Dear Friend,
It’s hard to believe my first year as Lansing and Lansing Township’s State Representative is coming to a close. I’m excited to have had a great year! It was full of successes and frustrations but I worked hard to do all I could for my constituents and for the rest of Michigan’s citizens.
I wanted to touch base briefly to discuss some of the issues the Legislature took up before the end of the year.
Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Act
Right to Life’s “No Taxes for Abortion Insurance” petition, an initiated law, creates a new act to prohibit health plans from providing coverage for an elective abortion. Instead, citizens will be required to pay for coverage for elective abortions as a separate rider when they purchase insurance. I’m sorry to report that the House took up and passed this petition.
Under Article II, Section 9 of Michigan’s Constitution, the Legislature had 40 session days from the time it received this petition to enact or reject the proposed law (which it was unable to offer amendments to). Because both chambers approved this initiative by a simple majority vote, it became law without the Governor's signature. The Legislature was also able to give the measure immediate effect with a two-thirds vote in each chamber prohibiting the Governor from vetoing the law. The law can now only be amended or repealed by a subsequent vote of the electors or by a three-fourths vote of the members elected to and serving in each house of the Legislature.
I was adamantly opposed to this petition. Unexpected and medically risky pregnancies are stressful to all parents; the choice of whether or not to have an abortion is a very difficult one and is not something that can be predicted once a year during an open enrollment period for insurance. It is ludicrous to force someone to purchase a rider once a year, then live with that decision throughout the year regardless of unexpected life events that may occur.
This significant issue was initiated by one interest group and a very small number of voters. As such, I did not believe that the Legislature should have taken up the issue (or that Michigan’s voters should have to confront it on a ballot). Decisions about pregnancy are personal, and I don't believe that Michigan's voters want to see legislators or voters replace the judgment of women, their families, their faith, and their doctor. I oppose attempts to restrict a woman's right to choose through legislation, regulation, and/or constitutional amendments at the local, state, and federal levels and was actively advocating against this initiative and its corresponding legislation. The no-vote explanation I submitted is available online here.
Amendment to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (SB 661)
I’m sorry to report that SB 661 was passed by the House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature. This legislation amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to:
• Double the maximum contributions to a candidate or political party caucus
committee allowed during an election cycle, and require the Secretary of State
(SOS) to adjust the contribution limits for inflation every four years;
• Eliminate the prohibition on the House and Senate political party caucus
committees expending money on a candidate in primary contests;
• Eliminate some disclosure requirements on campaign statements;
• Require a committee to file campaign statements in July and October of a year in
which there was no election for the candidate the committee was supporting or
opposing;
• Prohibit issue advertisement disclosure, unless the issue advertisement
specifically uses express words of advocacy such as “vote for’, ‘elect”, etc., by
excluding issue advertisements from the definition of expenditure.
I offered several amendments to SB 661 in committee and again on the House floor that were defeated by our Republican majority. I also spoke out against the bill; my comments are available online here.
As I noted in my speech, I’m hopeful that Governor Snyder stands by previous comments he’s made on this issue and vetoes SB 661 when it comes across his desk to sign.
Marijuana Legislation
As many have heard, legislation regulating medical marijuana dispensaries, allowing the use of edible and topical products, and classifying marijuana, with federal authority, as a schedule 2 controlled substance recently passed the house. The bills—HB 4271, HB 5104, and SB 660—passed on votes of 95-14, 100-9, and 87-22, respectively. I supported all three bills when they came before me for a vote on the House floor.
HB 4271 allows municipalities to authorize or prohibit medical marihuana provisioning centers (dispensaries) and safety compliance facilities (marihuana testing facilities). The bill provides protections for dispensaries and testing facilities that comply with the bill and with local ordinances. The bill also provides protections for patients and caregivers who comply with the bill. HB 5104 amends the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act to allow for the use of marihuana infused products. Finally, SB 660 amends the Public Health Code (Code) to classify marihuana, with federal authority, as a schedule 2 controlled substance and provide for the licensure of facilities that manufacture, cultivate, and test pharmaceutical-grade cannabis (PGC) and allow facilities to sell PGC to pharmacist and pharmacies, provide prescriptions and provide for the issuance of enhanced PGC registration cards to patients.
I understand the importance of further clarifying Michigan's Medical Marihuana Act and was glad to see that we were able to find a way to provide patients with the safe access to medical marihuana that voters overwhelmingly supported at the polls five years ago.
Schor Introduced Legislation
HB 5164, Issue-Based Ads Disclosure
HB 5164 requires a person who pays for a publication or broadcast of a communication that references a candidate or ballot question to file an electronic report with the Secretary of State that includes the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person who paid for the communication;
(2) The cost of publishing or broadcasting the communication;
(3) The full name and street address of each person from whom the person who paid for the publication or broadcast received money that was intended to be used for the publication, as well as the amount of money received.
My bill requires the Secretary of State to publish that information online within 24 hours of receiving it and lays out late filing fees for individuals who fail to file their report within the time slot specified in the bill. Disclosure requirements would apply for ads appearing in the 60 days leading up to an election where referenced candidates or ballot questions appear on the ballot.
Like others (including our Secretary of State) I believe that Michigan’s citizens deserve to know who is funding ads so that they’re able to make well-informed decisions at the polls. With political spending on the rise, HB 5164 promotes much-needed transparency in campaigning.
HB 5186, Charitable Gaming Changes
The Michigan Gaming Control Board recently proposed a set of rules to strictly regulate charity gaming. While the proposed body of rules are meant to crack down on possible fraud and corruption within charitable gaming, they’re actually quite punitive and threaten to shut down most charitable gaming operations within our state—a problem for the variety of charities that are legitimately raising money for good causes all over Michigan.
