The Michigan Association of Counties (MAC)

Legislative Update 8-11-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

Board approves 2023-24 platforms for final member review

The MAC Board of Directors reviews policy platforms during its summer meeting on Aug. 9, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The MAC Board of Directors, at its summer meeting, reviewed the association’s policy platform drafts for 2023-24 and approved them for final review by the membership at the 2023 Annual Conference.

MAC’s advocacy work is guided by these policy platforms, which are developed through meetings of MAC’s six policy committees each year:

  • Agriculture and Tourism
  • Environmental and Natural Resources
  • Finance and General Government
  • Health and Human Services
  • Judiciary and Public Safety
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

The next step in this annual process will begin on Friday, Aug. 25 when the policy drafts post to the MAC website for member review. According to the by-laws, MAC members may offer amendments in two ways:

  • Submit an amendment to the MAC offices at least five (5) days prior to the opening day of the MAC Annual Conference (or Sept. 26 this year); or
  • Submit an amendment from the floor during the Annual Business Meeting on Oct. 3.

Please note that amendments submitted in advance require a majority vote on the floor for approval, while amendments submitted on the floor during the session require a 2/3 vote of members attending.

For any questions on the platforms, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.

To submit an amendment, email the finished text to despins@micounties.org.

 

Podcast 83 episode focuses on 2023 Annual Conference details

Details about the 2023 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo County are the focus of a special episode of Podcast 83, MAC’s podcast about all things related to Michigan’s 83 counties.

Guest Tammi Connell, MAC’s director of member events, provides a rundown of the conference mechanics, including the timeline for registration, when to show up at the conference venue, the Radisson Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo, and even what music you can expect to hear at the Gala following the traditional President’s Banquet on the night of Monday, Oct. 2.

Deena Bosworth, MAC’s director of governmental affairs, provides more conference details, including on this event’s workshops for county leaders, including a special two-day dive into the exceedingly complicated – and important – road funding formula found in Public Act 51.

View the full video of the episode, recorded on July 28, by clicking here.

For additional details on the Annual Conference, click here.

Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.

And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.

 

MAC creates resolution template for Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month

August and September highlight a time to recognize the lives lost to drug overdose and celebrate recovery from substance use disorders. Overdose Awareness Day is recognized internationally on Aug. 31 annually to raise awareness of drug overdose, stigma associated with overdose deaths and acknowledge grief experienced by families and friends remembering those lost and injured as a result of drug overdose. To find out more information, you can visit https://www.overdoseday.com/.

Recovery Month is recognized nationally throughout the month of September to promote new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the strength and resilience of the recovery community and highlight the providers and communities that support recovery from substance use disorders. To find out more information, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month.

MAC has created a template overdose awareness day and recovery month proclamation which counties can customize to highlight their commitment to addressing stigma and overdose, honoring the lives lost, celebrating those in recovery and sharing that recovery is possible.

For more information on MAC’s services regarding the opioid crisis, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.   

 

Fees and fines are focus of next ‘Fiscally Ready’ webinar

“Nuts and Bolts: Fees, Fines, Purchasing and Receipting” is the theme for the next “Fiscally Ready Communities” webinar hosted by the Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan State University Extension.

Registration is now open for this free webinar series, which is offered on these dates:

  • Aug. 17, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Sept. 11, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Oct. 11, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET
  • Nov. 7, 10 a.m.  to 11:30 a.m. ET

The training is designed to assist appointed and elected officials.

This webinar will include a deep dive into best practices related to fees, fines, purchasing, receipting, and more. It will cover what they are, why such policies are necessary, how they contribute to local fiscal health, and how to get started on implementation.

For more information, contact Eric Walcott at walcott3@msu.edu.

 

Transportation asset conference set for Sept. 26

Registration is now open for the 2023 TAMC Asset Management Conference, to be held Sept. 26, 2023, in Grand Rapids.

The conference is sponsored by the state’s Transportation Asset Management Council. Kelly Jones of Ingham County is the MAC representative on that panel, which reports to the Michigan Infrastructure Council and the State Transportation Commission.

Among topics to be discussed at the conference are:

  • Tips & Recommendations on How to Build a Quality Chip Seal
  • Michigan Infrastructure Council Update
  • National State of Practice on Local Asset Management
  • 2022 PASER Data Analysis and Update 

Check out the full agenda.

