It is definitely not easy to get this blog done. I have every intention to do this every week, but things have been quite busy…and we haven’t even taken a vote yet!
Since my first blog, lots has happened. I have met and created relationships with colleagues on my side of the aisle, and was named Assistant Floor Leader by Democratic Leader Greimel. This is a tremendous honor, and I look forward to working closely with Democratic Floor Leader Hobbs as we attempt to get our ideas, bills, and amendments considered. I also have been named Chair of the bi-partisan Capitol Caucus and will work closely with legislators on both sides of the aisle to help the greater Lansing area.
The Governor gave his State of the State speech, which is the start of the legislative session. He said a lot of things, and you can read his speech here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/Journal/house/pdf/2013-HJ-01-16-002.pdf
I have been working hard on legislation and have introduced a few bills and resolutions. So far, here is the legislation that I have introduced:
- HB 4104 and HB 4105 – these bills add libraries to the “gun-free zones” (which are places where people can not bring concealed weapons such as schools, churches, day care centers, etc). The bills also prevent people from openly carrying guns in these “gun-free zones.” Under current law, a person can openly carry a gun in any public place, including schools, churches, bars, dormitories, etc. My legislation will simply prevent the open carry of guns in those areas, exempting police and private security officers.
- HR 17 – this resolution urges Governor Snyder to accept the expanded federal Medicaid dollars. There are hundreds of millions of dollars on the table from the federal government, which would provide coverage for between 400,000 and 600,000 residents. It would also reduce uncompensated care and emergency room visits, thus reducing health care costs. Four Republican governors have accepted these dollars, and my resolution calls on the Governor to do this as well.
I will also be introducing these bills this week, which were campaign pledges:
- A bill to equalize funding for k-12 per pupil dollars. I said repeatedly during the campaign that some students receive up to $12,000 per pupil, while Lansing receives $7,100. This gap needs to be closed, and I will introduce a bill to re-create the 2X system where the lower funded schools get more new money. This will close the gap in about ten years. I also co-sponsored a Republican constitutional amendment and a Republican bill to close the funding gap. This is not a partisan issue, but is necessary for Lansing and Lansing Township residents!
- A bill to create an income tax credit for the costs of college for those students that choose to remain and be employed in Michigan. I have already been told that there is a good chance that this bill will be heard in committee as we analyze how to make Michigan more competitive.
Additionally, I have co-sponsored the following bills:
HJR C - Constitutional amendment to equalize amount of per pupil funding for all local school districts.
HJR E - Require that only bills with appropriations for state budgets are not subject to referendum. This addresses the issue where the Republicans last session put small appropriations in several policy bills (right-to-work, abortion, etc) so that these bills cannot be put up for a vote of the people.
HR 10 - A resolution to declare February 4, 2013, as Rosa Parks Day of Courage in the state of Michigan. (adopted)
HB 4101 – create a fund-raising license plate for girl scouts of America
HB 4103 – allow for no-reason absentee (early) voting
HB 4124 – create a veteran's ombudsman
HB 4127 - allow GPS bail monitoring for probation of certain offenders
HB 4146 – create an income tax credit for expenditures by school teachers for certain supplies
All this in just two weeks of legislative session!
We received committee assignments last week. I was place on the following committees:
- Elections and Ethics – this committee is expected to take up a variety of controversial bills, including the bill to create no-reason absentee voting and the bill that would change the electoral college votes from all-or-nothing to being issued by congressional district.
- Regulatory Reform – this committee is expected to be busy reviewing current liquor regulations, gambling issues, tobacco issues, and others.
- Michigan Competitiveness – this committee will be a think tank of ideas. The Chair has indicated a willingness to discuss whatever members think will make Michigan more competitive. This will be the most thought-provoking committee as we try to make Michigan not just competitive but the best state in the nation.
My office has also been working to assist constituents and we have been able to do this successfully thanks to the very hard work of my staff – Karissa Chabot-Purchase and Marilyn Plummer. Both Lansing residents, these two awesome women are working hard for the citizens of the 68th district every day (and nights and weekends!). I hope everyone has a chance to interact with them.
Although the House of Representatives has not yet taken up bills, the Senate has already begun passing bills. I expect session to become active and busy very soon!