Colleagues and I assembled HB 5186 to address some of the issues being raised by the Gaming Control Board and by the number of charities that rely on charitable gaming operations to fund their work. Assembled from input received from a number of stakeholders (including several charities), the latest version of HB 5186 amends the Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman Bingo Act to do the following:
(1) Eliminate the use of the term ‘millionaire party,’ in the act and replace it with ‘charitable gaming;’
(2) Establish that with respect to the issuance of licenses under the act, a ‘day’ is the time period from 8:00 a.m. of one day to 2:00 a.m. of the following day;
(3) Establish that when a person other than a licensee participates in the operation of a charitable game, they may not receive compensation that exceeds 50% of the gross proceeds from the event. A person other than a licensee participating in the operation of a charitable gaming must use their compensation to cover all expenses of the charitable gaming event (other than the license fee);
(4) Prohibit a licensee from allowing a wager to be placed on a game (other than a poker game) in which the licensee cannot sustain a financial loss;
(5) Allow a licensee to receive an unlimited amount of money in exchange for imitation money or chips in one day of a charitable gaming event;
(6) Require at least two bona fide members of a charity to serve as workers at a charitable gaming event. The bill prohibits the Director of the Gaming Control Board from requiring a licensee to have more than two members of their organization present or working at a charity event;
(7) Allow a qualified organization to host not more than two events per day for 360 days in one calendar year for one location;
(8) Prohibit the Director from limiting the number of times a qualified organization can contract with someone or use a premises or services for charitable gaming purposes;
(9) Allow a charitable gaming license to be issued for an unlimited number of consecutive days in one calendar year (and prohibit the Director from limiting the number of days that a charitable gaming event may be conducted at a location in a calendar year);
(10) Allow the Director to require that only two charitable gaming licensees conduct events at a location at the same time;
(11) Allow the Director to require a licensee to provide security, including surveillance, inside and outside of an event location; and
(12) Prohibit the Director from restricting a licensee from contracting with a person to operate charitable gaming for the licensee.
Bedbugs
Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged that the United States is experience an alarming resurgence in the population of bedbugs—an issue many of our constituents here in Michigan have had to cope with. It’s a problem that the Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH) has acknowledged isn’t going away any time soon. On the contrary, reports of infestations are on the rise as more and more residents grapple with a pest that is very difficult (and expensive) to eradicate.
Representatives Callton, Darany, and I have been working with DCH for some months on a package of bedbug bills that we’re introducing this week. Our three bills do the following:
HB 5199: Tenant/Landlord Responsibilities (Schor)
This bill outlines the responsibilities of landlords and tenants for the control of certain pests (including bedbugs) in rental units. Under this bill, landlord responsibilities require that:
(1) Within 5 days of receiving written or oral notice from a tenant that a rental unit may have a bedbug infestation, a landlord must conduct an inspection of the rental unit for bedbugs;
(2) When an inspection reveals that a unit is infested with bedbugs, the landlord has 7 days to contact a pest management professional to arrange for the prompt inspection of adjoining rental units for bedbugs. The landlord must provide reasonable assistance with inspection and control measures as directed by the pest management professional;
(3) A landlord may not offer for rent a unit that is known (or suspected) to be infested;
(4) Before renting a unit, a landlord must disclose to a prospective tenant whether or not the rental unit (or any adjoining rental units) has been treated for bedbugs in the past 180 days;
(5) Upon request from a tenant or prospective tenant, a landlord must disclose the last date that the rental unit and any adjoining units were inspected for an infestation and whether the rental unit or units were found to be free of infestation;
(6) A landlord must offer reasonable assistance to a tenant who is unable to perform preparation measures for infestation treatment. If the landlord proposes to charge for the reasonable assistance, the landlord shall disclose to the tenant an estimate of the amount the landlord will charge and obtain and disclose at least 1 estimate for the same assistance from an unaffiliated third party. After making the disclosure, the landlord may provide financial or other assistance requested by the tenant for preparation measures.
Tenant Responsibilities require that:
(1) A tenant must promptly notify a landlord when they know of or suspect an infestation of bedbugs in their rental unit;
(2) A tenant must grant their landlord access to the rental unit for the purposes of an inspection or control measures;
(3) Upon receiving notice, a tenant must perform reasonable preparation measures as set forth by the landlord and pest management professional treating a unit for bedbug infestation.
The bill also lays out various fines for tenants and landlords who violate the above set of guidelines.
HB 5200: Health Department Powers (Callton)
This bill allows local health departments and the Department of Community Health to take appropriate action to control and eradicate infestations (including bedbug infestations) that are determined by the director to be a menace to public health. This legislation grants a director the power to promulgate appropriate emergency rules to address bedbug infestation situations.
HB 5201: Model Bed Bug Policy Development (Darany)
This bill requires the Michigan Department of Community Health to develop a model policy related to bedbug prevention, management, and control for use by local units of government and local health departments. A local unit of government or a local health department may then adopt and implement for its own use the model policy developed by DCH as it sees fit (though it is not required to do so).
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HBs 5012, 5026 (passed the House on 12.4) – Legal presumption of Human Trafficking for Minors Facing Prosecution
HB 5012 would presume that minors are victims of human trafficking when they are prosecuted for certain prostitution related offenses. The bill would require law enforcement to make a mandatory referral to the Department of Human Services any time he or she suspects that a minor is engaging in commercial sex.
SBs 434 and 556 (passed the House on 12.5) – Denying Access to Cash Benefits from Michigan Bridge Cards at Certain Establishments
SB 434 amends the Credit Union Act to require domestic credit unions to work with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure that automated teller machines (ATM) do not allow individuals access to cash benefits from Michigan Bridge Cards at certain establishments. SB 556 amends the Social Welfare Act to require DHS to work with certain businesses who provide point of sale devices or ATM services to create and implement a plan to block access to cash assistance from Bridge Cards at certain establishments, including casinos, liquor stores, and adult entertainment establishments.
HB 4729, Creation of the Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Agreement (passed the House on 12.5)
HB 4729 creates the Intrastate Emergency Management Assistance Agreement to establish a system of mutual aid between local units of government in the state.
HBs 4571 and 4572, Changing Taxes on Aviation Fuel (passed the House on 12.5)
HB 4571 and HB 4572 are a tie-barred package changing the taxation of aviation fuel and eliminating the sales tax on aviation fuel. HB 4571 changes the fuel tax from 3 cents per gallon to 4 percent of the average wholesale price of aviation fuel, as determined by the Department of Treasury. HB 4572 exempts the sale of aviation fuel from the collection of the state sales tax.
