MML March/April 2024 Review Magazine

LEGISLATIVE

Betsy Richardson, Capital Office Coordinator Started at MML: 2018 Betsy is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operation of the Lansing office. Fun Fact: I once received an award for rock climbing. Ok, so maybe the award was given to me because I made it halfway up the climbing route, panicked and had to come back down— but it still counts! Bio: I am one of four siblings, and the only girl. I recently got married and live in East Lansing with my husband Mike. My favorite tv show is The Office —to the point that I had the theme song played at my wedding ceremony. My husband and I love traveling and trying new types of food whenever possible. Favorite Big Ten school: Michigan State University, of course! In 2021 as part of a budget supplemental, the state expanded the personal property tax small taxpayer exemption from $80k to $180K. This resulted in an approximate $75M hit to local budgets. When this expansion took effect, there was a one-time $75M appropriation to cover the cost to locals and an expectation that bills would be introduced to create a permanent fix. In May of 2023, three bills were introduced to codify a permanent reimbursement mechanism and revenue stream. They are Senate Bill 331, House Bills 4553, and 4554. These bills have now been signed by the governor and a permanent funding stream to reimburse local governments for lost revenue has been secured. Jennifer Rigterink, Assistant Director of State & Federal Affairs Started at MML: 2016 Issue Areas: economic development, zoning, and land use Fun Fact: You spend a third of your life sleeping (so your mattress choice is very important!). Bio: I’m a Michigan State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning. I live in DeWitt with my husband and two children. My husband and I own a small business. On the weekend you’ll usually find me out of town at a kid’s sporting event (volleyball/soccer). Favorite Big Ten school: Michigan State University. Go Green! Personal Property Tax Small Taxpayer Exemption (big win!)

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption House Bills 4894, 4895, and 4896 make up a three-bill package that will shift the cost of the disabled veterans property tax exemption from the municipality to the state. Addressing the cost burden this exemption has placed on locals is another top priority for the League. The bills have received bipartisan support, and we are working with legislative leaders to secure passage of this legislation. Housing Senate Bill 129 allows housing development projects to be eligible for brownfield tax increment financing (TIF) by expanding the definition of “eligible activity” in the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to include housing development activities. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Whitmer last year and provides an additional tool to our communities as they work to address local housing needs.

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