A few upcoming events to know about:
- February 16 (Saturday) will be my first Coffee with Andy. We will be at The Avenue Café (formerly Gone Wired) at 1419 East Michigan Avenue in Lansing from 9 ti 10 in the morning. I am scheduling coffee hours where I can update constituents on important issues, and where constituents can come and tell me their thoughts and views on issues and what is going on in the area. We will have the entire schedule out soon, and it should be in the newsletter that you receive in the mail. We are also looking at some town hall meetings, which are yet to be scheduled. I hope to see you there!
- February 28th will be my first fundraiser of the year. I expect another spirited campaign in 2014 and want to be sure to be able to get my message out. This fundraiser will be a breakfast from 8 to 9:30 at the Michigan Municipal League office at 208 N Capitol Avenue in Lansing. And if you can’t make it, you can always donate online at www.andyschor.com. Thanks for all your support!
That’s it for now. I will try to keep you updated as regularly as I can. And, as always, please feel free to contact me at andyschor@house.mi.gov or at 517-373-0826. And you can check out legislative things on my official website at http://schor.housedems.com, or you can see the news articles and other political things at www.andyschor.com.
Andy
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Schor Blog Returns - Now Dealing with House of Reps Issues, Swearing In, Revenue Estimating Conference
Friends,
As a County Commissioner, I did a weekly blog that talked about what happened that week. I was able to do this for many years.
Now that I am in the House of Representatives, I would like to continue that tradition. I will do my best to publish something as stuff happens in the Legislature. This can be a bit complicated, though. Rep. Joan Bauer, who I have the honor to follow in this position, maintained a great list and I will continue to email that list. I have a great list from my campaign. I also have a great list of friends on facebook both on my personal and political pages. As such, I am trying to accomplish updating all of these without too much duplication. If I hit you 2 or 3 times, my apologies and I will try to consolidate all of these. But that may take a few weeks. Bear with me.
So, for the first update…
There were two big events last week. The first was the swearing in of the 110 members of the House of Representatives. It was very exciting for me, as I officially began my journey that will last for the next two years. It was a ceremonial day and everything went smoothly. I will address the one controversial vote…I and 49 of my fellow Democrats voted for Jase Bolger for Speaker. Not because I approve of what he did last session (either the last minute votes that had no public testimony, or his actions with the scandal with Rep. Schmidt), but because the Republicans were voted into the majority and he is the person that they selected. I appreciate his comments upon becoming Speaker about bi-partisanship and hope that will be actions and not just words. He has agreed to respect the rights of the minority and I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt to start.
The second big event was the first revenue estimating conference. This looks at the budget numbers and trends and projects the dollars that the state will have to spend in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The initial budget numbers will come from this conference as the budget begins to be worked on, then will be updated after the May budget estimating conference.
I was able to be part of that meeting and asked questions, including if we are creating high-payinng jobs or low-paying jobs (there was no answer, but they said they have a report on this). Here is what we heard…
General Fund/General Purpose (GF-GP) revenues for the 2012-13 FY, which began in October, were estimated to be about $8.79 billion, a drop of 5.1 percent from last year. While School Aid Fund (SAF) revenues are expected to be around $11.12 billion (a 2.3 percent increase from last year), that number falls short of last May's forecasts by 0.4 percent. Unfortunately, we're seeing that the significant changes to Michigan's tax policy that have been enacted since Governor Snyder took office continue to have an impact on our state's tax revenue (in a negative way).
As many of you know, Michigan is starting its fourth year of economic recovery after a nearly decade-long recession. Although the national economy has (generally) been improving at a modest pace, it has recently decelerated over the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget, foreign weakness, debt negotiations, and the debt-ceiling decline-- fiscal issues that many predict will affect our state's economic growth through much of 2013.
On the bright side, our country's housing sector and light motor vehicle sales continue to gain (or maintain) momentum. Michigan's personal income is expected to modestly increase for the next three calendar years, inflation is expected to increase (again, modestly), and our unemployment rate is forecasted to decrease to 7.2 percent in calendar year 2015. Much of Michigan's recent job growth was led by gains in manufacturing, professional and businesses services, and health care and social assistance. It should come as no surprised that employment in the construction sector fell by 5,100 workers and government employment has declined by 3,800 workers over the past year. Presenters pointed out that even though we've managed to grow jobs since 2010, growth has been very subdued and employment remains significantly below our peak in January 2000.