Registration fee is $65 per person and all sessions are in-person only. Deadline to register is Sept. 17.

 

Legislative Update 8-4-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, Marketing, NACo

Governor signs FY24 budget with key county priorities

Michigan will expend $81.7 billion its fiscal 2024 budget year starting Oct 1 after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed enabling legislation this week. The budget includes a variety of county benefits and 2023 MAC legislative priorities.

County-related items from the FY24 budget include:

  • A $17.6 million increase to county revenue sharing, bringing the total to $263.4 million (click here to see county-by-county estimated payments)
  • $6.6 billion for transportation work
  • $1.1 billion for environmental work (with about a third of it coming from the state General Fund)
  • Reimbursements for counties from the Child Care Fund at 75 percent, moving up from the current 50 percent and securing one of MAC’s key priorities for 2023 (UPDATE: Please see clarification on the rate changes in the Aug. 25, 2023, Legislative Update.)
  • $72 million for Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grants to cover costs associated with Standard 8 adopted by the commission
  • $19.3 million for foster care per diems, representing an 8 percent increase
  • $25 million for an increase to Essential Local Public Health Services
  • $76 million for implementing the provisions of Proposals 1 and 2 from 2022 that alter legislative term limits, transparency standards and election procedures, with $30 million of that figure set aside for grants to incentivize early voting efforts via multi-jurisdictional efforts

For more information MAC’s work on the state budget, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.

 

Registration for 2023 Annual Conference opens Aug. 7

Please join MAC and your fellow county leaders in Kalamazoo County Oct. 1-3 for the 2023 Michigan Counties Annual Conference to celebrate MAC’s 125th Anniversary.

Registration opens on Aug. 7 and is online only. Visit MAC’s conferences page starting Monday to begin your registration process.

In honor of MAC’s anniversary year, the annual President’s Banquet will be capped by music and dancing in the ballroom of the Radisson Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo.

Among the highlights for this year’s event are:

  • A two-part, two-day dive into the details of Public Act 51, the state’s road funding formula via workshops held on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning
  • Plenary sessions on affordable housing and bridging generational differences in the workplace,
  • MAC’s Annual Business Meeting, during which members will review and approve MAC’s policy platforms for the coming year
  • MAC Board elections, with four seats to be filled via decisions of regional caucuses on Oct. 2 (see item below)

The schedule of conference is carefully crafted to respect members’ weekly schedule, with conference registration opening around noon Sunday and events concluding prior to hotel check-out on Tuesday morning.

Additional details and full pricing schedules will be available on Aug. 7.

For conference-related questions, contact Director of Member Events Tammi Connell at connell@micounties.org.

 

FY24 state budget eliminates court fee paid by trial courts

Counties will be relieved of an annual fee paid to the state court system starting Oct. 1, the State Court Administrative Office announced in a letter on Aug. 1. Michigan’s FY24 state budget, signed this week by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, eliminates the Judicial Information Services (JIS) user fee for case management systems via ongoing state support to cover the bills.

Previously, all trial courts were assessed a JIS user fee. Since the establishment of JIS systems more than 30 years ago, locals have paid between $4 million and $6 million annually in user fees, the state court office said. Therefore, counties will see significant cost savings with the elimination of this fee.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

Deadline approaching on participating in Walgreens settlement

Local governments have until Sept. 6 to participate in the Walgreens opioids settlement, a fact highlighted by Attorney General Dana Nessel in an Aug. 3 letter urging such participation.

Michigan’s Walgreens settlement requires that Michigan join the Walgreens National Opioids Settlement. The settlement allows 278 local units of government in Michigan — called subdivisions in the settlement agreement — to participate. The Department of Attorney General has a full list of eligible subdivisions on its website.

Eligible subdivisions that have not completed participation forms may email the Department for additional instructions before the September 6 deadline to participate and receive direct payments.  

For more information on this issue, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.

 

MCMCFC awarded $5.9M in workforce stabilization grant

The Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council (MCMCFC), a MAC affiliate, will be using nearly $6 million in new state funding to improve recruitment and training of staff to better serve the residents of medical care facilities.

Last week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced MCMCFC was one of six applicants to receive a Workforce Stabilization Grant. Of the $67 million in funding available, MCMCFC was awarded $5.9 million.

