Legislative Update

from Government Relations

November 11, 2008

Top Lame Duck Legislative Agenda Announced

The Chamber and the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance have laid out the top agenda items for the lame-duck session that need to be addressed prior to the end of the year by the Michigan legislature.  Any bills that have not been enacted by the governor by the end of the year are nullified and have to start the legislative process over starting in January.

The Government Relations Division will be focusing their efforts on the following: 

MBT Gross Receipts Calculation – The inclusion of taxes, fees, and surcharges in the gross receipts calculation in the MBT has been one of the biggest complaints with the calculation of the tax.  Senate Bill 1038 would take sales tax collection out of the gross receipts calculation and awaits a final vote of approval in the House. 

Community Colleges Job Training – This innovative initiative will allow community colleges to provide or coordinate job training for employers looking to expand their operations but not able to support the needed training of those new employees.  The job provider does not have to be located within a community college district, but can be from anywhere in the state.  The House and Senate versions of the bills are scheduled for a hearing in House committee this week where the Chamber will be working for its passage.

MBT Surcharge – The reduction or expedited elimination of the surcharge on the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) remains a priority for the Chamber, Regional Chamber Alliance and business groups across the state.  The surcharge was intended to be a short term fix for the budget and not a long term revenue generator.  Senate Bill 1242 would phase out the Surcharge over three years.

Corrections reform – Reform and spending reductions within the Department of Corrections have been proposed as a trade for elimination of the MBT Surcharge.  The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce has proposed approximately $800 million in department reforms to offset the revenue generated from the MBT surcharge.  The Chamber and Regional Chamber Alliance are working with a number of groups and the administration in supporting the need for reform within the Department and across state government. 

Comment on the Proposed 2009 Alliance Legislative Agenda

The first draft of the 2009 Legislative Agenda is available for comment by chamber members.  The document will be used as the guiding principles the Alliance will use to support and promote issues in the upcoming 2009 legislative year. 

The agenda should be available on the website of the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance partners.  Comments can be either directed to Jamie Callahan, SVP of Government Relations, at Jamie@northwestmichiganbusiness.com or by emailing your local Chamber Alliance partner.

The Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance is a partnership of six chambers of commerce across northwest Michigan with the objective of influencing public policy and acting as the voice of business in northwest Michigan to state and federal legislators.

Office Hours and Committee Information From Around the Alliance

Charlevoix Office Hours:  Monday, November 17^th, 10-11:00 am at the chamber office

Petoskey Office Hours:  Monday, November 17^th, 1:30-2:30 pm at the chamber office

Gaylord Office Hours:  Monday, November 17^th, 4-5:00 pm at the chamber office

Petoskey Government Relations Committee:  Monday, November 17^th, noon-1:00 pm, chamber office