MML March/April 2024 Review Magazine

CAUCUS

Shifting from Education to Policy Initially, the Municipal Caucus was intended as a medium for League staff to educate lawmakers on issues important to local governments. It has grown to 35 legislators, and League staff identified four individuals to co-chair the group: Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), Senator Mike Webber (R-Rochester Hills), Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), and Representative Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills). With more lawmakers having previous municipal experience now serving in the Michigan Legislature than in the past, the State and Federal Affairs team approached the group about shifting from education to pursuing policy changes. This session, the lawmakers in the Municipal Caucus have taken a more active role in determining the issues prioritized within the group. With the Michigan Municipal League providing a framework of key objectives, the Caucus members selected the top policies based on their perceived importance. Following this, legislative sponsors and co-sponsors volunteered to lead these issues through the legislative process, with the State and Federal Affairs team offering support.

Priorities Some of the priorities identified this session include the disabled veteran property tax exemptions, dark stores, and addressing the constraints on municipal budgets due to the interaction between Headlee and Prop A. The top priority agreed upon within the Municipal Caucus is the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, also a long-standing priority for the League. Demonstrating their commitment, all four chairs introduced legislation to establish the trust fund and have tirelessly advocated for its progression. Their collective efforts, backed by the entire Municipal Caucus, led to the Michigan House of Representatives passing this legislation by an overwhelming vote of 106-4 in late 2023. Their advocacy now shifts to the Michigan Senate to ensure the passage of the bills. This is a prime example of the collective power the group can have when united by their common, bi-partisan interest in elevating the needs of our municipalities. The League has observed increased engagement from lawmakers on critical issues and has recognized the impact through our Legislator of the Year Award, which the League has given to several members of the Municipal Caucus. The League appreciates our allies in the Municipal Caucus. It will continue to support their advocacy of key priorities in the future. Dave Hodgkins is a legislative associate for the League. You may contact him at 517-908-0304 or dhodgkins@mml.org.

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