PAAdvisory Briefs

Senate Panel has Hearing on Waterfront Rights Measure

The Senate Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes Committee held a hearing this week on Senate Bill 1052, legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba). The measure would eliminate the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) permitting requirement for property owners seeking to groom their beaches. Proponents of the measure, including the organization Save Our Shoreline (SOS), compare the lakefront property owners’ requirement to negotiate the DEQ permitting process to homeowners needing a permit to mow their front yards.

Townships Offer PPT Reform Alternative

Departing a bit from the strategy of other local government organizations, the Michigan Townships Association presented an alternative solution to the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday during another hearing on the legislative package to reform the Michigan Personal Property Tax. Acknowledging the desire of the Administration and the Legislature to eliminate the tax – and even acknowledging the rationale, the Townships proposed to replace the loss in revenue to local government through credits in the Corporate Income Tax as opposed to direct appropriation reimbursements.

FRIB Funding Up

A United States Senate Subcommittee increased the recommended funding amount for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. President Barack Obama’s proposal had called for only $22 million to begin construction of the $550 million facility; however, the Subcommittee increased the number to $30 million. Members of Michigan’s U.S. Congressional delegation, such as Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Brighton), who represents the university, and U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow have reportedly been working to increase the funding level.

New Anti-Tax Ballot Initiative Launched

A new ballot initiative championed by the group Michigan Alliance for Prosperity has begun to collect signatures. The initiative proposes to prohibit the state from imposing new taxes or increasing an existing tax rate unless approved by a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the legislature or approved by a statewide vote of the people.

Hunter Considers Wayne County Treasurer Bid

State Senator Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) is reportedly considering a run for Wayne County Treasurer – a position currently held by 81-year-old Raymond Wojtowicz. The second-term Democratic Senator was first elected to the House in 2002 and is currently Democratic Floor Leader in the Senate.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, April 27, 2012 9:56 AM
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