MML March/April 2024 Review Magazine

LEGISLATIVE

John LaMacchia, Director of State & Federal Affairs Started at MML: 2013 Issue Areas: transportation, infrastructure, and municipal finance Fun Fact: There are few things I enjoy more than sitting on my deck with a cold beverage listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio. Bio: I grew up in the Lansing area, attended Michigan State University, and reside in DeWitt with my wife and three children. I am an avid sports fan, extremely competitive, love spending time with my family, wish I played more golf, and am a connoisseur of smoked meats and cheeses. The past few years, I have worked hard at recreating my grandma’s meatball recipe, perfecting my homemade spaghetti sauce, and becoming an amateur pit boss. Favorite Big Ten school: Michigan State University. Go White! Revenue Sharing • $36 million (7 percent increase) in revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships. Two percent is specifically dedicated to funding for local public safety initiatives. • $62 million in additional funding through constitutional revenue sharing. Infrastructure • $416 million increase in funding to fix roads. • $80 million for the local bridge bundling program to help local government repair and replace aging bridges. • Nearly $600 million for water infrastructure.

State Budget The success we are finding on the policy front is carrying over to the state budget. Last year the state found itself in the fortunate position of having a multi-billion-dollar surplus. Propped up by one-time money, this allowed legislators to invest significant resources in infrastructure, housing, and economic development. Investments made through the budget align with many of the priority areas identified by the League. These resources will help replace lead pipes, improve access to transit options, invest in placemaking, and overall, help improve the quality of life in our communities. Highlights of the most recent budget include:

• $20 million for contaminated site cleanup to protect communities from impacts of former industrial sites.

Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate Started at MML: 2019

Issue Areas: energy, environment, and public safety Fun Fact: Definitively the first and only “Herasanna” you have ever met. My name is a portmanteau created from my parents’ names. I can also play the clarinet. Bio: I’m a Michigan transplant by way of Tennessee. I love travel and cool hospitality experiences! I’m happiest exploring new places, fun hotels, and unique restaurants with my husband. #justmarried. I come from a huge, tight-knit family with Caribbean roots. I love spending time with them and celebrating our Virgin Islands culture! My favorite TV shows are period dramas, especially with political themes. Saturday happy place is watching historical period dramas while Wiki-surfing for accuracy. Favorite Big Ten school: My alma mater, Michigan State University!

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| March/April 2024