As today's presenters noted, we still have quite a ways to go in our economic recovery as a state, but we continue (and should continue) to make slow, steady progress in the coming years. I look forward to playing an important role in the Legislature's budget-related activity and welcome you to get in touch with your reactions and thoughts surrounding today's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference news. To view the House and Senate Fiscal agency's reports, be sure to visit the below links:
House Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDFs/Revenue%20Estimates%20Jan13.pdf
Senate Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/BudUpdates/EconomicOutlookDec12.pdf
This week Governor Rick Snyder will deliver his State of the State, and I am looking forward to hear what he has to say. I am sure you will hear about it, but I will give my thoughts at the end of the week.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or thoughts!
As a County Commissioner, I did a weekly blog that talked about what happened that week. I was able to do this for many years.
Now that I am in the House of Representatives, I would like to continue that tradition. I will do my best to publish something as stuff happens in the Legislature. This can be a bit complicated, though. Rep. Joan Bauer, who I have the honor to follow in this position, maintained a great list and I will continue to email that list. I have a great list from my campaign. I also have a great list of friends on facebook both on my personal and political pages. As such, I am trying to accomplish updating all of these without too much duplication. If I hit you 2 or 3 times, my apologies and I will try to consolidate all of these. But that may take a few weeks. Bear with me.
So, for the first update…
There were two big events last week. The first was the swearing in of the 110 members of the House of Representatives. It was very exciting for me, as I officially began my journey that will last for the next two years. It was a ceremonial day and everything went smoothly. I will address the one controversial vote…I and 49 of my fellow Democrats voted for Jase Bolger for Speaker. Not because I approve of what he did last session (either the last minute votes that had no public testimony, or his actions with the scandal with Rep. Schmidt), but because the Republicans were voted into the majority and he is the person that they selected. I appreciate his comments upon becoming Speaker about bi-partisanship and hope that will be actions and not just words. He has agreed to respect the rights of the minority and I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt to start.
The second big event was the first revenue estimating conference. This looks at the budget numbers and trends and projects the dollars that the state will have to spend in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. The initial budget numbers will come from this conference as the budget begins to be worked on, then will be updated after the May budget estimating conference.
I was able to be part of that meeting and asked questions, including if we are creating high-payinng jobs or low-paying jobs (there was no answer, but they said they have a report on this). Here is what we heard…
General Fund/General Purpose (GF-GP) revenues for the 2012-13 FY, which began in October, were estimated to be about $8.79 billion, a drop of 5.1 percent from last year. While School Aid Fund (SAF) revenues are expected to be around $11.12 billion (a 2.3 percent increase from last year), that number falls short of last May's forecasts by 0.4 percent. Unfortunately, we're seeing that the significant changes to Michigan's tax policy that have been enacted since Governor Snyder took office continue to have an impact on our state's tax revenue (in a negative way).
As many of you know, Michigan is starting its fourth year of economic recovery after a nearly decade-long recession. Although the national economy has (generally) been improving at a modest pace, it has recently decelerated over the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget, foreign weakness, debt negotiations, and the debt-ceiling decline-- fiscal issues that many predict will affect our state's economic growth through much of 2013.
On the bright side, our country's housing sector and light motor vehicle sales continue to gain (or maintain) momentum. Michigan's personal income is expected to modestly increase for the next three calendar years, inflation is expected to increase (again, modestly), and our unemployment rate is forecasted to decrease to 7.2 percent in calendar year 2015. Much of Michigan's recent job growth was led by gains in manufacturing, professional and businesses services, and health care and social assistance. It should come as no surprised that employment in the construction sector fell by 5,100 workers and government employment has declined by 3,800 workers over the past year. Presenters pointed out that even though we've managed to grow jobs since 2010, growth has been very subdued and employment remains significantly below our peak in January 2000.