SB 174, Creation of the “Security Freeze Act” (passed the House on 12.10)
SB 174 would create the “Security Freeze Act” to allow consumers and authorized representatives of protected consumers to request that a consumer reporting agency (CRA) place a freeze on their credit reports, if the request meets certain conditions. The bill also provides the procedures to temporarily lift or remove the freeze.
SBs 665, 666, Establishment of the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site (passed the House on 12.11)
Senate Bills 665 and 666 are part of a tie-barred, bicameral bill package to establish the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site and the Michigan State Capitol Commission to manage the site.
SB 90, Exclusion of Use Tax on the Value of a Trade-In on a New or Used Vehicle (passed the House on 12.11)
SB 90 would exclude from use tax the value of a trade-in on a new or used motor vehicle, titled watercraft, or recreational vehicle, with the maximum trade-in value for a vehicle or watercraft phased in over several years.
HB 4808, Prohibition of Mandatory Life in Prison without Parole for Juveniles (passed the House on 12.11)
HB 4808 amends several sections of the Michigan Penal Code to prohibit mandatory life in prison without parole (LWOP) sentences for juvenile offenders.
SB 374, Establishment of the Student Safety Act (passed the House on 12.11)
SB 374 establishes the Student Safety Act, which create a new “hotline” through which people can anonymously text, call, or report online the threat of potential self-harm and potential harm or criminal acts at schools. The program would be overseen by the Department of Attorney General (DAG) in consultation with the Departments of State Police (MSP), Community Health (DCH), and Education (MDE).
SBs 541-545, Amendment to the Publically Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act (passed the House on 12.11)
This package of bills amends the Publically Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act by modifying the requirements for public employer funded health care benefits. The Act limits the amount State and local employers may contribute toward employees’ medical benefit plans.
HB 4865, Requirements for Mobile Dentistry (passed the House on 12.11)
HB 4865 would add a new section to the Public Health Code to regulate and develop permit requirements for mobile dentistry in the state of Michigan.
HBs 4694, 4695, and 4696, Establishment of Mental health Courts (passed the House on 12.12)
HBs 4694 through 4696 statutorily establish mental health courts. The bills are all tie-barred to each other.
HB 4576, Regulation and Licensing of ACA Navigators (passed the House on 12.12)
HB 4576 would amend the Michigan Insurance Code of 1956 to provide for the regulation and licensing of Navigators required for the Health Benefit Exchange established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
HB 4810, Allowing Individuals to Maintain a Principal Residence Exemption (passed the House on 12.12)
HB 4810 allows a person residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility and intending to return to his or her principal residence to maintain a principal residence exemption even if the property is for sale.
HB 4993, Surcharge on Base Hunting and Fishing Licenses (passed the House on 12.12)
HB 4993 would earmark a $1 surcharge on base hunting licenses and all-species fishing licenses. The bill would also create a Michigan Wildlife Management Public Education Fund to finance a new wildlife council through the new $1 dollar surcharge on base hunting and all-species fishing license. Changes from the Senate included granting the Governor the ability to make appointments to the council, not the DNR director, and specification that the fund would be a sub account of Game & Fish Protection Fund.
HB 5140, Allowing the Transfer of Special Distributor Licenses within Local Units of Government (passed the House on 12.12)
HB 5140 allows a specially designated distributor license to be transferred to any applicant within any local governmental unit in a county where the license is located, and if the local unit of government where the license is located spans more than one county, it may be transferred within the local governmental unit in either county.
HB 4352, Allowing Pharmacists to Prescribe Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Directly to School Districts (passed the House on 12.12)
HB 4352 amends the Public Health Code to allow a prescriber to issue a prescription and a dispensing prescriber or pharmacist to issue epinephrine auto-injectors directly to school districts/school boards.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My ‘Coffee and Tea with Andy’ schedule for the first half of 2014 is as follows (note that all gatherings will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.):
Monday, January 13
Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster Avenue
Saturday, February 8
Potter Park Zoo
1301 South Pennsylvania Avenue
Monday, March 10
Gier Community Center
2400 Hall Street
Saturday, April 26
Flap Jack Waverly
1601 S. Waverly Road
Monday, May 19
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center
5825 Wise Road
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another series of productive discussions.
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Monday, December 23, 2013
Schor Lansing Community Update - Final 2013 Edition
Community Update/Events
Lansing City Market’s 2013 celebrate the Season
The Lansing City Market’s 2013 celebrate the Season schedule for the holiday’s features Christmas and Kwanzaa celebrations. On Saturday, December 21there will be live music with “Lil Dittie” and free slight rides along the River Trail. Kwanzaa will be celebrated on Saturday, December 28th with live music by Charles Meyers & Shabazz Academy. The food feature is red beans and rice along with craft making of place mats. For more information, visit www.lansingcitymarket.com.
Lansing City Market Family Education Days
Each week (on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.), the Lansing City Market Family Education Days program features different topics for adults and children. All programing is free. Families with young kids might enjoy features scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (such as food sample, a nutrition lesson, and games). Live music is also scheduled at noon every Friday and every Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
Lansing Parks & Recreation Winter-Spring Activities
The Lansing Parks & Recreation Winter-Spring 2014 Activities Guide has details about a variety of recreational activities for all ages. Online registration is available for classes and the many featured activities planned between January and June of 2014. Register for offerings online at www.lansingmi.gov/parks. For questions call (517) 483-4277.
Senior Activities at the Letts and Schmidt Community Centers
Seniors meet daily from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Letts Center (1220 W. Kalamazoo Street; (517) 483-4311) and the Alfreda Schmidt Center (585 Wise Road; (517) 483-6685). There will be ongoing programs which include table games such as BINGO, bridge, card games, movies and birthday celebrations, discussion groups and special guest speakers. The Tri-County Office on Aging provides nutritional meals that are served at noon Monday-Friday at Letts and Tuesday through Friday at the Schmidt Center. Interested individuals should call the appropriate center number listed above.
V.I.T.A Income Tax Assistance (Adults)
Beginning January 25th through April 12th, 2014, students from Michigan State University and IRS Certified volunteer preparers from the Asset Independence Coalition will provide free income tax assistance in completing the city, state and federal income tax returns. This service is offered for persons and families that earn less than $51,000 per year. Appointments will be Mondays and Wednesdays between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Foster Community Center. Interested individuals must make an appointment for assistance (no walk-ins or businesses will be accepted). Call 211 beginning January 25, 2014 to make an appointment.
