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May 14, 2012

League Calls on Legislature and Governor to Restore Community Revitalization (Brownfield) Money to Communities

LANSING, Michigan - The Michigan Municipal League today (May 14, 2012) is calling on the Governor and Michigan Legislature to appropriate the $100 million that was committed to communities for economic gardening and revitalization when the redevelopment credits were eliminated.For…

May 14, 2012

FY 2013 budget update – House passes level funding for COPS

Iin passing its version of 2013 spending for a number of departments and programs (H.R. 5326), the House has voted to maintain current 2012 spending levels for the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) program. The bill also includes increased funding for Byrne Justice Assistance…

May 14, 2012

Traffic Sign and other regulations eliminated or curtailed

The White House has announced a number of actions federal agencies have taken to reduce regulatory burdens and eliminate unnecessary costs for local governments. As a example, federal traffic sign regulations have become more than just a nuisance for locals, but a…

May 14, 2012

New EVIP, Public Act 152 Forms Now Available; Deadline is June 1

The Michigan Department of Treasury now has new Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) forms/instructions available on their website for communities that would like to certify for the third phase of EVIP by complying with Public Act 152. Click here to view…

May 14, 2012

Transportation Conference Committee meets

The conference committee charged with crafting a new federal transportation authorization act met for the first time last week. And although the first meeting was more about ceremonial introductory statements by members of the committee, a willingness to negotiate was noted…

May 11, 2012

Long-time Kentwood Mayor Richard Root Honored for Years of Government Service

Kentwood Mayor Richard Root (center with his wife Karleen at his side) is honored by fellow Grand Rapids-area officials Thursday. KENTWOOD, Michigan - The League's Summer Minnick and I had the pleasure to attend a luncheon Thursday honoring long-time Kentwood…

May 11, 2012

Indemnification bill passes House Judiciary Committee

Yesterday the House Judiciary Committee passed HB 5466, a bill that would expand the anti-indemnification statute to apply to construction contracts with public entities. The bill would prohibit an indemnification agreement between a public entity and a contractor if the…

May 10, 2012

Senate Makes Significant Changes to Personal Property Tax Bills, League Responds With Neutral Position

LANSING, Michigan - Today (May 10, 2012), the Michigan Senate made significant changes to SBs 1065-1072, the package of bills which exempt significant portions of personal property taxes. The League participated in many negotiations with key Senate Republicans and other local government…

May 9, 2012

Senate passes its own medical marijuana package

Yesterday the Senate passed three bills that would address issues with medical marijuana. Senate Bill 505 would prohibit an individual from being a caregiver if he or she has been convicted of a felony. SB 321 would prohibit medical marijuana…

May 8, 2012

Governmental immunity exception receives hearing in Senate committee

This afternoon the Senate Energy & Technology committee held testimony on SB 1084, a bill that creates an exeption to governmental immunity for a municipal corporation with respect to its obligations under the MISS-DIG Act. The bill redefines "proprietary function"…

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