The upcoming memorial day recess provides members with unique opportunities to speak to their congressional representative and Senators Levin and Stabenow as they come home. Along with any local issues of importance that you'll be discussing with them, you are urged to also speak to them about the following matters of importance to all local governments.
Local Jobs for America Act: HR 4812 would provide $75 billion over the next two years to save local government jobs and prevent layoffs. Funds could be used to expand existing services or restore services cut in the past five years and up to 50 percent of the funds could be used to retain employees that might otherwise have to be let go. No local match would be required and there is no requirement to retain employees once the funding runs out. Over 160 members of Congress have co-sponsored the bill. Ask your congressional representative to do so as well.
Mandatory Collective Bargaining - HR 413 and S 3194 would establish a federal "312" law and force municipalities around the country to enter into collective bargaining agreements with their public safety employees, regardless of state and local laws. The League opposes the legislation because it would place the federal government in charge of establishing the rules and procedures governing collective bargaining around salaries, hours, benefits, and conditions of employment at the municipal level. It would turn over authority to determine whether states like Michigan are in compliance to the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Urge your congressional representative as well as Senators Levin and Stabenow to oppose these bills.
PEG Legislation - In an effort to address several immediate issues facing Public, Education and Government (PEG) channel programming, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has introduced legislation, HR 3745 the "Community Access Preservation Act". The bill would, among other things, allow PEG fees to be used for any PEG related purpose; require PEG channels to be carried in the same manner as broadcast channels; and require the FCC to study the impact state video franchise laws have had on PEG channels. Local units are urged to write a letter or adopt a resolution in support of the legislation and as their federal representatives to co-sponsor.
Transportation - The current transportation act, "SAFETEA-LU", has been extended until the end of the year, and its quite likely that it will be extended into next year. This continues to provide local government officials with an opportunity to influence the debate on the next transportation funding bill. The current discussion centers around a new philosophy that transportation is the focal point for land use, community development, housing and the environment and that a new transportation bill should be more reflective of livability issues and couse on multi-modal uses such as walking, biking and public transit. The League believes that transportation funds should be used to "fix it first", that the next authorization should give greater control directly to communities and for programs such as high-speed rail and transit.
Climate Bill - Senators John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman have introduced legislation in Congress, the "American Power Act", which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While it is unclear if the bill has the votes to pass or will even be taken up, the issue will continue to be discussed, especially in light of the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. For local communities, the bill could be a path for a dedicated source of revenue for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program as well as financing additional investment in transportation and transit. Tell your member of Congress that if a climate bill moves, the revenues collected must come back to local governments for the Energy Block grant program and transportation.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