As today's presenters noted, we still have quite a ways to go in our economic recovery as a state, but we continue (and should continue) to make slow, steady progress in the coming years. I look forward to playing an important role in the Legislature's budget-related activity and welcome you to get in touch with your reactions and thoughts surrounding today's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference news. To view the House and Senate Fiscal agency's reports, be sure to visit the below links:
House Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDFs/Revenue%20Estimates%20Jan13.pdf
Senate Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/BudUpdates/EconomicOutlookDec12.pdf
This week Governor Rick Snyder will deliver his State of the State, and I am looking forward to hear what he has to say. I am sure you will hear about it, but I will give my thoughts at the end of the week.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or thoughts!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference Numbers
Just two days after the House's official swearing in ceremony, I joined some of my colleagues in the Capitol for the Annual January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference for the State of Michigan. This morning's conference provided an economic outlook and revenue forecasts for fiscal year (FY) 2013 through FY 2014. Participating in this morning's conference was a priority for me because the numbers discussed today become the basis for the FY 2013-2014 budget that Governor Snyder will be presenting to the Legislature in February. I'm looking forward to continuing to be closely involved in this year's budget process and enjoyed the chance to hit the ground running in that regard this morning.
Today's data was presented by economists from the University of Michigan, IHS Global Insight, the House Fiscal Agency, Senate Fiscal Agency, Department of Treasury, and the State Budget Office.
General Fund/General Purpose (GF-GP) revenues for the 2012-13 FY, which began in October, were estimated to be about $8.79 billion, a drop of 5.1 percent from last year. While School Aid Fund (SAF) revenues are expected to be around $11.12 billion (a 2.3 percent increase from last year), that number falls short of last May's forecasts by 0.4 percent. Unfortunately, we're seeing that the significant changes to Michigan's tax policy that have been enacted since Governor Snyder took office continue to have an impact on our state's tax revenue (in a negative way).
As many of you know, Michigan is starting its fourth year of economic recovery after a nearly decade-long recession. Although the national economy has (generally) been improving at a modest pace, it has recently decelerated over the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget, foreign weakness, debt negotiations, and the debt-ceiling decline-- fiscal issues that many predict will affect our state's economic growth through much of 2013.
On the bright side, our country's housing sector and light motor vehicle sales continue to gain (or maintain) momentum. Michigan's personal income is expected to modestly increase for the next three calendar years, inflation is expected to increase (again, modestly), and our unemployment rate is forecasted to decrease to 7.2 percent in calendar year 2015. Much of Michigan's recent job growth was led by gains in manufacturing, professional and businesses services, and health care and social assistance. It should come as no surprise that employment in the construction sector fell by 5,100 workers and government employment has declined by 3,800 workers over the past year. Presenters pointed out that even though we've managed to grow jobs since 2010, growth has been very subdued and employment remains significantly below our peak in January 2000.
As today's presenters noted, we still have quite a ways to go in our economic recovery as a state, but we continue (and should continue) to make slow, steady progress in the coming years. I look forward to playing an important role in the Legislature's budget-related activity and welcome you to get in touch with your reactions and thoughts surrounding today's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference news. To view the House and Senate Fiscal agency's reports, be sure to visit the below links:
House Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDFs/Revenue%20Estimates%20Jan13.pdf
Senate Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/BudUpdates/EconomicOutlookDec12.pdf
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Today's data was presented by economists from the University of Michigan, IHS Global Insight, the House Fiscal Agency, Senate Fiscal Agency, Department of Treasury, and the State Budget Office.
General Fund/General Purpose (GF-GP) revenues for the 2012-13 FY, which began in October, were estimated to be about $8.79 billion, a drop of 5.1 percent from last year. While School Aid Fund (SAF) revenues are expected to be around $11.12 billion (a 2.3 percent increase from last year), that number falls short of last May's forecasts by 0.4 percent. Unfortunately, we're seeing that the significant changes to Michigan's tax policy that have been enacted since Governor Snyder took office continue to have an impact on our state's tax revenue (in a negative way).
As many of you know, Michigan is starting its fourth year of economic recovery after a nearly decade-long recession. Although the national economy has (generally) been improving at a modest pace, it has recently decelerated over the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget, foreign weakness, debt negotiations, and the debt-ceiling decline-- fiscal issues that many predict will affect our state's economic growth through much of 2013.
