Yesterday shortly before session began the House added two bills, HBs 4098 and 5603 to the agenda. These bills would repeal the driver responsibility fees resulting in elimination of fire protection grant money.
League lobbyists immediately sprang into action contacting our members who rely on fire protection grants to run successful fire departments and talking to legislators in the lobby as session went on through the afternoon.
There was a lot of concern from legislators about protecting fire protection grants and also finding a way to replace the more than 100 million dollars the driver responsibility fees contribute to the state's general fund.
The bills were removed from yesterday's agenda after a lengthy caucus. Contact your legislators and ask them to preserve fire protection grants. We are hoping to reach a compromise with the House on these bills.
Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services issues. She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at sharkins@mml.org
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