House Bill 4016, sponsored by Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Eaton), was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in March. This bill allocated the $67 million in grant funding and outlined the application process, as well as how the workforce stabilization money would be awarded to applicants.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2023, county-owned nursing homes will be implementing strategies to positively affect recruitment, retention, long-term care working training and career development with the grant funding provided by MDHHS.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

CRC report: Michigan’s health challenges growing

A new report from the nonprofit, nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan says Michigan has become a less healthy state since 2008.

CRC and its research partner Altarum released Health Challenges and Opportunities, the third in a series of five papers. The research series, Michigan’s Path to a Prosperous Future: Challenges and Opportunities, addresses a variety of recent statewide trends, from population change to health outcomes to infrastructure quality, many of which are progressing unfavorably, and how Michigan can support a more prosperous, thriving future.

“The research shows that Michigan is losing its competitive edge and stagnant population growth is a major contributing factor,” CRC said in its release. “Michigan is in the bottom third of many national rankings, including 34th in household income, 36th in K-12 educational outcomes, and dropped from 32nd in health outcomes in 2008 to 39th today. This stands in contrast even to neighboring Midwestern states, who have experienced on average better overall health outcomes over the last two decades. And as the state’s population continues to age, challenges to Michigan’s overall health outcomes are expected to intensify. …

“Socioeconomic status and geography are considerable factors determining health outcomes and Michigan ranks 37th out of 50 states in social and economic factors, such as the rate of children living in poverty, residents experiencing food insecurity and residential segregation,” the release stated. “People living in Michigan’s rural communities, such as parts of the northern Lower Peninsula and much of the Upper Peninsula, have little to no access to health providers to meet needs such as primary, maternity, prenatal and behavioral health care. …

“’We need to take a whole society approach to understanding the root causes of health by strengthening Michigan’s public health system, and investing in research, education and policies regarding social determinants of health outcomes,’ said Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council.”

MAC is a supporter of CRC’s work. To learn more about the council, visit its website.

 

SW Michigan county officials graduate from NACo academy

MAC congratulates the April 2023 NACo Leadership Academy graduates from Michigan. They join more than 10,000 graduates and current participants from across the country benefiting from the 12-week online program enabling existing and emerging county leaders to achieve their highest potential.

  • Dean Kapenga, board vice chair, Allegan County
  • Jennifer Rentfrow, finance director, Cass County
  • Jenny James, deputy administrator, Kent County
  • Lyn Holoway, human resources manager, Allegan County
  • Rebekah Curran, commissioner, Ottawa County

The September cohort for the High Performance Leadership Academy is just around the corner. Prioritize leadership development today and deliver results for your team and county. Scholarships are available. 

 

Legislative Update 7-21-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

County leaders asked to contact Congress on Medicaid jail issue

Earlier this year, bipartisan bills were introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate to address the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MEIP). The Due Process Continuity of Care Act and the Reentry Act were introduced in March, which would amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.

Congress is currently negotiating the reauthorization of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-271), which expires on Sept. 30, 2023. 

The Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy is a federal statute that terminates access to federal health benefits at the time of arrest. These bills would allow continuity of care via access to critical health services for incarcerated individuals. The Due Process Continuity of Care Act would “allow pretrial detainees to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state and provide $50 million in planning grant dollars to states and localities for implementing the MIEP repeal, improving the quality of care provided in jails and enhancing the number of available providers to treat this population.” The Reentry Act would “allow Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an eligible incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual’s release.” MAC, along with other stakeholders, has requested the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services apply for a Section 1115 waiver  relating to the MIEP, allowing for Medicaid eligibility for incarcerated individuals prior to release.

MAC supports these bills and access to better care for incarcerated individuals in county jails. Should these bills pass, counties will have a streamlined process to provide effective behavioral health care and services for transitions to community care, and recidivism rates and risk for post-release overdoses will reduce.

As Congress works to reauthorize key programs within the SUPPORT Act, NACo and MAC urge you to contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators and ask them to support the inclusion of the following bipartisan bills that would address the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP): 

  • The Reentry Act (H.R. 2400/S.1165), which would allow Medicaid payment for medical services furnished to an incarcerated individual during the 30-day period preceding the individual’s release.
  • The Due Process Continuity of Care Act(H.R. 3074/S.971), which would allow pretrial detainees to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state.

Send a letter to your U.S. Senators and Representatives using the NACo letter template.

