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Federal

Economic Stimulus for Communities

As Congress continues to debate various elements of a new economic stimulus it is imperative Michigan's congressional delegation hear from you that any new stimulus package should contain funding for communities. This would include funds for programs like federal highway and public transit, Amtrak, airport improvement, water and sewer and the Community Development and Energy Efficiency Block Grant programs. Congress should also ensure local governments have access to capital markets. Investing in our communities will create jobs and provide immediate and long-lasting benefits to the economy. For more information, read the National League of Cities' Call to Action.

Compliance with FACTA

October 22, 2008 - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a six-month delay in enforcement of new regulations called "Red Flag Rules" as part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). The rules require government entities that defer payment for goods and services to implement identity theft prevention programs. For local units, this applies to municipal utilities, including water and sewer and electric. The delay will give locals until May 1, 2009 to develop and implement identity theft prevention programs.

FACTA contains new regulations that require financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. According to the FTC, in cases where government entities defer payment for goods or services, they should be considered creditors. To comply with the Red Flags Rules, one must provide for the identification, detection and response to patterns, practices or specific activities (i.e.: red flags) that could indicate identity theft. The FTC has taken the position FACTA applies to municipal utilities, including water, sewer and electric.

Please use the following sample FACTA/red flag resources:

Sample Ordinance – Georgia Municipal Association

Sample Policies/Forms – Michigan Municipal Electric Association

Sample Procedures – Michigan Municipal Electric Association

Sample Resolution – Michigan Municipal Electric Association

Related Articles/Forms – Kentucky League of Cities

Hot Topics

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant - (PDF)

Transportation

Collective Bargaining - Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007

Community Development Block Grant

Telecommunication

Homeland Security

Budget Information

MML Issue Brief - (PDF)

2009 Budget Proposal - (PDF)

2008 Final Budget - December 2007 - (PDF)

NLC Research Brief

2008 City Fiscal Conditions - (PDF)

Links

Michigan Congressional Delegation

National League of Cities

Contact

Arnold Weinfeld