MML The Review MarchApr 2021 Magazine

In previous legislative sessions, the League has been fortunate to work hand-in-hand with former municipal officials on issues important to our members. Further, Hackbarth says, “Working closely with legislators who are former municipal officials from both sides of the aisle, the League has been able to secure increases in statutory revenue sharing through a state budget chaired by two former mayors. We have received active support from these legislators defending against attacks on local control. They have moved legislation that provides additional local involvement and oversight of economic development incentives, and introduced key pieces of legislation on municipal finance reform, and important infrastructure funding tools, among numerous other examples." Perhaps most importantly, they’re familiar with municipalities’ financial challenges and the negative impact

that it has on residents and the livability of their community. They’ve seen the sharp declines in revenue sharing and property taxes over the past decade, the main sources of revenue for Michigan communities. The pandemic has exacerbated some of these challenges, prompting the League to develop a COVID-19 Community Stabilization Plan. The goal of this plan is to work with legislators on three fronts: extend changes to the Open Meetings Act, prevent local income tax losses, and address property tax losses caused by the interaction of Proposal A and the Headlee Amendment. This year, eight new legislators with municipal experience have joined the Michigan House of Representatives. They represent one of the largest classes of freshman legislators who have served their communities in a variety of capacities. We are looking forward to working with them to improve conditions in Michigan’s cities, villages, and urban townships.

MARCH / APRIL 2021

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THE REVIEW

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