Michigan Report Top Stories
Volume #47, Report #91--Friday, May 9, 2008
Newsmaker Friday: Gearing Up For Next Major Fiscal Crisis - Local Governments
For years, the primary fiscal concern of state policymakers has been state revenues and spending as Michigan economic struggles has forced politically tough balancing acts, but many officials expect that ongoing struggle to get even more difficult because now local governments face potentially widespread financial problems. The collapse in the real estate markets coupled with the economic recessions raises the real chance that property tax collections will start to fall over the next several years.
Total revenue to the state from 13 major taxes and the Lottery was up in the second quarter of the year by 10.2 percent compared to the same time last year, according to figures released by the House Fiscal Agency on Friday. Revenue collections for the year are also up 6.6 percent from a year ago, mainly because of the income tax rate and Michigan business tax-related changes the Legislature and governor made last year.
Survey: Most Residents Say Worse Off, Give Granholm/Bush Low Marks
Most Michigan residents say they are worse off now than they were a year ago, but are relatively optimistic that they will see better times in a year, according to a survey of state attitudes conducted by the Institute of Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University. But as the state's economic malaise continues the state's optimism declines, the survey showed.
Financial Gloves Off In Recall Battle
The state's campaign finance law limits how much candidate committees can raise from certain donors during an election cycle, but in the case of a recall, all bets are off and that is what's happening in the effort against House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.).
Mental Health Measures Take New Focus
Legislators advocating for more assistance to people with mental health issues are introducing legislation to deal with recipient rights and community mental health regulations.
Lawmakers Introducing More Identity Theft Bills
Legislation to provide enhanced restitution for victims of identity theft and require consumers to be informed when business or public records have personal identifying information were introduced this week and will be the focus of a bipartisan press announcement on Tuesday.
Williamson Not Worried About Democratic Establishment
Although he was not the candidate favored by the Democratic establishment when he ran for mayor in 2007, Flint Mayor Don Williamson said Friday it was blue collar workers who liked him that provided his win, acknowledging he will have the same establishment battle as he runs for governor in 2010.
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