Legislative Update 3-14-25

Written by Derek Melot on March 14, 2025. Posted in Blog Dynamic, Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

GOP road proposal with big county bucks gets House committee hearing

A House Republican plan that could mean a nearly $1.5 billion boost for county road accounts received its first committee review this week.

The Michigan House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard testimony on House Bills 4180-87, which would boost road spending by $3 billion annually, with a focus on improving local roads, an area long highlighted as a priority by Michigan’s local governments.

The plan consists of several key components designed to dedicate significant revenue for infrastructure while ensuring that the plan is sustainable and balanced. Notably, part of the plan would exempt fuel from the state sales tax, while simultaneously raising the fuel tax in a revenue-neutral manner. This approach is aimed at maintaining the overall fiscal impact of the plan, without creating an additional burden on drivers.

One of the most significant aspects of the plan is altering the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and reversing certain earmarks that were previously allocated for corporate income tax reductions. Instead of these earmarks, the funds would be redirected toward road improvements, providing a crucial boost to the state’s road repair and maintenance efforts.

The proposed restructuring would direct approximately $1.44 billion into the county road system and an additional $1.08 billion toward city roads. MAC has expressed interest in the plan, highlighting that local roads have long been underfunded and need significant attention.

While the House Republican plan has garnered significant interest from MAC, there is also a competing proposal being championed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which aims to provide a comprehensive and long-term solution for Michigan’s road funding needs. The governor’s plan is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and will likely influence future discussions on road funding.

For more information on this issue, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.

Podcast 83: Is it big-money time for counties on roads?

A Republican road funding proposal that could mean a whopping $1.44 billion in new county road dollars was the focus of this week’s episode of Podcast 83.

“If (the House GOP plan) goes through, it would mean a significant influx of dollars into the county road system,” said Deena Bosworth, MAC’s governmental affairs director.

“What the bills basically do is they allocate the gas tax, the tax on that you pay at the gas pump, and the sales tax, turn that into a gas tax, and then dedicate all of that revenue to the roads,” she explained.

“Counties will get about $340 million of that revenue to go toward their roads,” Bosworth said. “But, in addition to that, they’re also talking about taking General Fund dollars and switching around some business taxes, finding some savings elsewhere and then putting an additional $1.1 billion into the county road system, which is a huge windfall.”

Of course, there’s a potential catch: “The only thing that we might be concerned about is the hit that it’s going to take on the state’s General Fund,” Bosworth noted. “Counties are reliant on a lot of General Fund appropriations: our revenue sharing, our court funding or what goes to public health departments. … So, we’ll have to wait and see … if the state’s going to really be able to balance the budget, still maintain all of those priorities and do this huge influx into the roads.”

Also in the episode:

Bosworth noted the need for counties to keep wary eye on state budget politics this year after passage of an “essentials” budget in the Michigan House that would cut into revenue sharing: “It’s definitely not what we want to see … on revenue sharing, because what they did was they take that $30 million that we were getting in those adjusted taxable value payments for revenue sharing. … In fiscal year 25, it’s $30 million they did not include that in their budget (for fiscal 2026). And then they took the base revenue sharing amount, which we were getting $261 million of, and dropped that down to $256 million … This is a long budget process, and we know the Senate was not happy with what came over. So, I think it just is more setting the stage, doing the infighting, before we get to actually down to figuring out what the real budget is going to be.”

Governmental Affairs Specialist Jimmy Johnson discussed MAC’s activities at the 2025 National Association of Counties’ Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.: “Sen. (Gary) Peters (D-Michigan) was very gracious with his time (at a MAC-arranged briefing). And one big thing that he touched on was the Selfridge Air Base and how important that is,” Johnson said.

To view the full episode, recorded on March 10, 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.

Expansion of indigent defense to juveniles clears committee

Juvenile defendants would receive help through the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) under a bill backed by the House Judiciary Committee this week.

The committee took testimony from MIDC Executive Director Kristen Staley and Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Jackson) in support of House Bill 4070, which aims to expand the scope of the commission to include juvenile defense.

The bill would:

Increase the number of members on the MIDC from 18 to 19, with the additional member being an expert in juvenile defense, thus ensuring the commission will have specialized expertise in juvenile justice
Amend the funding disbursement system to an initial 40 percent payment, followed by three 20 percent payments (the current system is an initial 50% and two 25% payments)

MAC currently has concerns with the proposed disbursement model, as well as the MIDC having the authority to determine indigency. We are currently working with legislators on these technical changes as the bill moves to the House floor.

For more information on this issue, contact Jimmy Johnson at johnson@micounties.org.

Juvenile transport bill advances out of House

A bill to allow juvenile offenders who are 16 or older to be transported with adult offenders under the age of 25, if they are taken into custody at the same time for the same crime or if they were involved in the offense together, gained House approval this week.

