News & Events
MNA Legislative Update #1
05.02.2011
Having returned from a three week spring break, Michigan’s legislators are back in their respective chambers, rapidly trying to pass packages of budget bills before the appointed deadline. While the momentary pause on the efforts to push through legislation revoking unions and their rights is refreshing, the urgent need to pass the budget bills quickly is still of concern. Many of the proposed budget cuts will be harsh and will impact everyone from nurses to public employees to teachers and everyone in between.
Taxes
This past Wednesday, April 27th, the House Tax Policy Committee voted out the compromise tax proposal issued by the Governor. This proposal eliminates the Michigan Business Tax and replaces it with a 6 percent corporate income tax, it allows for the taxation of public and private pensions, and it eliminates the Earned Income Tax Credit. The proposal will now go to a vote before the full House of Representatives. All Democratic efforts to amend the package were dismissed.
Additionally, the House of Representatives voted successfully for the biggest change in state taxes in recent history on Thursday, April 28th. The Republicans voted in a new business tax, choosing to eliminate most of the tax credits for income and business taxes. Pensions are also subject to taxation in a way they never have been before. This is a giant step toward making the Governor’s agenda and budget proposal a reality. When the plan is completely phased in, business taxes will be cut by $1.7 billion and individual income taxes will be raised by $1.5 billion. The House of Representatives passed HB 4361 on a 56-53 vote.
House Health Policy
On Thursday, April 28th, the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on HB 4411, 4412, and 4413. These are a package of bills that outline the consequences for first, second, and third degree criminal sexual conduct for individuals with a health-related license. The Congress on Public Policy discussed this package at their last official meeting and voted to monitor its progress. The committee heard testimony from Representative Lesia Liss, RN, and one other individual. This package of bills is scheduled for a vote on Thursday, May 5.
Collective Bargaining for Public Employees
We are also closely monitoring the legislative progress of SB 7 and HB 4059. You have all received an email blast providing you with an opportunity to take action by sending an electronic letter to your state senator, encouraging them to oppose these two bills. If you have not done so already, click here to take action. Every letter, phone call, and meeting does make a difference. Remember that SB 7 could increase the amount employees pay for their health care premiums to 20 percent and that HB 4059 could eliminate paid release time for conducting union business -. get the fact sheet here. Both bills are serious threats.
Staying informed is critical, as well as getting involved at the local level. Get yourself out there, call or write your legislators, let us help you set up in district meetings with them, and take some time to go to their monthly coffee hours. It is imperative that we all get involved and stay involved with this process.