Free Family Fun Fridays
Family Fun Fridays will be held each first Friday of the month for family fun and fitness at the local community centers beginning February 7th through May 2nd, 2014. See the online schedule listing for times and dates by visiting www.lansingfirstfridays.com. This event is sponsored by Rec-Connect (getting families in touch with free and low cost physically active opportunities in the community). For questions call (517) 483-4277.
Capitol Area District Library (CADL) Adult Workshops
The CADL offers a variety of workshops with great resources for adults. Below are some upcoming offerings, but feel free to review all of their scheduled events at cadl.org/events.
Drop-In Tutoring Assistance
Drop-In Tutoring Assistance is available for student’s grades k-12 at the Downtown CADL, 401 S. Capitol Avenue, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7pm and Fridays 3-5:45 pm. Get assistance to improve your skills with reading, writing and math. College students will be on hand for one-on-one assistance in the Children’s area.
Drop-In Assistance for Adults
Free Assistance for Adults is offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Lansing Library (401 S. Capitol Avenue). Interested individuals are invited to get help with job applications, computers, and letter writing from the Capital Area Literacy Coalition.
Mid-Day Movies at the Library
Each Tuesday at 2pm, the Downtown Lansing Library at 401 S. Capitol Avenue will feature a suggested movie for adults in the auditorium. Stop in or call 517-367-6363 for movie titles or cadl.org.
Valentine Make and Take
Come out and express yourself by making a special valentine for the special people in your life on Saturday, February 8th at the Foster CADL. This activity is for all ages and supplies are provided by the Friends of Lansing Libraries. This event is scheduled for “Open hours;” call (517) 485-5185 for more details.
The Allen Street Farmers Market
The Allen Street Farmers Market goes indoors this winter, kicking off their first winter season at the Allen Market Place. They are available each Wednesday from 3-6:30pm to enable year-round access to all for fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods. The Allen Market Place entrance is located behind the Allen Neighborhood Center parking lot between Allen and Shepard Streets.
2014 Organic Farmer Training Program at Michigan State University Student Organic Farm!
Apply now for the 2014 Organic Farmer Training Program. The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive instruction in year-round organic farming. The program focuses on diversified production of vegetables, livestock, flowers, fruits and herbs for local markets. Participants manage all aspects of a 15-acre certified organic farm. Scholarships are available, based on merit and need. Visit the website for full program description and application: http://msuorganicfarm.org/organic-farmer-training-program and contact: msufarm@msu.edu or ( 517)-230-7987.
Misc.
Ingham County Land Bank
Eric Schertzing, Ingham County Treasurer and Land Bank Chairman, has announced some amazing opportunities for families of lower household incomes to own a home. There are 27 renovated or new homes in Lansing for people who are at 50% of the Area Median Income or below (for example, a family of four (4) earning $33,000 or less). To help prepare for home ownership, contact the Center for Financial Health Home Buyer’s Club by calling (517) 708-2550 or visiting www.centerforfinancialhealth.org.
Seeking Ingham Conservation District Board Members
The Ingham Conservation District (ICD) has an opening for its 5-member Board of Directors. There are also openings for Associate Board Members. All Board Members must be residents of Ingham County and have a passion for natural resource conservation. Membership involves attending monthly board meetings, special events and sharing your expertise the District. Associate members are active, but non-voting members. For more information call 517-676-2290
CFL Recycling Sites
For a listing of convenient recycling sites for free recycling and to drop off of your used CFLs visit the Lansing Board of Water & Light website (www.lbwl.com/energySavers). Individuals can also call (800) 573-3503 to learn about more ways to enjoy energy savings.
Computer Classes
The Lansing Neighborhood Council is offering basic computer classes to all neighborhood groups and residents. Enrollees will learn about Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and more. Call (517) 393-9883 to schedule a one-on-one class.
Neighborhood Association Meetings & Announcements
Our area's neighborhood association meetings generally consist of discussion on neighborhood-related issues (often with the Lansing Police Department) and visits from political figures, code compliance officers, etc. They're also excellent opportunities for networking with neighbors in the area and advocating for concerns and needs to city of Lansing. If you are not sure which Neighborhood Association you are affiliated with contact the Lansing Neighborhood Council office at LNCneighbors@gmail.com or by calling (517) 393-9883.
Consumer Tips
Did you know that the Michigan Public Service Commission Customer Support Section features monthly newsletters? Newsletters are full of consumer tips and brochures provide information on important utility topics such as reducing energy use, bill payment assistance programs, selecting a long distance telephone company, and reducing telemarketing sales calls. New publications are created as consumer needs are identified or new services become available. Visit Consumer Tips at: http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16368_16408---,00.html.
Free One-On-One Financial Counseling
The Lansing Financial Empowerment Center continues to offer free one-on-one financial counseling. Instruction is designed to help participants take control of their debt, improve their credit, create a budget, find safe and affordable bank products, and more. Counseling sessions are offered at Capital Area Community Services, Ingham Department of Human Services, Tabernacle of David Church, Advent House Ministries, and Head Start Grand River. Call 211 or (866) 561-2500 to make an appointment.
Money Power TV Show
The Lansing Financial Empowerment Center has launched a new television program called "Money Power!" This show encourages and empowers Lansing residents to take steps to improve their financial health. The new shows will air on Lansing’s City-TV, which is located on Channel 12 for Comcast subscribers in the city. Money Power episodes will also be available “on demand” at http://vimeo.com/channels/560331. For more information, go to www.lansingmi.gov/media/view/money_power/5763.
Lansing City Market’s 2013 celebrate the Season
The Lansing City Market’s 2013 celebrate the Season schedule for the holiday’s features Christmas and Kwanzaa celebrations. On Saturday, December 21there will be live music with “Lil Dittie” and free slight rides along the River Trail. Kwanzaa will be celebrated on Saturday, December 28th with live music by Charles Meyers & Shabazz Academy. The food feature is red beans and rice along with craft making of place mats. For more information, visit www.lansingcitymarket.com.
