IMPORTANT NOTICE ON EVIP DEADLINE CORRECTION:
Please be aware of the following critical correction to the January/February 2013 issue of The Review magazine:
Page 46, the Municipal Q&A, contains a question on EVIP requirements and lists the next EVIP deadline as February 13, 2013. THE CORRECT DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2013. All of our online materials, the information we’ve provided in webinars and trainings and the information you are receiving from Treasury contains the correct deadline. The print version of the magazine is the only place that contains this typo. The online magazine has been corrected here.
Happy New (Session) Year
It's 2013, a new year for all of us, and a new legislative  session here in Lansing. While last session was extremely fast paced, I don't expect this year will be much different. A new House is being sworn in, and there are 25 new members. We are fortunate that six additional former League members (and one former League lobbyist) are taking seats as legislators. That will bring us to a total of 27 legislators who are former city or village officials, and we look forward to working with them and other legislators in this new session. <MORE>
State
Affairs Update
 Governor Signs Personal Property Tax Reform -- Governor Rick Snyder signed the personal property tax reform package, Senate Bills 1065-1071 and House Bills 6022, 6024-6026. The new laws are viewable on the legislative website.
As noted in previous posts the League will continue working with the Legislature and Governor's office in the new legislative session on important changes to the legislation to ensure reimbursement for communities.
League Publishes Personal Property Tax Fact Sheet for Communities
League Publishes Right to Work Fact Sheet for Communities
SB 59 (Concealed Weapons Bill) Vetoed by Governor Snyder
Federal Update
Fiscal Cliff Summary and Cities Avoid Losing Exemptions on Federal Bonds -- With Congress and the President passing  legislation to avoid the fiscal cliff, cities had a significant victory in that they did not eliminate the tax exemption on federal municipal bonds. While this is great news for cities and villages, we still need to be vigilant as we head into the new year as Congress intends to take a closer look at exemptions. And, if you're looking for a summary of what passed last week, you can find it attached here.
New Handbook on MAP-21 Federal Transportation Program Now Available
Transportation Alternatives Grant Program
US Department of Transportation Seeking Local Feedback on National Environmental Policy Act
Tell Your Story: The FCC Wants to Hear About PEG in Your Community
MAP-21 Resources Available
21st Century Communities
A New Year Full of Hope and Challenges -- Well it’s the start of a new year, and as with any new year it comes with great anticipation of what might be. And what might be always starts with us as individuals. That is why I was excited to see a series of articles in the Lansing State Journal featuring viewpoints from several individuals who are high on Lansing. From Chamber Director Tim Daman, continued recognition about the power of talent and young professionals in creating prosperity. Danielle Robinson of Jackson National Life Insurance reminds us about the importance of a strong core city. She has committed herself and her family to not just working in one, but living there as well. As a matter of fact there are more than half a dozen articles from Lansing area young professionals discussing what brought them here and what keeps them here today. The themes in each are consistent--collaboration, creativity, a diverse economy being built around entrepreneurs and young talent.<MORE>
City of Port Huron, St. Clair County Community College Partner for Growth
Applications for the MI Historic Preservation Network 2013 Awards Now Available
Age Friendly Communities Conference
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
