending measure that would continue spending at post-sequester levels, to the tune of approximately $986 Billion. However, it included language to defund [...]

You are invited to join President Barack Obama and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for a conference call with state and local elected officials on Wednesday, September 25, at 2:30 pm EDT to discuss the October launch of the Health Insurance Marketplace. The White House encourages [...]

Last week the House Local Government Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4729, legislation that would require local units to opt out of the Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact (MEMAC). MEMAC has been in existence for over a decade; however, currently local units of government must opt into MEMAC.  HB [...]

Last week the House Local Government Committee heard testimony on House Bills 4856 and 4857, legislation that would allow local governments to charge an individual for a rescue if that individual is grossly negligent in an emergency situation. This legislation arose from flooding last year in West Michigan where a [...]

Last week the Senate passed Senate Bills 489 and 490, bills that are the first “fix” bills from the personal property tax (PPT) reform package that passed in December. The bills clarify the process for a businesses to claim exemptions under the legislation. The League has been an active part [...]

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Low‑Income Energy Assistance Grants.  The RFP makes available approximately $90 million, and invites proposals from public or private entities or local units of government that will [...]

The Annual Fall Asset Management Conference will be taking place in Escanaba, Michigan on Thursday October 24th. This will be a great opportunity for you or DPW/City Engineer to get caught up to date on the latest in Transportation Asset Management. Michigan Municipal League Executive Director Dan Gilmartin will be [...]

Category one to qualify for funding under the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) is due on October 1, 2013. Category one is accountability and transparency; i.e., dashboard and citizens guide. The dashboard template and F65 Citizen’s Guide are available on Treasury’s website. Category one is substantially similar to last year; [...]

Yesterday the House Local Government Committee heard testimony on HB 4194, a bill that would allow a local unit of government to increase the percentage in its budget stabilization fund from 15 to 20 percent. The committee did not vote on the legislation, but I anticipate additional hearings in the [...]

Yesterday the House Local Government Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4624, a bill that would make a full-time firefighter’s ability to work as a firefighter in another community a prohibited subject of bargaining.The legislation is supported by the fire chiefs and the Michigan Townships Association. The League is opposed [...]