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MLA Advocacy - February 28, 2019

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State Budget Due March 5

The Governor's budget will be proposed on March 5. At that time we will have an indication of the administration's priorities. Once we are aware of the library support we can expect from the governor, we can begin building our support among the legislature. It is unlikely we will see a budget completed prior to the summer break.

HB 4119 Reestablishes PA 269 Charter Township Libraries

PA 164 Township Libraries NOT Included in Bill

HB 4119 allows Charter Township libraries that have been unestablished by the repeal of PA 269 years ago to reestablish as township libraries under the Township Act. Library of Michigan provided input on this bill to keep it very narrow. Because of that MLA has remained neutral on the bill. It is the consensus of MLA, the MLA Legislative Committee, MLA legal counsel and the Library of Michigan that there remains more than a sufficient number of methods for establishing a library.

The House Ways and Means committee analyst contacted MLA about HB 4119 and I explained why we were neutral on the bill. I also made it clear that we would step in if it or another bill expanded the impact.

NARCAN Bills in Process

The NARCAN bills have been drafted. They are exactly the same as last year's bills. We are currently working to secure bi-partisan sponsors and the bills should be introduced in the house shortly. House Speaker Rep. Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) requested the bills for us and is very much in support of this legislation. We expect it to move quickly once introduced.

HB 4025 Tax Tribunal Bill Offers Relief

This Tax Tribunal bill would prevent tax tribunals from reducing the tax obligation of dark stores. This is similar to past bills that offer relief to local governmental entities suffering from an unfair reduction in taxes for big box stores. We don't know how quickly it will move. It depends on the opposition. However, this governor is less likely to listen to concerns of the Chamber of Commerce and the business community. We will monitor and assist where we can.

Coalition for Michigan School Libraries

MLA Past President Steven Bowers is representing MLA at the Coalition for Michigan School Libraries. The Coalition held their first meeting last weekend. It intends to work toward new legislation that will require librarians/media specialists in schools throughout the state.

Groups involved include MLA, Mi-ALA, MCDA, Library of Michigan, Wayne State University SIS, Michigan Reading Association, Michigan Council of Teachers of English, Michigan Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and many others. Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), new to the Michigan House of Representatives, was at the meeting as well. He is part of the team of legislators who are interested in reintroducing last year's school library bills that died in the Lame Duck session.

Personal Property Tax Update

The Michigan Department of Treasury wants to make sure that every Michigan Public Library has access to the following information:

In June 2018, the Local Community Stabilization Authority Act (LCSA Act) was amended to create a process for correcting errors in the 2016 personal property tax (PPT) adjustment payments, 2017 PPT reimbursements, and 2018 PPT reimbursements.

The Department of Treasury has developed forms for municipalities to use to notify the Department of Treasury of reporting errors or calculation errors made by the Department of Treasury. In addition to the form(s), municipalities must provide substantiating documentation to support an adjustment to the reported value or the calculated reimbursement amount.

To see a list of the correction forms that are available with the workflow for each form please visit: www.michigan.gov/documents/libraryofmichigan/PPT_Reimbursement_Correction_Forms_646357_7.pdf

Please direct any questions regarding the PPT reimbursement correction process to [email protected] or (517) 373-2697.   

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