Access the new Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) Advocacy Toolkit for talking points, sample social media posts and other advocacy resources.

For more information on this issue, please contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

National settlement announced on PFAS

Counties may soon be contacted regarding a national settlement over PFAS contamination. Chemical manufacturer 3M has agreed to pay more than $10 billion to settle lawsuits over the detection of PFAS in drinking water systems. The settlement will be paid over 13 years and could exceed the initial $10 billion.

In a press release from 3M, it was announced the settlement “provides funding for public water suppliers (PWS) nationwide that have detected PFAS in drinking water, as well as for eligible PWS that may detect PFAS at any level in the future.” The money can be used for remediation and prevention through filtering and testing.

PFAS is a harmful chemical found in food packaging, nonstick products and firefighting foam. Communities with airports, military bases, or plating factories may have higher levels of PFAS in their water systems due to runoff.

MAC has been made aware that some counties in Michigan have already been notified of a potential payout. There is limited information available publicly regarding next steps.

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

Juvenile justice reform efforts begin in Senate

The MAC-backed juvenile justice reform bill package has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety. The 20-bill package, Senate Bills 418–437, are a result of the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform’s recommendations provided last July. Identical bills, House Bills 4624–4643, have previously been introduced and referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee.

(UPDATE: Please see clarification on CCF rate changes in the Aug. 25, 2023, Legislative Update.)

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform was established by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 and was tasked with assessing Michigan’s juvenile justice data and identifying ways to improve the system. The bipartisan task force was chaired by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and included members from all three branches of government and state and local level juvenile justice leaders and advocates. Two county commissioners served on the Task Force, each nominated by MAC. Alisha Bell of Wayne County represented a county with a population over 100,000, and Marlene Webster of Shiawassee County represented a county with under 100,000 in population. Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Jackson), a former county commissioner, also served on the Task Force.

The Task Force offered 32 recommendations to the Legislature last year. Six priority areas have been identified and translated into the bill package.

The first bill in the package, Senate Bill 418, by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Wayne), enhances the Child Care Fund (CCF) by establishing a minimum framework of juvenile justice best practices statewide, including the use of risk screening and assessment tools. The best practices will be supported by an increase in the reimbursement rate for community-based services from 50 percent to 75 percent These changes are essential to ensuring counties have the resources to implement and utilize these approaches.

Senate Bills 419–423 require consistent use of validated screening and assessment tools to enable more objective decision-making and allow agencies to better match youth to appropriate supervision and services, reducing their likelihood to recidivate. The bills also expand the Diversion Act so that all offenses, with an exception for youth committing a specified juvenile violation, are eligible for pre-court diversion, based on the use of a risk-screening tool and other factors, and limit the time that a youth can be placed on pre-court diversion, unless the court determines that a longer period is needed. While diversion eligibility would be expanded, judicial discretion remains.

Senate Bills 424 and 425, by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Washtenaw), also a former county commissioner, would expand the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to include development, oversight and compliance with youth defense standards in local county defense systems and expands the State Appellate Defender Office to include appellate services for juveniles.

Senate Bills 428–431 eliminate most non-restitution fees and costs associated with juvenile justice system involvement. The bills do not include the elimination of restitution or fees related to the Crime Victims Fund. For restitution and fees related to the Crime Victims Fund, the bills establish a standard procedure for ability to pay, determination of payment schedule, and total to be assessed.

Senate Bills 432–437 would strengthen and expand the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman for handling, investigating, and reporting incidents in juvenile facilities.

A committee hearing could take place before the end of summer. If not, hearings will resume this fall.

MAC supports this package and has shared a letter of support with members of the House Criminal Justice Committee.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

Michigan Supreme Court rules in trial court funding case

On Friday, July 7, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in People v. Johnson, placing the fate of trial court funding back in the hands of the Legislature. Currently, a court’s authority to impose court fines and fees on criminal defendants has a legislative “sunset” of May 1, 2024.

With this sunset, which has been extended three times since 2014, the Legislature must act prior to its expiration to implement proper trial court funding reform. In both concurring and dissenting opinions, The justices are urging the Legislature to act swiftly and provide a solution to this issue before the sunset date, specifically to address the recommendations provided by the Trial Court Funding Commission.

