The busiest time for legislative sessions next week may be the farewell speeches given by all term-limited House and Senate members.

Legislative leadership has said they do not expect many bills will be up for final passage votes during the Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday scheduled sessions. At this time, neither chamber is expected to return to Lansing the following week, although that schedule could change.

The one major package expected to see additional debate and possible vote is the plan to implement the Next Michigan Development, formerly known as the Aerotropolis program. The proposal would establish additional tax-free renaissance zones in areas near five major airport sites in the state, plus 10 additional ‘floating zones’ statewide. The aerotropolis plan only called for an economic development tax free zone in an area adjacent to Wayne County Metropolitan Airport.

The House is expected to take up Senate-passed bills that would allow the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Zoo to ask local governments to seek voter approval for additional millage to financially support the two facilities.

Now, supporters of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra say they might seek House approval of changes that would allow the DSO to also qualify for a public vote to increase their funding.
Still undecided, or at least not confirmed to be taken up, are legislative proposals to support additional revenue for transportation programs. Infrastructure improvement supporters are advocating that the legislature should consider legislation for cost savings reforms or an increased gas tax to provide needed revenue for maintenance and construction of roads and bridges.