Switch to Come to Michigan, Pending Legislation

Switch, a Nevada based data center company, is looking to build an eastern campus in West Michigan pending legislation introduced in both the House and the Senate.

HB 5074, HB 5075, and HB 5076 create minor changes exempting certain sales, use and property tax. Representative Jeff Farrington (R-Utica) said the bills will be heard Tuesday, December 1^st. Mr. Farrington commented no details have been finalized, but it is likely the bills will see some minor changes in the committee. Identical bills have been submitted in the Senate (SB 616, SB 617, and SB 618), with no set timeline.

CEO of The Right Place, Birgit Klohs, commented the impact of Switch, whose 1,000 clients include eBay, Intel, Google, Dreamworks, and others, could not be overstated. The campus will create thousands of construction jobs over the estimated 10-year build with a vast majority of contractors being hired from Michigan. Additionally, the company is projected to employ 1,000 people to work in the data center campus. The company’s workforce is currently 70 percent veterans, and Switch has commented that they will continue their commitment to hire men and women who have served our country.

Pending passage of the bills, SUPERNAP Michigan would be the largest data center in the eastern U.S. and the third largest in the world. The company has said it looks forward to working with the legislature, Governor Snyder, and the State of Michigan to bring this opportunity forward.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, November 20, 2015 10:01 AM
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Fracking Opponents Short Signatures

Supporters of a measure to end hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas in Michigan have again fallen short on signatures. The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan collected 150,000 signatures, more than 100,000 short of the 252,523 minimum.

The Michigan Oil and Gas Association commented that a lack of signatures shows a lack of support for this measure. Additionally, the group remarked Michigan is enjoying the benefits of Michigan produced natural gas and oil, and these benefits will continue to turn away voters from supporting a ban.

Campaign director LuAnn Kouza commented 150,000 signatures is double the size from two years ago, but acknowledges the group needs to continue to work to secure signatures. They are hopeful with backing from the Michigan Nurses Association and growing opposition to fracking, more people will continue to support their proposal. A survey conducted November 5-8 by the Public Policy Polling survey showed 49 percent supporting the ban and 36 percent opposed with 624 respondents. A survey conducted in May showed 44 percent supporting the ban with 39 percent opposed with 855 respondents.

The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan will continue to collect signatures until the June 1^st deadline for the 2016 ballot.

posted by PAA Online , 10:00 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Michigan House Candidates

Democrat Dana Camphous-Peterson, Harrison Township, has announced her candidacy for the 24^th House District. Ms. Camphous-Peterson is a cofounder of the child advocacy center, Care House, and currently works as an executive project coordinator in the Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel’s office. Democrat Bryan Mielke, Mount Pleasant, has announced he will run again for the 99^th House District. Mr. Mielke ran before in 2014.

Democratic Challenger against Bizon

Jim Haadsma, a Democrat from Battle Creek, has created a campaign committee to run in the 62^nd House District, which is currently being held by Representative John Bizon (R-Battle Creek). Mr. Haadsma believes he is more connected to the district than Representative Bizon being a Calhoun County Commissioner. Mr. Haadsma has not officially announced his candidacy, but will make an official announcement when he decides.

Unemployment at 5 percent

The unemployment rate for October in Michigan remained unchanged at 5 percent, with the U.S. unemployment rate also at 5 percent. During October, unemployment rose by 3,000 and employment rose by 9,000 with the labor force increased by 13,000. The only notable labor decline came from manufacturing with 2,000 less.

Venture Fund End

Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation Monday that ends additional funding to the Early Stage Venture Investment Fund. HB 4195 (PA 192) prohibits the Michigan Economic Development Authority from being able to allocate more money into the fund, and HB 4365 (PA 194) reduces the state’s liability for vouchers issued by the fund from $600 million to $450 million. The fund will expire January 1, 2030 under HB 4196 (PA 193).

posted by PAA Online , 9:58 AM
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