MAC and other stakeholders are working on legislation to adopt the Trial Court Funding Commission’s recommendations:

  • Establish a Stable Court Funding System
  • The State Shall Offer to Provide All Court Technology Needs
  • Establish Uniform Assessments and Centralized Collections
  • Move Toward a Uniform Employment System
  • Establish a Transition Plan for the New Court Funding Model

MAC members should make sure their legislators are aware of the financial burden that will be placed on counties without action from the state and the need for legislative action prior to May 1, 2024.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

Webinar on July 27 focuses on treating Opioid Use Disorder in jails

On July 27, the next webinar in the Opioid Settlement Technical Assistance Learning Series will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will provide a discussion on treating opioid use disorder in jails.

The series is hosted by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, as part of their Technical Assistance Collaborative. The webinars are intended to provide information from experts for officials and representatives from counties, municipalities and townships, including community members, to aid in their opioid settlement investment processes.

See the flier and register by clicking “Register Today.”

For more information on opioid settlements are technical assistance, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.

 

MAC releases RFP scoring template for opioid settlement spending

MAC has created supplemental documents to the Michigan Opioid Settlements Funds Toolkit: A Guide for Local Spending. The new template being released is the Request for Proposals (RFP) Scoring Template to be used in combination with the existing RFP Template and RFP Budget Template. To see all templates created by MAC, visit the Opioid Settlement Resource Center.

To request new templates, or if you have questions, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.

 

Treasury webinar reviews state budget, economy

A Michigan Treasury webinar, co-sponsored by MAC and other local government groups, was held on Thursday.

Specific topics covered were:

  • State of Michigan Budget Update – State Treasurer, Rachael Eubanks 
  • Michigan Economic Update
  • FY2024 Budget Changes for Local Governments
  • Local Budget Planning Tips

Presentations and recordings from this webinar, along with previous webinars, can be found on the Bureau of Local Government and School Services – Learning Center webpage.

 

Staff picks

Legislative Update 7-7-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

ICYMI: Revenue sharing, Child Care Fund boosts mark FY24 state budget

Increases in county revenue sharing and reimbursements for the Child Care Fund highlight a fiscal 2024 state budget approved by legislators during marathon sessions in Lansing this week.

What is being described as “the largest state budget in Michigan history” includes a $17.6 million boost in county revenue sharing, which will bring the total in FY24 to $263.4 million. This represents the seventh consecutive increase in this account after a decade of disinvestment by the state.

“We are obviously pleased with increases in revenue sharing, and especially this year in light of the fact that these are broad-based boosts that reach every corner in the state in a budget marked more by specific and highly individualized projects by the Legislature,” said Stephan Currie, MAC’s executive director.

See county-by-county revenue sharing estimates for FY24.

The fact that the final increase was much less than had originally been discussed earlier this year is evidence, said MAC’s chief lobbyist, that the true, fundamental reform is to create and fund a separate Revenue Sharing Trust Fund. “What we have seen from the conference committee this week is a reminder that we need to take revenue sharing out of the annual political free-for-all with the budget,” said Deena Bosworth. “Our plan, developed in close coordination with other local government groups, will do just that, and we remain hopeful that, with members’ help, we can bring this reform into reality later this year.”

Bosworth was referring to plans embodied in House Bills 4274, by Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), and 4275, by Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Oakland), which would create a trust fund and dedicate a percentage of the state sales tax to it, thereby ensuring annual growth when sales tax receipts grow and separating revenue sharing from much of the current budget politics.

To send a message of support to your legislators of this reform, click here.

In other county-related items from the FY24 budget:

  • $6.6 billion is assigned to transportation work;
  • $1.1 billion is assigned to environmental work (with about a third of it coming from the state General Fund);
  • Reimbursements for counties from the Child Care Fund will go to 75 percent from the current 50 percent, securing one of MAC’s key priorities for 2023;
  • $72 million will go into Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grants to cover costs associated with Standard 8 adopted by the commission;
  • $19.3 million is dedicated to foster care per diems, representing an 8 percent increase;
  • $25 million is dedicated in an increase to Essential Local Public Health Services; and
  • $76 million is dedicated to implementing the provisions of Proposals 1 and 2 from 2022 that alter legislative term limits, transparency and election procedures, with $30 million of that figure set aside for grants to incentivize early voting efforts on a multi-jurisdictional effort.

For more information about MAC’s advocacy on the state budget, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.

