N.I.T.C. Efforts On Hold As Senate Panel Fails To Pass Legislation

Senate Bill 410, legislation to authorize the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, came up two votes shy of passing the Senate Economic Development Committee Thursday. After Wednesday’s Committee meeting was abruptly adjourned by Chair Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake Township) because of the late distribution of an amended version of the legislation, all eyes were on Thursday’s hearing as members were provided the day to review the new draft.

The substitute legislation, reportedly the product of negotiations by Lt. Governor Brian Calley, the Senate Republican Majority Leaders’ office and Senate Democratic Caucus members, called for an agreement for community support between an organization representing the Delray community and those responsible for the bridge development.

It was the community support issue that ultimately led all five Republicans on the Senate panel to vote against the substitute version of the bill, which failed 5-2. When the original version was then brought up for a vote, it failed 2-3-2, with Senators Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan) and Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell) voting yes, Chairman Kowall and Senators Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) and Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) voting no, and Senators Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) and Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) passing.

Acknowledging Thursday’s action as a set back, Governor Rick Snyder quickly called for a “cooling off” period of a week or two, stating that he remained committed to accomplishing this initiative and that an agreement could likely be reached if groups had an opportunity to regroup and find common ground.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 21, 2011 12:03 PM
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Domestic Partner Health Coverage Targeted By Senate Panel

The Senate Committee on Reforms, Restructuring, and Reinventing passed legislation this week banning health insurance benefits offered to domestic partners of local government, school district, and higher educational institution employees. House Bills 4770 and 4771, sponsored by Representative Dave Agema (R-Grandville), now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

Proponents of the measure claim that the passage of Proposal 2 in 2004 banning gay marriage applies to healthcare coverage – something the Supreme Court agreed to in 2008.

The Senate was unsuccessful in an attempt to accomplish virtually the same thing earlier this year in Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) C; it failed to obtain the necessary two-thirds vote to move forward a constitutional amendment.

posted by PAA Online , 12:02 PM
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PPT Elimination/Replacement Plan Potentially On Deck

With the business and individual tax reforms largely behind them since late spring, the Administration and some members of the Legislature have since been focusing on the Personal Property Tax (PPT) paid on industrial equipment. The Lt. Governor is leading the charge for the Administration, including conducting workgroups to discuss the phase-out of the PPT and options for revenue replacement.

Mr. Calley has made statements indicating that a full dollar-for-dollar replacement of the revenue generated by the PPT is not a priority; however, ensuring replacement of a significant portion is important to ensuring the local units across the state, which rely on the revenue, are able to cope. The option receiving the most discussion appears to be utilizing the revenue stream resulting from credits under the eliminated Michigan Business Tax (MBT).

Decisions are still pending regarding the origination of the legislation in the House or the Senate, as well as sponsors and committee destinations.

posted by PAA Online , 12:01 PM
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Dual Enrollment Expansion Package Moves

A package of legislation approved by the Senate Education Committee Wednesday would allow high school underclassmen to take college courses, as juniors and seniors are currently allowed, as well as eliminate the course prerequisites and testing requirements often in place.

Senate Bills 622, 623, 709 and 710 would allow students to take two courses per year for their first three years, and four courses during their senior year of high school.

The measures passed on party-line votes, with Democrats objecting over the provisions allowing home-schooled and private school students to also enroll in the college courses while having a portion of the tuition paid for by the local school district.

posted by PAA Online , 12:01 PM
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House Passes Fireworks Measure

Legislation being pushed by State Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville) has passed the House of Representatives and will now be addressed by a Senate committee. House Bill 4293 legalizes consumer-grade fireworks in Michigan, potentially changing the sights and sounds of neighborhood firework displays for future Fourth of July celebrations in Michigan.

The legislation passed with bi-partisan support, 98-10.

Businesses looking to sell the fireworks would be required to hold a $10 million insurance policy under the measure, meant to prevent small operations from opening and immediately closing following the holiday. Additionally, local communities have the ability to pass ordinances preventing the use of the fireworks within their borders; however, they cannot prevent business from selling them if all other requirements are met.

posted by PAA Online , 12:00 PM
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Unemployment Numbers See Small Drop

The state’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percent in September according to numbers released by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, marking the first time in several months the rate had declined. The 11.1 percent unemployment rate remains well above the national average; however, is nearly a full percentage point below the 11.9 percent unemployment rate of September 2010.

Although also a small decrease, Michigan’s largest job market, Detroit-Warren-Livonia, reported the first decline in six months, moving down 0.1 percent to 12.7 percent.

Michigan’s total employed workforce increased to 4.17 million (up 4,000); while the jobless numbers dropped 6,000 to 520,000.

posted by PAA Online , 11:59 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Scott Recall Back On as Supreme Court
Reverses Lower Court
Decision

Just a week after the Court of Appeals ordered the Ingham County Circuit Court to reverse their decision and grant an injunction against the recall targeting State Representative Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc), the Michigan Supreme Court acted in similar fashion by ordering the recall to continue and admonishing the Court of Appeals for having halted it.

EFM Pulled from Three Oaks

The Village of Three Oaks is no longer under state receivership and the control of an emergency financial manager. According to State Treasurer Andy Dillon, the Village’s elected leaders have corrected the financial conditions of the community.

Special Message on Infrastructure Coming Wednesday

Governor Rick Snyder will deliver the next chapter in his series of special policy messages next Wednesday, this time on infrastructure. Scheduled to speak from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, the Governor is expected to touch on his plans regarding roads, transit, bridges, broadband internet, and sewer systems.

Snyder Signs Legislator Lifetime Health Insurance Termination

House Bill 4087 is now Public Act 200 of 2011 after receiving the approval of Governor Snyder Tuesday. The measure, sponsored by State Representative Joel Johnson (R-Clare) and co-sponsored by nearly the entire House of Representatives, means that 97 of the 147 current state legislators, and all future legislators, will not receive lifetime health insurance coverage after completing their maximum terms.

Inkster Latest on List of Financially Troubled Communities

The roughly 30,000-person Detroit suburb of Inkster is having its finances reviewed by Department of Treasury staff in what may be the first step toward the appointment of an emergency financial manager. Two triggers resulted in the review, including the City Manager’s letter to the Department stating that financial problems were probable.

MSU Adds Government Relations Professionals

Michigan State University Vice President for Governmental Affairs Mark Burnham announced the addition of former Michigan Townships Association staffer David Bertram and Wiener & Associates Attorney Monique Field as assistant vice president for governmental affairs.

posted by PAA Online , 11:55 AM
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