Michigan Municipal Leauge Review Magazine March/April 2023

John LaMacchia, Director of State & Federal Affairs Started at MML: 2013 Issue Areas: transportation, infrastructure, and 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. Other key highlights of the budget include: • Resources to create an Office of Rural Development to support economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, infrastructure, education, and high-speed internet access in rural communities; • Additional funding for lead line replacements, environmental remediation, and blight elimination; • Support for the Michigan Reconnect (tuition assistance) and Going Pro (job training) programs to address work force issues; and • Over $31 million in new funding for local roads in cities and villages. Lame duck and the end of the legislative session gave us one final opportunity to protect and advance the needs of local government. In our continued effort to prioritize local 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 (new) 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. My Saturday happy place is watching the latest season of The Crown while Wikisurfing for accuracy. Favorite Big Ten school: My alma mater, Michigan State University! Favorite Big Ten school: Michigan State University. Go White! Herasanna Richards, Legislative Associate Started at MML: 2019 Issue Areas: energy, environment, and public safety

Shortly after investing billions of dollars in communities across Michigan, the Legislature doubled down and passed a state budget in June of 2022 that included significant resources for League priorities. These results are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our members to consistently talk about the importance of funding our communities. This work and commitment to educating legislators on municipal finance and the importance of investing in great places was evident as municipalities saw one of the largest increases in revenue sharing in the last two decades, resulting in a 6 percent increase totaling $16 million. Additionally, the Legislature dedicated $750 million to help address one of the biggest strains on local government budgets, unfunded pension liability. These funds will ensure every municipal pension system in this state will be at least 60 percent funded.

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MARCH / APRIL 2023

THE REVIEW