 

MAC team dives into state budget numbers related to counties

Michigan’s fiscal 2024 budget has a $17.6 million boost for county revenue sharing, MAC’s Podcast 83 team report in a special episode taped on June 29.

Host Stephan Currie led the MAC Governmental Affairs Team of Deena Bosworth, Madeline Fata and Samantha Gibson through the big budget details hammered out midweek by the Legislature:

  • Revenue sharing goes to $263 million for the 83 counties;
  • The Child Care Fund reimbursement rate goes to 75 percent, from 50 percent;
  • Full funding goes to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to implement the controversial Standard 8; and
  • More than $70 million is committed to implementing new election and transparency measures that voters approved in 2022.

View the full video of the episode, taped on June 29, by clicking here.

Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.

And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.

 

Legislative Update takes brief summer hiatus

MAC’s Legislative Update will not be released on Friday, July 14.

The weekly email blast, with all the important news affecting counties in Michigan, will resume on Friday, July 21.

Remember to also check the news section of MAC’s website, https://micounties.org/mac-news/, for any breaking news items.

 

Legislative Update 6-30-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, Marketing, NACo

Revenue sharing, Child Care Fund boosts mark FY24 state budget

Increases in county revenue sharing and reimbursements for the Child Care Fund highlight a fiscal 2024 state budget approved by legislators during marathon sessions in Lansing this week.

What is being described as “the largest state budget in Michigan history” includes a $17.6 million boost in county revenue sharing, which will bring the total in FY24 to $263.4 million. This represents the seventh consecutive increase in this account after a decade of disinvestment by the state.

“We are obviously pleased with increases in revenue sharing, and especially this year in light of the fact that these are broad-based boosts that reach every corner in the state in a budget marked more by specific and highly individualized projects by the Legislature,” said Stephan Currie, MAC’s executive director.

The fact that the final increase was much less than had originally been discussed earlier this year is evidence, said MAC’s chief lobbyist, that the true, fundamental reform is to create and fund a separate Revenue Sharing Trust Fund. “What we have seen from the conference committee this week is a reminder that we need to take revenue sharing out of the annual political free-for-all with the budget,” said Deena Bosworth. “Our plan, developed in close coordination with other local government groups, will do just that, and we remain hopeful that, with members’ help, we can bring this reform into reality later this year.”

Bosworth was referring to plans embodied in House Bills 4274, by Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), and 4275, by Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Oakland), which would create a trust fund and dedicate a percentage of the state sales tax to it, thereby ensuring annual growth when sales tax receipts grow and separating revenue sharing from much of the current budget politics.

To send a message of support to your legislators of this reform, click here.

In other county-related items from the FY24 budget:

  • $6.6 billion is assigned to transportation work;
  • $1.1 billion is assigned to environmental work (with about a third of it coming from the state General Fund);
  • Reimbursements for counties from the Child Care Fund will go to 75 percent from the current 50 percent, securing one of MAC’s key priorities for 2023;
  • $72 million will go into Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grants to cover costs associated with Standard 8 adopted by the commission;
  • $19.3 million is dedicated to foster care per diems, representing an 8 percent increase;
  • $25 million is dedicated in an increase to Essential Local Public Health Services; and
  • $76 million is dedicated to implementing the provisions of Proposals 1 and 2 from 2022 that alter legislative term limits, transparency and election procedures, with $30 million of that figure set aside for grants to incentivize early voting efforts on a multi-jurisdictional effort.

For more information about MAC’s advocacy on the state budget, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.

 

Pay boosts for medical workers included in FY24 budget

Employees at medical care facilities will get pay boosts under budget plans approved by the Legislature for fiscal 2024 this week.

Final versions of the budget include:

  • An 85-cent per hour increase for direct care workers, this is in addition to the $2.35 direct care worker wage increase that CNAs, LPNs, RNs and respiratory therapists currently receive and brings the total wage increase for direct care workers employed in nursing facilities to $3.20 per hour
  • An 85-cent per hour increase for long-term care/non-direct care workers

Each of these wage increases will take effect Oct. 1, 2023. The Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will issue updated policies for providers to request reimbursement for the wage increases.

The Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council, an affiliate of MAC, has supported wage increases for critical workers in the long-term care industry in 2023.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

Podcast episode focuses on revenue sharing, budget timeline

A highly successful committee hearing and continued uncertainty on budget timing were two of the topics discussed this week in Podcast 83, MAC’s podcast on all things related to county government.