Lansing City Market Family Education Days
Each week (on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.), the Lansing City Market Family Education Days program features different topics for adults and children. All programing is free. Families with young kids might enjoy features scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (such as food sample, a nutrition lesson, and games). Live music is also scheduled at noon every Friday and every Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
Lansing Parks & Recreation Winter-Spring Activities
The Lansing Parks & Recreation Winter-Spring 2014 Activities Guide has details about a variety of recreational activities for all ages. Online registration is available for classes and the many featured activities planned between January and June of 2014. Register for offerings online at www.lansingmi.gov/parks. For questions call (517) 483-4277.
Senior Activities at the Letts and Schmidt Community Centers
Seniors meet daily from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Letts Center (1220 W. Kalamazoo Street; (517) 483-4311) and the Alfreda Schmidt Center (585 Wise Road; (517) 483-6685). There will be ongoing programs which include table games such as BINGO, bridge, card games, movies and birthday celebrations, discussion groups and special guest speakers. The Tri-County Office on Aging provides nutritional meals that are served at noon Monday-Friday at Letts and Tuesday through Friday at the Schmidt Center. Interested individuals should call the appropriate center number listed above.
V.I.T.A Income Tax Assistance (Adults)
Beginning January 25th through April 12th, 2014, students from Michigan State University and IRS Certified volunteer preparers from the Asset Independence Coalition will provide free income tax assistance in completing the city, state and federal income tax returns. This service is offered for persons and families that earn less than $51,000 per year. Appointments will be Mondays and Wednesdays between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Foster Community Center. Interested individuals must make an appointment for assistance (no walk-ins or businesses will be accepted). Call 211 beginning January 25, 2014 to make an appointment.
Free Family Fun Fridays
Family Fun Fridays will be held each first Friday of the month for family fun and fitness at the local community centers beginning February 7th through May 2nd, 2014. See the online schedule listing for times and dates by visiting www.lansingfirstfridays.com. This event is sponsored by Rec-Connect (getting families in touch with free and low cost physically active opportunities in the community). For questions call (517) 483-4277.
Capitol Area District Library (CADL) Adult Workshops
The CADL offers a variety of workshops with great resources for adults. Below are some upcoming offerings, but feel free to review all of their scheduled events at cadl.org/events.
Drop-In Tutoring Assistance
Drop-In Tutoring Assistance is available for student’s grades k-12 at the Downtown CADL, 401 S. Capitol Avenue, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7pm and Fridays 3-5:45 pm. Get assistance to improve your skills with reading, writing and math. College students will be on hand for one-on-one assistance in the Children’s area.
Drop-In Assistance for Adults
Free Assistance for Adults is offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Lansing Library (401 S. Capitol Avenue). Interested individuals are invited to get help with job applications, computers, and letter writing from the Capital Area Literacy Coalition.
Mid-Day Movies at the Library
Each Tuesday at 2pm, the Downtown Lansing Library at 401 S. Capitol Avenue will feature a suggested movie for adults in the auditorium. Stop in or call 517-367-6363 for movie titles or cadl.org.
Valentine Make and Take
Come out and express yourself by making a special valentine for the special people in your life on Saturday, February 8th at the Foster CADL. This activity is for all ages and supplies are provided by the Friends of Lansing Libraries. This event is scheduled for “Open hours;” call (517) 485-5185 for more details.
The Allen Street Farmers Market
The Allen Street Farmers Market goes indoors this winter, kicking off their first winter season at the Allen Market Place. They are available each Wednesday from 3-6:30pm to enable year-round access to all for fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods. The Allen Market Place entrance is located behind the Allen Neighborhood Center parking lot between Allen and Shepard Streets.
2014 Organic Farmer Training Program at Michigan State University Student Organic Farm!
Apply now for the 2014 Organic Farmer Training Program. The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive instruction in year-round organic farming. The program focuses on diversified production of vegetables, livestock, flowers, fruits and herbs for local markets. Participants manage all aspects of a 15-acre certified organic farm. Scholarships are available, based on merit and need. Visit the website for full program description and application: http://msuorganicfarm.org/organic-farmer-training-program and contact: msufarm@msu.edu or ( 517)-230-7987.
Misc.
Ingham County Land Bank
Eric Schertzing, Ingham County Treasurer and Land Bank Chairman, has announced some amazing opportunities for families of lower household incomes to own a home. There are 27 renovated or new homes in Lansing for people who are at 50% of the Area Median Income or below (for example, a family of four (4) earning $33,000 or less). To help prepare for home ownership, contact the Center for Financial Health Home Buyer’s Club by calling (517) 708-2550 or visiting www.centerforfinancialhealth.org.
Seeking Ingham Conservation District Board Members
The Ingham Conservation District (ICD) has an opening for its 5-member Board of Directors. There are also openings for Associate Board Members. All Board Members must be residents of Ingham County and have a passion for natural resource conservation. Membership involves attending monthly board meetings, special events and sharing your expertise the District. Associate members are active, but non-voting members. For more information call 517-676-2290
CFL Recycling Sites
For a listing of convenient recycling sites for free recycling and to drop off of your used CFLs visit the Lansing Board of Water & Light website (www.lbwl.com/energySavers). Individuals can also call (800) 573-3503 to learn about more ways to enjoy energy savings.
Computer Classes
The Lansing Neighborhood Council is offering basic computer classes to all neighborhood groups and residents. Enrollees will learn about Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and more. Call (517) 393-9883 to schedule a one-on-one class.
Neighborhood Association Meetings & Announcements
Our area's neighborhood association meetings generally consist of discussion on neighborhood-related issues (often with the Lansing Police Department) and visits from political figures, code compliance officers, etc. They're also excellent opportunities for networking with neighbors in the area and advocating for concerns and needs to city of Lansing. If you are not sure which Neighborhood Association you are affiliated with contact the Lansing Neighborhood Council office at LNCneighbors@gmail.com or by calling (517) 393-9883.
