It is hard to believe that my second term as your State Representative is coming to a close and that the 95th Michigan Legislature has concluded all anticipated business for the term, with only the sine die adjournment session remaining on Dec. 29. It has been a tremendous privilege to represent the people of the 68th District for the past four years and I am honored to be returning for a third term.
Though I do feel that Michigan has turned the corner and we are beginning to recover, many challenges face the incoming Governor and the 96th Legislature. The problems before us are complex and require that legislators work together and with Governor-Elect Snyder to find solutions that will move our state forward.
As the 95th Legislature wrapped up business over the past few weeks, there was a flurry of activity and much legislation was passed. I have detailed much of it in the Legislative Update section of this newsletter. However, I want to highlight a few things I think may be of particular interest to you that will have a major impact on mid-Michigan.
Capital outlay bill is good for Mid-Michigan
In the early morning of December 2, we passed a $383 million capital outlay bill (SB 1150) that provides funding for state building projects through the sale of state bonds. The bill funds projects at 11 of our 15 public universities and 10 of our 28 public community colleges and includes $15 million for a new Michigan State Police crime lab in Detroit.
Lansing Community College received $9.9 million for a much-needed renovation of the Arts and Sciences Building to increase the number of science classrooms, labs and general classrooms. Michigan State University received $30 million for additions and renovations to the plant science facilities. With capital outlay projects, the universities pay 25 percent of the project costs, with a cap of $30 million, and community colleges pay 50 percent of the project costs. In addition to supporting our educational facilities and our students, these projects also provide construction jobs in local communities.
Key legislation recently passed
The Legislature approved the following:
* the transfer of $10 million from the 21st Century Jobs Fund to the highly successful Pure Michigan campaign to promote tourism
* allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent
* measures to crack down on human trafficking (coercion of persons into labor against their will) in Michigan
* a law that requires that preferences be made for relatives interested in becoming foster parents of children removed from the home
* teen driving restrictions that prohibit first-year drivers from driving with more than one passenger under the age of 21 (exceptions are provided if the passengers are members of the driver’s immediate family) and bars minors from operating a motor vehicle in Michigan from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (currently the ban is from midnight to 5 a.m.) unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver over 21
* allowing establishments to purchase permits for alcohol sales on Sunday morning but give local governments the ability to prohibit the sale of alcohol in their jurisdiction
* the “angel credit” for investing in a qualified small business
* a package of environmental cleanup bills dealing with contaminated properties and hazardous substances
* the use of federal funds for the School Aid Fund, restoring the $154-per-pupil cut in state funds made earlier this year
I am disappointed that the Legislature did NOT act on several issues I think are of major importance to Michigan: approval of the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), autism insurance coverage, approval of Natural Resources Trust Fund projects, and offshore wind energy legislation.
Good news
Though the news on the state and national fronts often seems negative, I do want to share some positive things that have happened in the past few months:
* Capital Area Michigan Works! recently recognized three companies for successful workforce development. Congratulations to MAHLE Engine Components, Turning Leaf Residential Services, and Bekum America. Additionally, Lance Werner from Capital Area District Library was recognized for his partnership with Michigan Works! And last but certainly not least, David Hollister was awarded the Leonard Peters Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifetime service to Capital Area Michigan Works!
* The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) awarded 11 brownfield redevelopment projects, two of which are in Lansing: $4.8 million to support the historic redevelopment of the Knapps building downtown and $6.7 million to redevelop a vacant site adjacent to the new Lansing City Market. Brownfield projects are awarded to generate new investment and to create and retain jobs.
* The Lansing Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was awarded $100,000 from the Michigan Strategic Fund for the Lansing/East Lansing business incubator.
* The Michigan Liquor Control Commission banned alcoholic energy drinks in Michigan (drinks that mix malt beverage or vodka with caffeine in a can between 10 and 24 ounces).
* The Michigan unemployment rate dropped to 12.4 percent, which is 2 percentage points below one year ago. Michigan has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation after Nevada.
* State revenues from 13 major taxes were up 5.3 percent over 2009.
* Michigan’s general obligation Series A notes for the 2010-11 fiscal year were given a high ranking of SP-1 by Standard & Poor’s, which said it reflected the state’s “general credit-worthiness as evidenced by the AA- rating on the state’s long-term general obligation bonds outstanding.”
* The “old GM” corporation has agreed to pay $159 million toward cleanup of environmental contamination at 57 former plants in the state, which is very positive for the Lansing area.
* The University of Michigan’s annual economic forecast predicts job growth in 2011 and 2012. The unemployment rate was 13.4 percent for 2010 and is predicted to decrease to 12.4 percent in 2011 and 11.5 percent in 2012.
* 68th District resident and distinguished Lansing lawyer Eugene G. Wanger donated his comprehensive Michigan Constitutional History Collection to the State of Michigan. The collection is a priceless constitutional archive and we thank him for his stewardship and gift to our state. Mr. Wanger was a delegate to the Michigan Constitutional Convention of 1961-62.
* I was honored to receive a “heroes award” from Michigan’s Children for my advocacy for children’s issues.
Volunteer opportunity in our state parks
Volunteer hosts are needed at Michigan State Parks and State Forest Campgrounds. Campground hosts can be individuals or teams. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to at least four consecutive weeks. Those interested in being a campground host at a state park should apply directly to the park of their choice. For more information on volunteering in state parks, contact Pam Ames at (517) 467-7401; for state forest campgrounds, contact Ada Takacs at (989) 275.5151 ext. 2049.
Legislative Update
Please click here for some of the bills voted on by the House of Representatives that I thought would be of interest. For more information on these or other bills, please visit the Michigan Legislature’s website at www.michiganlegislature.org. You can also contact my office at (517) 373-0826. As always, please e-mail or call me with your comments or thoughts on the issues before us. Your feedback is very important to me.
Breakfast with Bauer in 2011
I am in the process of scheduling the dates for 2011 and will send a schedule via e-mail in early January.
Contact me
As always, I thank you for the opportunity to represent the people of the 68th House District. I am honored to serve you and the State of Michigan. Your thoughts, concerns, and ideas are important to me. Please feel free to contact me at any time by phone at (517) 373-0826 or by e-mail at joanbauer@house.mi.gov, or stop by my office in the Anderson House Office Building.
Best wishes for a joyous holiday season!
Sincerely,
Joan Bauer
