Senate Delays Vote on Road Package

The Senate has delayed a vote on the road-funding package passed over by the House. Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) has commented he wants to work to find a solution, not just votes.

The proposal Senate Republicans were previously considering was a 600/600 split, meaning $600 million in new revenue and $600 million from existing General Fund dollars. The new revenue would come from the phase-in of a 3.3 cent gasoline tax increase, aligning the diesel tax with regular gas tax, and would be combined with a 40 percent increase on registration fees. This proposal was sent to the House in July, but not taken up. The package that the Senate received from the House last week relies heavily on registration fees to raise most of the new proposed revenues, while the Senate favors higher weighting on the tax adjustments. Senator Meekhof commented there is much “heartburn” from Senate Republicans over this section of the proposal, so the Senate will continue to delay the vote until the package has been worked on to improve it.

Senate Majority Leader Meekhof and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) reiterated the same stance that the Legislature is looking for the right solution to fixing the roads, not just a solution that will garner votes. It is unclear whether Governor Snyder supports the latest plan, but Senate discussions will continue into this coming week.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 30, 2015 10:44 AM
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House Panel to Review Credit Union Regulation Changes

On Wednesday, the House Financial Services Committee heard testimony regarding a package of bills aimed at making changes to the regulation of credit unions. HB 5017, HB 5018, HB 5019, HB 5020, HB 5021, and HB 5022 propose these changes.

This package of bills provides regulatory relief for credit unions and makes changes regarding examination requirements, member services, a credit union’s board of directors, and usage of regulatory fees. In addition, these bills would eliminate some reporting requirements and other regulations.

Specifically, HB 5017 allows credit unions to fund educational scholarships and provide financial counseling. Credit unions will also be allowed to establish an associate board member program. HB 5018 allows electronic and/or mail business to proceed without approval from the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS). Credit unions will also be able to manage their own minor bylaw changes without regulatory approval.

HB 5019 and HB 5022 allow credit unions to invest in venture capital investments or small business equity through Credit Union Service Organizations. Trust service and loan promotional offers will also be extended to members. HB 5020 clarifies that reports written after credit unions are examined by DIFS will focus on matters required by law and will be more transparent.

Department of Financial Services Director Pat McPharlin has commented that credit unions and the department have reached agreements on many components of the legislation, but discussions will continue until a full compromise is met.

posted by PAA Online , 10:43 AM
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Fundraising Update – Michigan Legislature

House Democrats have surpassed House Republicans in political action committee (PAC) fundraising, according to reports filed Monday. Senate Republicans, however, have outraised Senate Democrats.

House Democrats have almost double the PAC funds that Republicans have garnered, but are relatively even in cash on hand. The Michigan House Democratic Fund raised $230,447 and spent $83,398 with $760,448 cash on hand. Top donors include House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills), the International Brotherhood for Electrical Workers PAC, and the Michigan Education Association. The House Republican Campaign Committee raised $125,900 and spent $83,398 with $770,115 cash on hand. Top donors include the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and DTE Energy.

The Senate Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) has reported more money on hand than the Senate Democratic Fund, however the two committees raised similar funds for the reporting period. The SRCC reported $201,044 raised for the period with $40,355 spent and $801,254 on hand. Top contributors include the DeVos and Van Andel families, Marty Knollenberg for Senate, and O’Brien for Senate. The Senate Democratic Fund reported $152,785 for this period with $68,800 spent and $358,092 on hand. Top contributors include the IBEW PAC Voluntary Fund, the Michigan Association for Justice, and the UAW Michigan V-PAC.

posted by PAA Online , 10:42 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Cyber Charter Schools on Par with Traditional Schools

According to a report done by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University, Michigan cyber charter schools are close in comparison to traditional public schools in math and science. Nationally, cyber school students are 180 days behind in mathematics and 72 days behind in reading. Michigan cyber school students were slightly ahead of their peers in reading and slightly behind in math, both by a small margin.

Civil Rights Department Selects New Director

The Civil Rights Commission has selected Agustin Arbulu to be the new director for the Department of Civil Rights. Mr. Arbulu becomes the third recent department director to stem from the commission, having left a month ago to apply for the position.

Candidates Announce for Michigan House

Barb Fuller and Don Tilley have announced their candidacy for the 52^nd and 96^th House Districts, respectively. Barb Fuller, a Democrat from Manchester, had previously served as a Washtenaw County Road Commissioner and a staffer to former Senator Lana Pollack. The seat is currently held by Representative Gretchen Driskell (D-Saline), who has forgone reelection to run for the 7^th U.S. House District. Don Tilley, also a Democrat, is from Bay City and has longtime been a union member and educator, serving on the Bay County Commission since 2006. The seat is currently held by Representative Charles Brunner (D-Bay City), who cannot seek reelection due to term limits.

Funeral Arrangements for Whiston

Arrangements have been made for the funeral of Ryan Whiston, son of Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Whiston. The service is scheduled for Saturday at noon at the St. Perpetua Catholic Church in Waterford, Michigan.

posted by PAA Online , 10:41 AM
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