Proposal 5 Opposition Growing
 A new Detroit Free Press/WXYZ TV-7 poll finds opposition to Proposal 5 growing across the state, and respected Michigan business columnist Rick Haglund uncovers how and why billionaire Detroit bridge owner Matty Moroun's is involved in the 2/3 tax vote proposal. Proposal 5 would set in the constitution a requirement that a legislative vote on any tax increase must be approved by 2/3 of the House and Senate or through a vote of the people. Now, on the surface that sounds like a great idea. But the fact is that this proposal is bad for Michigan residents, bad for Michigan businesses and undemocratic, allowing a small minority of legislators (13 out of 148) to stop legislation. MORE>
State
Affairs Update
 Senate Bill Would Require Village Elections to be Held in November - SB 810 currently in the Senate Local Government and Elections committee would require a village regular election to be held at the general November election. The bill has had one committee hearing and another one is expected this week or next. MORE>
Bill to Eliminate Requirement of Two Auctions for Foreclosed Properties Receives Hearing
Bill Aiming to Increase Local Income Tax Collection Passes House Committee
Package of Bills to Expand Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Loan Program
Sewer Back Up Legislation taken up in Senate Committee
Energy Performance Contract Legislation Passes House Committee
CRC Offers Issue Analysis of PA 4 Ballot Initiative and Webinars of All Ballot Initiatives
Replace Don't Erase Coalition Launches Campaign on Personal Property Tax Issue
Registration Open for 2012 Convention, Mackinac Island Oct 3-5
Interacting with the State - Michigan Shared Services Community
Federal Update
 MDOT Seeks Input on New Federal Transportation Funding Model, MAP-21 - Recently the League staff attended a meeting with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to discuss how they intend to implement the new federal transportation funding law, MAP-21, which Congress passed this summer. The new law makes several changes to the categories on federal funding and provides some additional flexibility in how those funds are passed through and spent. MORE>
Tell Your Story: The FCC wants to Hear About PEG in Your Community
MAP-21 Resources Available
Congress to Begin Summer Break
"Fiscal Cliff" On the Horizon
21st Century Communities
 Updated Green Communities Challenge Now Open - Michigan local governments have a new tool to earn recognition for and measure their progress in implementing energy, economic development and environmental improvements. The updated Michigan Green Communities Challenge uses a rating system to recognize sustainability accomplishments and serves as a guide for communities looking to learn from their peers. Participation is free and open to all local governments in Michigan. MORE>
Fish Can’t Climb Trees!
Stop What You’re Doing
Consumers Energy Launches Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Program
Guide to "Adapting to Urban Heat" Available for Local Officials
On Allocating Scarce Resources, Running Government Like A Business and Having Your Cake and Eating it Too
Michigan Vacant Property Campaign Launched
Great Lakes Fishery Trust Grant Proposals Now Being Accepted
National Park Service Offers Free Technical Assistance
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
