​Does your county have an innovative program that modernizes county government and increase services to county residents? Obtain national recognition for your program by applying for a NACo Achievement Award. Started in 1970, the annual Achievement Award Program is a non-competitive awards program that recognizes innovative county government programs. Each application is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received. Awards are given in 21 different categories including children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, and many more. For a full list of categories and more information on the application procedures, please visit the NACo website!

The Michigan Association of Counties (M.A.C.) presented Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Washtenaw County) and Representative Wayne Schmidt (R-Grand Traverse County) with the M.A.C. County Advocate Award at the 2014 M.A.C. Legislative Conference in Lansing. This award is given annually to legislators who have shown strong support for county interests. Senator Warren was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2006 where she served for four years representing the 53^rd District. Now in her first term as State Senator, Warren was recognized as a county advocate for her participation on the Michigan Mental Health Commission and her recent sponsorship of the Personal Property Tax legislation. “M.A.C. is an important voice for our local communities. I am honored to have been named a M.A.C. Advocate for my work in the Legislature, as I firmly believe that strengthening our local communities is integral to moving our state forward,” said Warren. Representative Schmidt was elected to the House in 2008 and is now in his third term representing District 104. Having previously served as a Grand Traverse County commissioner for five terms, Schmidt was recognized for his work to resolve the infrastructure funding crisis, and his consistency in working to help county government. “I am truly honored to be recognized by M.A.C. with this award for the work I’ve done on behalf of northern Michigan,” said Representative Wayne Schmidt. “My experience with local government as both a Grand Traverse County commissioner and small businessman offered firsthand knowledge of what it takes to run an effective and efficient county, and I have been proud to work with M.A.C. as a state legislator to solve the issues that our counties face.” “M.A.C. thanks Senator Warren and Representative Schmidt for their continued support,” said M.A.C. Board of Directors President Shelly Pinkelman. “A continued partnership between local and state government is essential for the success of Michigan.”

The Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors (MACVC) will be the host organization for the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) conference in Grand Rapids. The conference will take place June 8th-June 13^th 2014at the Amway Grand Hotel and Conference Center. Approximately 400 county veterans’ benefits counselors from across the nation will attend the event. Accreditation training and testing from NACVSO will be available at this conference for those county veterans benefits counselors who are paid county employees who work at least 1000 hours per year.  An appropriation from the Michigan Legislature will cover most of the cost of attendance for county veteran’s benefits counselors in Michigan. If a county veterans benefits counselor would like information on attending the conference, please contact MACVC President, Garth Wootten as soon as possible. Mr. Wootten can be contacted by e-mail at wootteng@oakgov.com or by phone at (248) 858-0785

The National Association of Counties (NACo) legislative conference was held this week in Washington D.C..  As part of this annual conference, MAC meets with our congressional delegation to talk about federal issues affecting counties.  This year the major topics for discussion included:

• The Farm Bill and PILT Payments
• Tax Exempt Municipal Bonds
• Waters of the U.S. Guidance Proposal – Federal Overreach to Control Michigan Waters
• Medicaid Expansion and Medicaid Coverage for Pre-Trial Detainees
• Federal MAP-21 Transportation Funding and;
• Marketplace Fairness (sales tax on e-commerce)