Under House Bill 4018, by Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Genesee), a juvenile in these situations still would be separated from the adult offender as soon as possible. Proponents argue this would save time and resources, easing the burden on law enforcement agencies.

After the 74-34 vote in the House, the bill, supported by MAC and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, moves to the Senate.

For more information on this issue, contact Jimmy Johnson at johnson@micounties.org.

State provides resources on sick time transition

On Feb. 21, Michigan’s new Earned Sick Time Act went into effect. This new law allows for increased flexibility for workers to earn paid sick leave. The new reforms will be phased in over time, giving small businesses time to adjust. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has developed resources to help both workers and businesses understand the changes. Visit their website to:

Watch their Earned Sick Time Act webinar.
View presentation slides.
Review frequently asked questions (FAQs).
See posting requirements.

Dolinky rejoins MAC in opioids role

Dolinky

Amy Dolinky has returned to MAC’s staff in her prior role as technical adviser, opioid settlement funds planning and capacity building. Dolinky originally filled that role in 2022 but departed MAC at the end of 2024 to explore other opportunities.

Prior to joining MAC, she served as a Senior Program Manager, Overdose Data to Action with the CDC Foundation and as the Senior Adviser of Michigan’s Opioid Strategy with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, Dolinky served as the Substance Misuse Response Coordinator, leading strategic planning around substance use with Knox County government in Tennessee.

“We could not be happier that Amy has rejoined us,” said MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie. “Her work in this field is nationally recognized and her expertise will continue to be a major benefit to our members.”

Dolinky holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration with a focus on global health from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Loyola University New Orleans.

Members with questions on opioid settlement issues may contact Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.

Ag Department issues tips on preventing bird flu spread

Michigan has been battling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a.k.a. bird flu, for over three years. The virus has heavily impacted our backyard and commercial poultry farmers, increased the price of eggs, and, in March of 2024, crossed over into Michigan’s dairy cattle. While the virus is primarily spread by migratory wild birds, it can also be moved to new areas by people on their shoes, clothes, car tires, and more. Anyone has the potential to spread HPAI, particularly if they move between farming locations on the same day.

HPAI is a virus found among various species of wild and domestic birds. The disease can infect domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.

The virus has even been detected in various wild and domestic species of mammals – including dairy cattle and poultry – presumably after the animals come into contact with infected wild birds or materials contaminated by infected animals.

So, how can you help stop the spread of bird flu? These risk reduction measures, otherwise known as biosecurity, include:

As much as possible, wearing rubber boots and using a disinfectant like a boot wash or using disposable shoe covers. Remember the virus can be moved on clothes and shoes.
Spraying vehicle tires with disinfectant at a property’s entrance and when exiting as well as adhering to any biosecurity signs and procedures.
Parking in an area in the sun and on a hard surface (like gravel or cement), as much as possible.
Bringing only the tools, equipment, or materials that are essential, and disinfecting them in between uses.
Following good hand washing and cleansing practices. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 15 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.

The HPAI virus can survive longer under cold and wet conditions (weeks to months) than under warm, dry conditions (hours to days). Being mindful of how the virus can spread and preventing that transmission is fundamental to being able to curb its impact and protect both animal and human health throughout the state.

For more information on HPAI, please visit www.michigan.gov/birdflu.

Recycling conference offers plenty for county leaders

As your county revises its materials management plans according to Part 115, do you find yourself with more questions than answers? Address these concerns at Michigan’s largest annual recycling conference May 13-15.

The Michigan Recycling Coalition’s 43rd Annual Conference provides a variety of opportunities for attendees to share and learn recycling best practices. This year’s conference is in Muskegon and features expert-led sessions addressing critical issues impacting county leaders, including recycling for multi-family housing, expanding organics recovery programs, setting planning goals and reducing construction waste.

Enjoy exceptional networking activities with other county and municipal leaders. Sign up for tour packages and volunteer activities to witness firsthand how recycling and composting operations function.

Click here to learn and register today.

NACo invites applications for 2025 Achievement Awards

Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.

If you are ready to begin your application, click here to access the application portal. In addition, you can use the portal to view, edit and submit previously saved applications.

Email awards@naco.org for additional assistance.

Applications are due March 31, 2025.

Utility foundation seeks contest entries from rural communities

Counties and municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents may have a chance at $25,000 to “put your community on the map” under a contest from the Consumers Energy Foundation.

To be eligible for “Put Your Town on the Map,” an entry must be:

From rural municipalities with a population up to 10,000
From a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or municipality
Community-focused (no individuals, businesses, corporations or LLCs)
An idea that is conceptual or in the startup phase (previously attempted projects not allowed)
From territory that is served by Consumers Energy

Only one submission can come from any given municipality.

Submission deadline is March 28. For more details, see the contest flier.