Inside 208

February 7, 2012

Truck weight increase battle won in U.S. House; Other transportation battles remain

The one victory for local Michigan governments coming out of the U.S. House transportation authorization legislation is that an effort to increase truck weights has been defeated, for now.As introduced, the U.S. House bill contained language that would have allowed for increased…

February 7, 2012

Transportation authorization legislation on the move in Congress

Both the U.S. House and Senate are moving forward with legislation that would put in place a new transportation funding authorization bill. However, given the sharp contrasts in the proposals, there is still a great deal of skepticism as to whether or…

February 6, 2012

Michigan Municipal League to Host Webinar on Governor Snyder’s 2012-13 Budget Plan

On Thursday (Feb. 9, 2012) Michigan Governor Snyder will unveil his 2012-13 budget proposal. Are more cuts coming? What will it mean for your Michigan community’s budget? Will it be good news or bad news for your city, village or…

February 6, 2012

Community Revitalization Money (Brownfield Replacement) Available…APPLY NOW!

The program that was passed by the Legislature late last year - the Michigan Community Revitalization Program - is now up and running. There is $100 million total for both this program and for the Michigan Business Development Program. These…

February 2, 2012

Bill to Require Local Road Agencies to Adopt Several Best Practices Scheduled for Committee Hearing Wednesday

LANSING, Michigan - A bill to require local road agencies to annually certify that they are in compliance with several "best practices" as a condition of receiving future funding is scheduled for a House Transportation Committee hearing on Wednesday February 8 at…

February 1, 2012

Corridor Improvement Authority Legislation Creating Regional Board Passes House

LANSING, Michigan - The Michigan House of Representatives today (feb. 2, 2012) passed HB 5142, sponsored by Rep. Marc Ouimet (R-Ann Arbor). This legislation will allow Corridor Improvement Authorities to have a board consisting of members of different communities. Under…

February 1, 2012

Michigan Public Service Commission publishes annual video competition report

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has released its 2011 Annual Video Competition Report. It may be viewed online here: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/comm/video/ The Commission encourages customers to submit complaints to them if the customer is unable to resolve a dispute with…

February 1, 2012

Michigan Senate committee passes bill to reinstate two inch rule for sidewalk liability

Tuesday afternoon the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed HB 4589, a bill that would reinstate the long-standing two inch rule for sidewalk liability. In 2009 the Michigan Supreme Court reversed the rule in Robinson v. City of Lansing. This is…

January 31, 2012

Two Bills to Retain Property Tax Cap in Tax Policy Wednesday

Wednesday, February 1st, the House Tax Policy Committee will be taking testimony on a couple of bills which retain the cap on property if it is transferred within family to the third degree. The bills are HBs 4753 sponsored by…

January 31, 2012

Bill to Exempt New Homes from Taxes up in House Committee

Wednesday, February 1st, the House Tax Policy Committee is taking up HB 4134, sponsored by Rep. O'Brien (R-Portage) which exempts new housing construction from property taxes until the home is no longer on "development property" - essentially until it is transferred. The League…

Inside208