Candidates Announce for Courser, Gamrat Districts

Now that Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat no longer serve in the Michigan House, candidates for the 82^nd and 80^th House Districts are eager to announce before the September 18^th deadline for the November 3^rd primary.

Running for the 80^th Distrtict is Republican Allegan County Commissioner Jim Storey, who has served on several local committees and has chaired the Government Affairs Committee for the Holland Chamber of Commerce. Mary Whiteford, who ran against former Representative Cindy Gamrat in 2014, announced her candidacy before Ms. Gamrat was expelled. On Thursday Ms. Gamrat also filed to run in the special election for her former seat.

The 82^nd House District already had three candidates before Mr. Courser resigned. Jake Davison (Lapeer), Gary Howell (Lapeer) and Ian Kempf (Imlay City) have all announced their candidacy for the Republican primary. Jan Peabody, who ran against former Representative Todd Courser in 2014. Chris Tuski, a Republican and Lapeer native, has also joined the race.

As both seats are strongly Republican, whichever candidate wins the primary for these districts will be favored to win the special election.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 18, 2015 11:10 AM
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Senate Fiscal Agency August Revenue Report

The Senate Fiscal Agency reported a 4.5 percent increase in the state’s General Fund and School Aid Fund, according to their monthly report. The General Fund was $17.3 million below expected; however the School Aid Fund offset this with a report of $29.1 million above forecasted revenue for August. Constitutional revenue sharing and other funds accounted for the remaining $4.1 million. Although a 4.5 percent total increase, the revenue was $50.5 million below expected levels, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency.

The income tax revenue has increased by 11.6 percent, or $708.2 million, with the net individual income tax collections increasing 9.5 percent. Withholding payments were also increased by 9.5 percent, $42.3 million higher than expected. Real estate transfer tax receipts increased by 33.3 percent with year-to-date revenue up 21 percent.

Sales tax was 0.4 percent below numbers last year, and $195.2 million below expected collections. Overall decreases in revenue are reported to be due to the Corporate Income Tax and the Michigan Business Tax, which totaled negative $28.8 million in combination with the Single Business Tax. Refund payments exceeded collections four times in the past six months. The year to date Michigan Business Tax revenue is $148.9 million below expected levels, with net revenue $17.9 million below for August. The year to date Corporate Income Tax revenue is $3.3 million below expected levels with August $13.1 million below.

The House Fiscal Agency also reported a 3.5 percent increase in total collections with the General Fund revenues $45 million higher than the previous year. The School Aid Fund was reported $95 million below due to weaker collection of sales tax and lottery transfers. Revenue collections are expected to be the same as the Senate Fiscal Agency.

posted by PAA Online , 11:09 AM
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Benishek Not Seeking Reelection

U.S. Representative Dan Benishek (R- Crystal Falls) announced that he will not seek reelection in 2016. He is the second representative to do so, the other being U.S. Representative Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township). Following his announcement, several Republicans have thanked “Dr. Dan” for his work regarding veteran affairs, families, and small businesses in Northern Michigan. Dr. Benishek has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2010.

In the wake of this announcement, several potential candidates have been mentioned. Republicans are focusing on former Senator Jason Allen (R-Traverse City), Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba), and Representative Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle). Mr. Allen, who is currently the Senior Deputy Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, was a member of the Michigan House from 1999-2002 and the Michigan Senate from 2003-2010. Senator Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, but is unlikely to run if Mr. Allen decides to run.

Democratic candidates could include Jerry Cannon, a retired military general from Fife Lake, and Lon Johnson, the former Michigan Democratic Party Chair from Blue Lake.

As for the Republicans, Senator Pettalia is hopeful the party can agree on a candidate without a primary. Mr. Pettalia said he expects that candidate to be announced before the end of the year.

posted by PAA Online , 11:09 AM
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MEDC Adopts New Budget Plan

On Tuesday, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) executive committee officially adopted a resolution accepting the proposed budget changes that were announced this August. With this proposal, more than $129.86 million is being cut and 65 full-time employees are being let go. These cuts are a result of a reduction in both state and corporate funding.

Salaries and benefits will decrease by about $10.5 million and programs will lose $124.9 million in funding. However, marketing and administrative costs will see an increase. During this process the MEDC was forced to draw on its “rainy day fund”, an account that went from over $30 million to $18 million. Talent and Economic Development Director Steve Arwood gave no specifics about which programs will be cut or who the 65 employees will be. Mr. Arwood commented that employees will be notified before the end of the fiscal year.

The MEDC plans to reorganize and reprioritize its budget, but will not compromise the company mission. Mr. Arwood commented that it is a difficult budget to work with, but the company will work with what it has. The MEDC budget is currently balanced.

posted by PAA Online , 11:08 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Self-storage Facility Insurance Legislation Passes

House Bill 4636, legislation to permit self-storage facilities to enroll customers in a group insurance policy, passed the House Regulatory Reform Committee Wednesday on a near unanimous vote. The measure, sponsored by Representative Bruce Rendon (R-Lake City), eliminates the requirement that a self-storage facility owner or operator obtain a license as an insurance agent to enroll customers in their group insurance program. The bill now goes to the full House for action.

Bubonic Plague in Michigan

The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Michigan’s first case of the bubonic plague. Officials have reported the individual contracted the disease in Colorado where several cases have been reported this year. The patient lives in Marquette County, and health officials say citizens should not be concerned about human to human transmission. The bubonic plague is spread through fleas, and health officials recommend individuals keep food away from rodents and wear insect repellant to avoid contact with fleas. Although the disease can be fatal, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Over 390,000 Signatures Gathered to Ban Prevailing Wages

An organization hoping to ban prevailing wages in Michigan reported 390,958 signatures to the Bureau of Elections on Monday. If these petitions are legitimate, the Legislature can enact a measure to ban prevailing wages without risk of a gubernatorial veto. If the Legislature chooses not to, the initiative will be on the ballot for the 2016 election. Opposing the measure, Michigan Prevails has speculated the petitioners have used false names on the documents. The Bureau will spend the next few weeks reviewing the petitions.

Former Representative Dan Scripps Seeks Old Seat

Former Representative Dan Scripps has announced his campaign for the 101^st Michigan House District, the same seat he held during the 2009-2010 term. The 101^st district has proven to be competitive in these past years as the incumbents are almost evenly split. With the election occurring during a presidential year, Mr. Scripps is hopeful for a Democratic win. The seat is currently being held by incumbent Representative Ray Franz (R-Onekama), who will be term limited out of office in 2016.

State Processes Detroit Tax Returns

The Department of Treasury will begin handling Detroit city income tax processing this January. This makes Detroit the first city to have their income tax returns processed by the state, and marks the first time city residents can file these returns electronically. The transition came with the city management plan during the Detroit bailout, and affects city and non-city residents who are subject to Detroit’s income tax. Electronic forms are not online yet, but will be posted on the state and city government sites once available.

posted by PAA Online , 11:06 AM
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