NEWS

You win some, lose some at Capitol

Dec 12, 2014 | Legislative, Uncategorized

DSC_0139.jpgWhile 2014 has been an outstanding year for MAC legislative initiatives (full revenue sharing funding, Cunningham court funding crisis averted), there always are debates that don’t play out so well. Which, of course, means a redoubling of our efforts in the coming legislative term.

This week, legislation to extend county authority to merge road commissions (House Bills 5117-18) was put on the shelf, meaning that the authority will expire on Dec. 31. We are disappointed in this result, but will look to address the issue again in the new legislative term.

Legislation altering the rules on tax increment financing, or “tax capture,” districts also stalled this fall.

We have been working throughout this legislative session on revisions to the TIF law, principally to ensure that counties always have the option on whether to have millage dollars captured by TIF districts, the length of time of that capture and the ability to partner with the authorities by having a seat at the table. The legislation sponsored by Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-Oakland), however, eventually was written in such a way that no real reform would result.

We expect to have new legislation filed early next year to incorporate the provisions for county authority and more reforms.

As always, the best way to stay on top of county issues at the Capitol is by being a subscriber to MAC’s weekly Legislative Update. If you are not receiving the updates, send a request and your email address to melot@micounties.org.

Recent News

April designated as County Government Month via House resolution

A legislative resolution sponsored by MAC was among activities in April to mark National County Government Month. Rep. Steve Frisbie, a former Calhoun County commissioner now serving his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives, sponsored a resolution (HR...

Legislative Update 4-18-25

MAC testifies for public safety fund bills; House committee advances them Legislation to create a Public Safety Trust Fund advanced from the House Committee on Government Operations on Thursday after taking testimony from MAC and others in support of the concept....

Legislative Update 4-11-25

Deadline extended on Opioid Settlement Funds Survey The second annual opioid settlement county reporting survey will remain open until April 21. MAC, in partnership with Public Sector Consultants (PSC), is conducting the survey. The survey allows MAC to: Update the...

Legislative Update 4-4-25

Legislative Conference begins Monday in Lansing More than 300 county and business leaders will gather in Lansing April 7-9 to hear from state leaders and policymakers at the 2025 Michigan Counties Legislative Conference, co-hosted by MAC and the Michigan County...

Celebrate National County Government Month in April

National County Government Month (NCGM), held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents.  ...

Categories

Archives

Archives