Host Stephan Currie led the MAC Governmental Affairs Team of Deena Bosworth, Madeline Fata and Samantha Gibson through a tour of pending legislative matters in Lansing, including:

  • Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, with Bosworth reporting on her testimony before an apparently approving House committee on the topic, which would create a dedicated stream of sales tax dollars for county revenue sharing;
  • Public Safety Trust Fund, with Bosworth noting that the same House committee seemed to share many of MAC’s concerns about the concept, particularly its lack of provisions to recognize the growing demands on county sheriffs;
  • Juvenile Justice Reform, with Gibson explaining that key legislators are looking to spend the summer taking testimony and then act on the huge legislative package, which MAC supports, in the fall; and
  • Fiscal 2024 state budget, with Bosworth noting that the new Democratic majority in Lansing has been surprisingly tight-lipped over the final revisions to the spending plan that is expected to be finished this week for the budget year that starts Oct. 1.

View the full video of the episode, taped on June 26, by clicking here.

Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.

And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.

 

BEAD means $1.6 billion in broadband funds for state

It’s official. Michigan will receive $1.56 billion in federal funding as part of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. While this amount was not a surprise and has been expected since last fall, President Biden and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) confirmed each state’s allocation on Monday.

In total, $42.45 billion will be distributed across the United States to provide broadband to unserved and underserved areas. The BEAD program is the largest investment in high-speed internet ever and is part of Biden’s larger plan to connect the entire country by 2030. The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office will be responsible for administering these funds and expects to open the application process in 2024.

Last week, MAC reported that $300 million had been awarded to various communities and internet providers across Michigan as part of two separate federal programs. With the addition of the BEAD money, Michigan will see nearly $2 billion invested in broadband infrastructure in just two years – a historic feat. Stay tuned for updates on the BEAD program’s availability!

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

Pilot sites wanted for addiction stigma initiative

The Addiction Policy Forum is accepting applications for pilot sites for a no cost anti-stigma initiative. All county governments in the United States are eligible to apply. The project focuses on addiction stigma reduction, increased understanding of addictions, changes in helping behaviors towards those with substance use disorder and gaining insight into levels of addiction stigma within communities that become pilot sites.

To apply, visit Addiction Policy Forum Anti-Stigma Initiative.

 

‘WOTUS’ ruling to have little local impact, state agency says

“A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court changing the federal definition of protected wetlands will have little to no impact in Michigan, which is one of three states given authority by the federal government to administer its own wetlands program under state law,” the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy reported on June 22.

“Ruling on the case Sackett v. EPA last month, the court reduced the scope of the waters and wetlands regulated by the federal Clean Water Act. However, EGLE will continue to administer state law which provides effective protection of Michigan’s wetlands, lakes and streams but also streamlines the program for the regulated community.

“Although what is regulated under federal law has changed numerous times in recent years, Michigan’s wetlands protections are vested in state law which has provided clear definitions since it was enacted in 1979. The SCOTUS ruling, as well as the instability and lack of regulatory clarity at the federal level over the last decade further reinforces the importance of having a comprehensive and stable program in Michigan.

“Different criteria between state and federal wetlands laws make it infeasible to do a side-by-side comparison in acreage covered by state law, as opposed to what would be covered if Michigan fell under federal rules. Michigan will continue to protect waters and wetlands that are critical to protecting water quality and controlling flooding in communities across the state.

“‘Michigan is the epicenter of the world’s greatest freshwater ecosystem – the Great Lakes – so it is fitting that we have a direct role in protecting the wetlands that nurture and feed those freshwater sources,’ said James Clift, an EGLE deputy director. ‘Neither the rules in Michigan, nor our commitment to protecting freshwater resources, has changed in the wake of this ruling.’”

 

Allegan, Berrien commissioners attend power plant meeting

Allegan County Commissioner Dean Kapenga and Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford were among the leaders who attended a gathering of state, local and economic development officials to address the future of the Palisades nuclear power plant on Monday convened by state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-Berrien) as a “repowering roundtable” discussion.

 

MAC offices closed to observe Independence Day holiday

MAC’s offices in Lansing will be closed July 3-4 to observe the Independence Day holiday.

MAC will resume normal office hours on Wednesday, July 5 at 8 a.m.

To see a full text of the Declaration of Independence, issued July 4, 1776, click here.

 

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