Related post: Representative Criticial of Michigan City Managers

This afternoon the House passed SB 1072 without amendment, a bill that expands PA 312 to authorities. This includes fire authorities, 9-1-1 dispatch authorities and any other locally created authority that has law enforcement (Metro Parks authorities, airport authorities, etc.) 

Instead of reforming PA 312 to help local units of government, the legislature has instead chosen to expand it broadly to an unknown number of entities. This will increase costs to local units at a time when we can afford it least.

The League is thankful for all the legislators who voted no. The House Republicans largely voted no (with just four exceptions - Reps Rocca, Rick Jones, Horn and Walsh) proving to be the only caucus in the Michigan legislature willing to stand up for real reform. Several members of the House Democrats also supported local government - Reps. Geiss, Bledsoe and Robert Jones. Thank you to all the legislators who opposed this expansion.

In floor speeches several members made impassioned pleas on behalf of local units of government. Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) indicated that anyone "who votes yes on this bill has any right to complain about cuts to revenue sharing." He also stated that we can't continue to cut money to locals and fail to give them tools to be more efficient.

Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) said SB 1072 would cost Michigan citizens jobs including public safety jobs. Opsommer also said this was the "worst legislation he has seen in his 3½ years in the legislature."

Rep. Joe Haveman (R-Holland) said that local government spends money better than the state. He said with this bill "we are taking authority away from the locals. That's wrong (applause)"

Rep. Doug Geiss (D-Taylor) gave a fiery speech that showed his frustration with the pension situation in his hometown of Taylor.  He indicated that officers are retiring at 130% of base pay, and his city just can't continue operating under these financial pressures. Geiss also chastised the legislature for fighting over specific multipliers for teacher retirement because it was state money but not caring that local multipliers are sometimes more than a percentage point higher.

Unfortunately this bill still passed, but it goes back to the Senate for immediate effect. Contact your Senator and ask them to take another look at this legislation. They should encourage Senate leadership to amend this bill to take out the expansion piece or at the very least deny immediate effect.

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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