Consumer Tips
Did you know that the Michigan Public Service Commission Customer Support Section features monthly newsletters? Newsletters are full of consumer tips and brochures provide information on important utility topics such as reducing energy use, bill payment assistance programs, selecting a long distance telephone company, and reducing telemarketing sales calls. New publications are created as consumer needs are identified or new services become available. Visit Consumer Tips at: http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16368_16408---,00.html.
Free One-On-One Financial Counseling
The Lansing Financial Empowerment Center continues to offer free one-on-one financial counseling. Instruction is designed to help participants take control of their debt, improve their credit, create a budget, find safe and affordable bank products, and more. Counseling sessions are offered at Capital Area Community Services, Ingham Department of Human Services, Tabernacle of David Church, Advent House Ministries, and Head Start Grand River. Call 211 or (866) 561-2500 to make an appointment.
Money Power TV Show
The Lansing Financial Empowerment Center has launched a new television program called "Money Power!" This show encourages and empowers Lansing residents to take steps to improve their financial health. The new shows will air on Lansing’s City-TV, which is located on Channel 12 for Comcast subscribers in the city. Money Power episodes will also be available “on demand” at http://vimeo.com/channels/560331. For more information, go to www.lansingmi.gov/media/view/money_power/5763.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Schor House Floor Speech: Opposing Bill to Put More Money in Campaigns and Prohibit Disclosure
Schor Floor Speech
SB 661
12.11.13
I oppose this bill because it puts more money in politics and prevents disclosure of donors for attack ads during election time.
It is unfortunate that the Republican majority chose to defeat my amendment requiring disclosure of those who pay for attack ads that run within 60 days of an election that advocate against candidates on the ballot but don't mention voting for or against that candidate.
The U.S. Supreme Court has said that this type of action is constitutional and that disclosure does not impede free speech. In the 1970'stThe U.S. Supreme Court said that issue ads are protected as first amendment free speech as long as someone isn't asked to vote for or against a candidate. This has been overturned in more recent decisions, though, including in the Citizens United case where the Court said requiring disclosure of issue ads that are electioneering is constitutional. My amendment followed the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that requiring disclosure for these electioneering issue ads does not impede free speech.
In fact, Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson proposed a rule to do what my amendment did. Discussing that rule, Elections Director Chris Thomas said, "This rule in no way bans any speech. A rule that would have been done back in 2004 would have banned speech. The U.S. Supreme Court said in 2010 that you can't have any law that bans independent expenditures by corporations or unions. So really, what we have now is disclosure."
Republican Governor Rick Snyder, when he was candidate Rick Snyder, said in a white paper, "Michigan law does not require disclosure of political advertising unless the ad specifically calls for a vote for or against the candidate. This allows unregulated third party contributions to finance robo-calls and masquerade them as issue advertising without revealing the funding source; leaving the door open for well-financed interest groups to influence the outcome of the election by providing voters with false and out-of context accusations without fear of reprisal. Michigan's Campaign Finance Network reports that since 2000, there has been $45 million in unaccountable spending for issue advertising in Michigan's most competitive state campaigns."
Then-candidate Snyder then said, "All electioneering communications - broadcast, printed, and telephonic - that feature the name or image of a candidate for public office or ballot initiative should be considered expenditures subject to appropriate disclosure requirements."
Here are some examples of campaign committees that have no disclosure: Americans for Tax Reform, Crossroads GPS, and Patriot Majority. These are three campaign committees that can run ads against anyone running for office and not disclose who is funding those ads. Two of them are conservative-leaning and one is liberal leaning. Any idea which is which? If we don't know, the public surely doesn't know!
We need to agree with the Republican Secretary of State and do what the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed us to do - require transparency and have these groups disclose who is paying for electioneering ads.
I also proposed an amendment to keep the spending caps at the current level instead of doubling them, as this bill does. I knocked over 10,000 doors during my campaign for State House, and not one person asked for more money in politics. This bill puts more money in politics and will result in more negative attack ads on TV, on our phones, and many more brochures in our mailboxes at election time. Do we really not have enough of those as it is?
Governor Snyder, again when he was candidate Snyder, said, "Campaign and lobbying expenditures have steadily risen over the last decade while Michigan's economy and quality of life have declined."
I call on Governor Snyder to not flip flop now that he is in office. In his policy paper called ‘Create a Culture of Ethics in Michigan's Government’, candidate Rick Snyder said, "Rick Snyder is the only person who can create a new culture of ethical behavior and transparency in Michigan government." I call on the governor to prove it and veto this bill.
SB 661
12.11.13
I oppose this bill because it puts more money in politics and prevents disclosure of donors for attack ads during election time.
It is unfortunate that the Republican majority chose to defeat my amendment requiring disclosure of those who pay for attack ads that run within 60 days of an election that advocate against candidates on the ballot but don't mention voting for or against that candidate.
The U.S. Supreme Court has said that this type of action is constitutional and that disclosure does not impede free speech. In the 1970'stThe U.S. Supreme Court said that issue ads are protected as first amendment free speech as long as someone isn't asked to vote for or against a candidate. This has been overturned in more recent decisions, though, including in the Citizens United case where the Court said requiring disclosure of issue ads that are electioneering is constitutional. My amendment followed the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that requiring disclosure for these electioneering issue ads does not impede free speech.
In fact, Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson proposed a rule to do what my amendment did. Discussing that rule, Elections Director Chris Thomas said, "This rule in no way bans any speech. A rule that would have been done back in 2004 would have banned speech. The U.S. Supreme Court said in 2010 that you can't have any law that bans independent expenditures by corporations or unions. So really, what we have now is disclosure."
Republican Governor Rick Snyder, when he was candidate Rick Snyder, said in a white paper, "Michigan law does not require disclosure of political advertising unless the ad specifically calls for a vote for or against the candidate. This allows unregulated third party contributions to finance robo-calls and masquerade them as issue advertising without revealing the funding source; leaving the door open for well-financed interest groups to influence the outcome of the election by providing voters with false and out-of context accusations without fear of reprisal. Michigan's Campaign Finance Network reports that since 2000, there has been $45 million in unaccountable spending for issue advertising in Michigan's most competitive state campaigns."
Then-candidate Snyder then said, "All electioneering communications - broadcast, printed, and telephonic - that feature the name or image of a candidate for public office or ballot initiative should be considered expenditures subject to appropriate disclosure requirements."
