Gongwer News Highlights, March 12, 2009. HOUSE PASSES WORKER PACKAGE
A 12-bill package dubbed by proponents as the "Hire Michigan First" plan because it targets economic development incentives to businesses hiring Michigan residents was passed by a mostly bipartisan House on Thursday.
TAX BREAK FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH DECLINING VALUES GETS SENATE PANEL OK
A constitutional amendment that would protect homeowners against rising taxes when their property values are declining, but which critics said would add inequities into the current structure and diminish local government services, won approval by the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.
SENATE PASSES TAX BILLS OVER CHARGES OF 'CLASS WAR'
Three bills that supporters said could cut taxes by better than $270 million, and boost business activity in the state, passed the Senate Thursday even though critics warned the state's budget could not afford the tax cuts at this time.
STATE FAIR BOARD LOOKING AT ALTERNATIVES
The Michigan State Fair wants to start looking for a developer or investor for its grounds that would compliment continuing operations of the fair, the House Appropriations Investigations, Intergovernmental Affairs and Oversight Subcommittee was told Thursday.
PRUSS: STATE HOPES TO EXPORT ENERGY EQUIPMENT
With the recent changes in electric regulation that included requirements for renewable power and energy efficiency and with Governor Jennifer Granholm's recent directive that all options be explored before issuing permits for new coal-fired generation, Michigan is poised to attract renewable power production facilities that will export that equipment at least regionally, Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Director Skip Pruss told the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.
HOUSE PANEL LOOKING AT CHEMICAL RESTRICTIONS
The House Great Lakes and Environment Committee will be looking at a variety of hazardous chemicals and seeking to place new or further limits on them, committee Chair Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) said after Thursday's meeting.
COMMITTEE CONSIDERS DISCLOSURE FOR REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS
Tax preparation companies that give out refund anticipation loans to consumers would have to disclose more information about the costs and fees associated with the program under legislation under consideration by the House Banking and Financial Services Committee.
D.H.S. HOPEFUL STATE WILL AVOID MILLIONS IN FEDERAL SANCTIONS
While the state could face up to $27 million in federal sanctions for failing in 2007 to get at least half of welfare recipients who were required to work into a job, Department of Human Services officials told a House subcommittee on Thursday they are hopeful that Michigan's progress toward meeting the jobs goal will be a convincing tool in helping the state keeping its federal stipend.
SENATE PASSES RESOURCES TRUST FUND MEASURE
A measure spending $58.4 million on acquiring 37 properties and implementing 44 development projects under the Natural Resources Trust Fund, as well as other projects, won unanimous approval by the Senate Thursday.
Source : Gongwer News Service : Michigan Report, Volume #49, Report 48, March 12, 2009. Full access requires subscription or a visit to a subscribing library such as the Michigan State University Main Library. [Red Tape Blog]
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