On the bright side, our country's housing sector and light motor vehicle sales continue to gain (or maintain) momentum. Michigan's personal income is expected to modestly increase for the next three calendar years, inflation is expected to increase (again, modestly), and our unemployment rate is forecasted to decrease to 7.2 percent in calendar year 2015. Much of Michigan's recent job growth was led by gains in manufacturing, professional and businesses services, and health care and social assistance. It should come as no surprise that employment in the construction sector fell by 5,100 workers and government employment has declined by 3,800 workers over the past year. Presenters pointed out that even though we've managed to grow jobs since 2010, growth has been very subdued and employment remains significantly below our peak in January 2000.
As today's presenters noted, we still have quite a ways to go in our economic recovery as a state, but we continue (and should continue) to make slow, steady progress in the coming years. I look forward to playing an important role in the Legislature's budget-related activity and welcome you to get in touch with your reactions and thoughts surrounding today's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference news. To view the House and Senate Fiscal agency's reports, be sure to visit the below links:
House Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDFs/Revenue%20Estimates%20Jan13.pdf
Senate Fiscal Agency Report
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/BudUpdates/EconomicOutlookDec12.pdf
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
New Years Greeting, Staff Introductions
I hope you all had a restful holiday season and that you're enjoying the beginning of 2013.
As promised, I've hit the ground running as Lansing and Lansing Township's new State Representative. My office is up and running as of today, and I'm already making progress on a number of issues important to District 68. I'm looking forward to the 97th Legislature's first official day of Session next Wednesday and am energized about the first set of bills I'll be introducing in the very near future.
Now that my term has officially begun, I want to invite you to get in touch with me if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me at my office by calling 517.373.0826 or by e-mailing andyschor@house.mi.gov. You can also free to stop by my office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We're in the Anderson House Office Building (located at 124 North Capitol) in office 1087.
I'm excited to have two very talented individuals on my staff. Marilyn Plummer, Constituent Relations and Community Services Director, worked in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate between 1984 and 2002 with former State Representative H. Lynn Jondahl and Senator Willis Bullard, Jr. Marilyn has also served the City of Lansing through mayoral appointments with the Lansing Board of Water and Light Board, the Greater Lansing Area Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, and the Elected Officers Compensation Commission. She is a graduate and student of Davenport University in the Business Administration program.
Karissa Chabot-Purchase, my Legislative Director, previously served in the same role in former State Representative Joan Bauer's office. She has four years of experience working within the Michigan House of Representatives and holds two degrees from Michigan State University: A Bachelor's degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from MSU's James Madison College and a Master's degree in Literacy and Pedagogy from the College of Arts and Letters.
Both Marilyn and Karissa are Lansing residents who are actively involved in our community. We're all eager to offer our assistance to you on any issue of concern and invite you to stay in touch with questions and to share your ideas for Lansing and Lansing Township.
I'm honored to serve as your voice in the Michigan House and hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, District 68
As promised, I've hit the ground running as Lansing and Lansing Township's new State Representative. My office is up and running as of today, and I'm already making progress on a number of issues important to District 68. I'm looking forward to the 97th Legislature's first official day of Session next Wednesday and am energized about the first set of bills I'll be introducing in the very near future.
Now that my term has officially begun, I want to invite you to get in touch with me if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me at my office by calling 517.373.0826 or by e-mailing andyschor@house.mi.gov. You can also free to stop by my office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We're in the Anderson House Office Building (located at 124 North Capitol) in office 1087.
I'm excited to have two very talented individuals on my staff. Marilyn Plummer, Constituent Relations and Community Services Director, worked in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate between 1984 and 2002 with former State Representative H. Lynn Jondahl and Senator Willis Bullard, Jr. Marilyn has also served the City of Lansing through mayoral appointments with the Lansing Board of Water and Light Board, the Greater Lansing Area Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, and the Elected Officers Compensation Commission. She is a graduate and student of Davenport University in the Business Administration program.
Karissa Chabot-Purchase, my Legislative Director, previously served in the same role in former State Representative Joan Bauer's office. She has four years of experience working within the Michigan House of Representatives and holds two degrees from Michigan State University: A Bachelor's degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from MSU's James Madison College and a Master's degree in Literacy and Pedagogy from the College of Arts and Letters.
Both Marilyn and Karissa are Lansing residents who are actively involved in our community. We're all eager to offer our assistance to you on any issue of concern and invite you to stay in touch with questions and to share your ideas for Lansing and Lansing Township.
I'm honored to serve as your voice in the Michigan House and hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, District 68
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