Here are some examples of campaign committees that have no disclosure: Americans for Tax Reform, Crossroads GPS, and Patriot Majority. These are three campaign committees that can run ads against anyone running for office and not disclose who is funding those ads. Two of them are conservative-leaning and one is liberal leaning. Any idea which is which? If we don't know, the public surely doesn't know!
We need to agree with the Republican Secretary of State and do what the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed us to do - require transparency and have these groups disclose who is paying for electioneering ads.
I also proposed an amendment to keep the spending caps at the current level instead of doubling them, as this bill does. I knocked over 10,000 doors during my campaign for State House, and not one person asked for more money in politics. This bill puts more money in politics and will result in more negative attack ads on TV, on our phones, and many more brochures in our mailboxes at election time. Do we really not have enough of those as it is?
Governor Snyder, again when he was candidate Snyder, said, "Campaign and lobbying expenditures have steadily risen over the last decade while Michigan's economy and quality of life have declined."
I call on Governor Snyder to not flip flop now that he is in office. In his policy paper called ‘Create a Culture of Ethics in Michigan's Government’, candidate Rick Snyder said, "Rick Snyder is the only person who can create a new culture of ethical behavior and transparency in Michigan government." I call on the governor to prove it and veto this bill.
Rape Insurance/Abortion Rider Schor House Floor Opposition Statement
No-Vote Explanation
Abortion Insurance Rider Petition
12.11.13
I adamantly oppose this initiated law. I concur with all of the opposition comments made today, and submit Rep. Knezek’s comments as my constitutional no-vote explanation.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in opposition to the initiated law before us today. You know, it wasn't too long ago that we were standing here, listening to the majority's argument that we should overhaul the Michigan Court of Claims due to the fact that the judges who serve on that court are selected by 3% of Michigan's population.
Yet here we stand again today, prepared to drastically alter the way in which Michigan women gain access to the healthcare they need during some of the most difficult times of their lives, thanks to the signatures of, you guessed it, 3% of the state's population. The hypocrisy, if not for the severity of the issue, is laughable.
There is no question that the issue of women's reproductive health is incredibly divisive. Passionate beliefs are held across the political spectrum but the issue before us today - interference in the private insurance market while forcing women to buy additional insurance for abortion procedures - has been found to be so extreme, that Democrats and Republicans in Michigan have frequently united to oppose this issue. Governor Engler vetoed this legislation. Governor Snyder vetoed this legislation; between 60 and 70% of Michigan residents oppose this legislation; but that's just not enough for the special interests in our state.
As the youngest member of the Democratic caucus, I find it necessary to rise and give voice specifically to the young women and young girls who don't have a say in this chamber today. Restricting a women's access to abortion services in the case of rape and incest is an abhorrent assault on women's rights in this state. I want everyone in this chamber to stop for a second to think about their wives, their sisters, their daughters, their friends, and their coworkers. If they were raped, if they were the victim of incest, if they were having a miscarriage that put their own lives in danger - what would you want? Would you want to make their access to medical assistance and basic reproductive health care easier, or would you have hoped that they could have foresaw that rape, or that incest, or any other life threatening complication months in advance and had bought that additional insurance rider?
I'd venture to say that you'd want your daughters, your wives, your sisters to be happy and healthy and alive. If you feel that way, I encourage you to allow the citizens of the State of Michigan to have the final say in this measure. Give a voice to your wife, give a voice to your sister, give a voice to your daughters. With issues as divisive as these, it is beyond reasonable to allow the citizens of Michigan to decide.
Just imagine if this was a bill to restrict a man's access to a vasectomy or other medical services. There would be no debate, there would be no discussion, because the bills never make it to the House floor. The people of the state of Michigan should have the final say on this issue. The alternative would be to allow this chamber, a chamber comprised by 80% men, to tell 100% of the women in this state what they can and cannot do with their bodies. That, Mr. Speaker, is something I cannot support.”
Abortion Insurance Rider Petition
12.11.13
I adamantly oppose this initiated law. I concur with all of the opposition comments made today, and submit Rep. Knezek’s comments as my constitutional no-vote explanation.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in opposition to the initiated law before us today. You know, it wasn't too long ago that we were standing here, listening to the majority's argument that we should overhaul the Michigan Court of Claims due to the fact that the judges who serve on that court are selected by 3% of Michigan's population.
Yet here we stand again today, prepared to drastically alter the way in which Michigan women gain access to the healthcare they need during some of the most difficult times of their lives, thanks to the signatures of, you guessed it, 3% of the state's population. The hypocrisy, if not for the severity of the issue, is laughable.
There is no question that the issue of women's reproductive health is incredibly divisive. Passionate beliefs are held across the political spectrum but the issue before us today - interference in the private insurance market while forcing women to buy additional insurance for abortion procedures - has been found to be so extreme, that Democrats and Republicans in Michigan have frequently united to oppose this issue. Governor Engler vetoed this legislation. Governor Snyder vetoed this legislation; between 60 and 70% of Michigan residents oppose this legislation; but that's just not enough for the special interests in our state.
As the youngest member of the Democratic caucus, I find it necessary to rise and give voice specifically to the young women and young girls who don't have a say in this chamber today. Restricting a women's access to abortion services in the case of rape and incest is an abhorrent assault on women's rights in this state. I want everyone in this chamber to stop for a second to think about their wives, their sisters, their daughters, their friends, and their coworkers. If they were raped, if they were the victim of incest, if they were having a miscarriage that put their own lives in danger - what would you want? Would you want to make their access to medical assistance and basic reproductive health care easier, or would you have hoped that they could have foresaw that rape, or that incest, or any other life threatening complication months in advance and had bought that additional insurance rider?
I'd venture to say that you'd want your daughters, your wives, your sisters to be happy and healthy and alive. If you feel that way, I encourage you to allow the citizens of the State of Michigan to have the final say in this measure. Give a voice to your wife, give a voice to your sister, give a voice to your daughters. With issues as divisive as these, it is beyond reasonable to allow the citizens of Michigan to decide.
