Committee Assignments Announced
In our last edition of Policy Sneak Peek, we introduced you to our new state and federal lawmakers, and promised that we would let our readers know what committees each is serving on. Here is the rundown:
  • House Budget Committee
  • Ways & Means Committee
Congressman Kildee also serves as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
 





  • House Committee on Appropriations, as well as three subcommittees:
  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
  • Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies
  • Financial Services and General Government
  • House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
Congressman Moolenaar also serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, and the Congressional Chemistry Caucus.
 
  • House Appropriations Committee, and the following subcommittees:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Insurance & Financial Services, Vice Chair
  • Judiciary
  • Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
 





  • Energy & Environment Committee, Vice Chair
  • Education Committee
  • Economic and Community Development Committee
  • Senate Appropriations Committee, and the following subcommittees:
  • Joint Capital Outlay Appropriations Subcommittee, Chair
  • DHHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Vice Chair
  • LEO/MEDC Appropriations Subcommittee, Vice Chair
  • EGLE Appropriations Subcommittee
  • Universities and Community Colleges Appropriations Subcommittee
 
  • Regulatory Affairs Committee, Minority Vice Chair
  • Energy and Environment Committee
  • Health Policy Committee
  • Appropriations Subcommittees:
  • Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Subcommittee
  • General Government Subcommittee
  • Health and Human Services Subcommittee
Stay tuned for the next edition of Policy Sneak Peak for the committee assignments of Michigan's U.S. Senators.
Another Update on Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave in Michigan
On January 26th, a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling was announced. The ruling overturned the previous Court of Claims ruling that the Legislature's "adopt and amend" strategy, utilized in late 2018, was unconstitutional.
 
The result is that current Michigan laws related to minimum wage and paid sick leave are staying in place… for the moment. On February 10th, we learned that the matter has been appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court can choose to hear the case, or not, and it will likely be June before we know if they will hear it.
 
The MBA will continue to monitor this case and report to our members. For now, however, employers don't need to make any changes with their minimum wage and/or paid sick leave. 
Lansing Round Up
Elliott-Larsen Expansion
The MBA fully supports HB 4003 and SB 4. These are identical bills that would extend equal opportunity and equal protection under the law, to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While these protections already exist under a Michigan Supreme Court ruling in 2022, these bills aim to codify that ruling. The protection would extend to employment, housing and education.
 
SB 4 is moving a bit faster than HB 4003; the bill has gone through committee and is now before the Senate, where it is expected to easily pass. It then moves to the House. We are excited to see this legislation advance to Governor Whitmer's desk.
 
Lowering MI Taxes Plan
Last month's Policy Sneak Peek included an article on the anticipated surplus in the state's coffers, which could total as much as $9.2 billion. That surplus has led to an interesting situation in which the state's income tax rate could automatically drop--permanently--from 4.25% to 4.04%.
 
A multi-faceted plan was hammered out and passed in the House this past Thursday, which would spend down some of those dollars, and keep the tax rate cut from taking effect:
  • Raising the state's earned income tax credit, from 6% to 30% of the federal match
  • Phase-out of taxes on public and private pensions
  • Deposit into the state's Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund, for economic development projects
  • One-time $180 checks to all tax filers in the state
 
The proposal now moves to the Senate for consideration. The MBA has vocally supported raising the state's earned income tax credit match to 30%.
 
Governor Whitmer's State of the State Address & FY '24 Budget Proposal
Governor Whitmer provided a bird's eye view of her administration's plans for this year with her annual State of the State Address, delivered on January 25th (view here), and her FY '24 budget proposal, delivered on February 8th (outlined here).
 
In addition to the strategies of the Lowering MI Taxes plan (see previous article), the state's anticipated budget surplus is largely allocated out in the Governor's FY '24 budget proposal in education, public health, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development programs. The total price tag is $79.5 billion; that's the largest in state history. Full implementation would spend down the state's surplus to $250 million.
 
Next up, of course, the state Legislature will begin working on their own budget proposals; we've heard that the end of May is the soft target for completion of those. A final budget will be hammered out over the summer months.
On the National Stage: FTC Proposes New Rule on Non-Competes
…and the new rule is, non-competes wouldn't be allowed, in any employment contracts. This would include independent contractors and anyone else who works for an employer, even volunteers.
 
The good news is, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must seek public comment on this proposed new rule, at least until March 20th; the US Chamber of Commerce has requested an extension on the public comment period.
 
We want to hear from our businesses: Would this new rule negatively impact your business? The US Chamber of Commerce is strongly opposing this proposed new rule, but we are curious to know what the impact would be locally. Send your thoughts to Diane Middleton, Vice President of Advocacy, dmiddleton@mbami.org. 
Scholarship in Honor of Former Senator Ken Horn for Skilled Trades & Manufacturing Careers
Former State Senator Ken Horn built a legacy working to benefit small businesses in Michigan. Now, the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association has announced a scholarship in honor of former Senator Horn, specifically for students pursuing a degree or certificate in advanced manufacturing or skilled trades.
 
You can find more information about the scholarship opportunity here, and it is open to all graduating seniors from high schools in Arenac, Bay, Midland and Saginaw Counties. Deadline to apply is March 15th.
Midland Flood Reduction Plan at WakeUp! Midland on March 3rd
You've seen mention of the Midland Flood Reduction Plan, being offered by the MBA's Advisory Committee on Infrastructure, in press releases, the media, and our own Weekly Update. Now, we're providing an opportunity for you to get an in-depth look at the Plan, what it will entail, and how it aims to protect a large portion of the City of Midland.

The Midland Flood Reduction Plan will be the Talk Show topic at the March 3rd WakeUp! Midland program. See maps, hear about the detailed plan, and get the opportunity to ask your questions of our Talk Show guests. Click here for more information and registration.
 




Advocacy Engagement
Issues & Answers
The MBA is partnering with the City of Midland to provide an opportunity for you to weigh in on the future of Midland. Your input is needed at Issues & Answers: Creating a Modern Economy, on March 8th at Dow Diamond.
More detail and registration link can be found here.

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The MBA: The Voice of Midland's Business Community
Being the voice for Midland’s business community means the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) advocates for strategic business issues that advance pro-business platforms at the local and state level. By harnessing the power of our more than 3,000 businesses, our collective voice is stronger than any of us on our own.