Just imagine if this was a bill to restrict a man's access to a vasectomy or other medical services. There would be no debate, there would be no discussion, because the bills never make it to the House floor. The people of the state of Michigan should have the final say on this issue. The alternative would be to allow this chamber, a chamber comprised by 80% men, to tell 100% of the women in this state what they can and cannot do with their bodies. That, Mr. Speaker, is something I cannot support.”
Monday, December 2, 2013
2013 Last Few Weeks, Coffee and Tea with Andy Schedule for 2014
I hope you’ve all had a chance to start enjoying the holiday season and have been able to spend some time with family and friends. I’m writing today to update you on what’s been happening in the Legislature as we gear up for our last push of the year.
Court of Claims (SB 652)
SB 652 makes significant changes to Michigan’s Court of Claims. The Court of Claims is a court of statewide, limited jurisdiction that hears and determines all civil actions filed against the State of Michigan and its agencies. Cases include highway defect, medical malpractice, contracts, constitutional claims, prisoner litigation, tax-related suits, and other claims for monetary damages. Before the passage of SB 652, the Court of Claims was located in the Ingham County Circuit Court.
I joined with a number of colleagues in active opposition to SB 652, which was unfortunately fast-tracked through the Legislature (in two weeks) with only Republican votes. SB 652 moves the state's Court of Claims from Ingham County Circuit Court to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Now that this bill is signed into law, Ingham County will lose as much as $500,000 in annual state funding, which will likely force the county to cut staff and could mean the loss of at least one of the county's five trial division judges in Circuit Court. During floor debate on this issue, I offered an amendment to require the state to reimburse Ingham County for the lost dollars and called out colleagues for failing to give county officials adequate time to plan for such a significant change to their 2014 budget. My amendment, along with more than a dozen others brought by fellow Democrats, was shot down by House Republicans.
More than one stakeholder stood up during this bill's committee hearing to note that it not only tampers with the court system but is unconstitutional. Indeed, it causes quite a few problems. For starters, it allows an appeals court judge to make a decision, then forces an appeal in that same court, which is unheard of. The bill doesn't even specify whether or not the judge who made the original ruling would then have to abstain in the decision of an appeals panel. The bill also requires an appeals judge to conduct jury trials and take witness testimony, which they are not equipped to do. SB 652 will require attorneys from the Attorney General's office to travel all around the state to fight cases when the state is sued, creating significant travel and lodging costs that the state will then be responsible for picking up. Those who take action against the state will pay more in travel costs, too, and the bill will cause a massive backlog in cases at the appeals court, delaying court decisions and justice for our citizens. In fact, because this change was rushed through so quickly, several cases in progress will now have to be delayed and moved.
SB 652 greatly expands the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims from cases in which plaintiffs seek monetary damages from the state for alleged torts to a variety of other types of cases (including civil rights, whistle-blower, environmental, Open Meetings Act, and Freedom of Information Act cases, among others). According to the State Bar of Michigan, this bill will prolong appeals that already take an alarming 12 to 18 months to complete, costing the state more money.
All of Ingham County's judges, several Ingham County Commissioners, and Ingham County's Controller testified against SB 652 in committee. Having served on the Ingham County Commission for a decade before beginning my term in the State House, I know from firsthand experience that the 'problem' this bill's sponsor claims the legislation address never came up as a concern.
Below are the comments I made on the House floor when SB 652 came before my colleagues and I for a vote:
Rep. Schor's Floor Speech re: SB 652
11.6.13
I started working in the Legislature 16 years ago. When I started, I met a man who had been here for many years and was widely respected by all. As I continued to work in and with the Legislature for 15 years, this man was the expert on all things dealing with the Judiciary. He recently retired after many years of distinguished service and we celebrated him on the House Floor. In this age of term limits, we needed someone who had institutional knowledge about our past and he provided that. He was well respected by Democrats and Republicans. His name is Bruce Timmons, and he was the House Republican Policy expert. Most people on the House floor here today know and respect him.
Bruce testified in SB 652's committee hearing yesterday, and in the Senate last week, noting that this bill both tampers with the court system and is unconstitutional. He recognized this bill as a bad idea, and perhaps because of him our leadership over the last 30 years has not passed a bill like this…even when Governor Engler had his epic brawls with Judge Jim Giddings and when Governor Engler had solid Republican majorities in the House and Senate in the 1990’s.
This bill causes all sorts of problems. It allows an appeals court judge to make a decision, then forces an appeal in that same court. That is unheard of. Does the judge that ruled originally have to abstain in the decision of the panel? It doesn’t specify that in the bill. It requires an appeals judge to conduct jury trials and take witness testimony, which they are not equipped to do. It will require attorneys from the Attorney General’s office to travel all around the state to fight cases when the state is sued, creating significant travel and lodging costs for the state. The bill will not save money for those that take action against the state because instead of traveling to Lansing, they will have to travel to some other part of the state. This bill will cause a massive backlog in cases at the Appeals Court and delay court decisions and justice for our citizens. It greatly expands the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims from cases in which plaintiffs seek monetary damages from the state for alleged torts to cases involving state civil rights, whistle-blower, environmental, Open Meetings Act, and Freedom of Information Act issues, among others. According to the State Bar of Michigan, this bill will prolong appeals that already take 12 to 18 months to complete. This will also cost the state more money.
Why is the Court of Claims housed in the Ingham Circuit Court? How about because Lansing is the seat of government. I am pretty sure I read that in the Constitution and swore an oath to follow that Constitution. And when someone sues the state, it should be litigated where the seat of government is located. Lansing was chosen because it is a central location in the state, and our Court of Claims, which defends the state, should be housed here.
All Ingham County Judges as well as several Ingham County Commissioners and the Ingham County Controller testified against SB 652 in committee. Although the sponsor claimed that this bill would help Ingham County, I can tell you that in my 10 years as a County Commissioner this issue never came up as a problem. SB 652 will cost Ingham County almost a half a million dollars a year, and it blows a huge hole in the recently-passed county budget. Despite that, there was no consideration to reimburse Ingham County for those dollars. As the Lansing State Journal pointed out in their editorial, this is an unfair financial burden to Ingham County’s taxpayers. The Lansing State Journal also noted that the speed at which this bill is moving suggests a political agenda rather than a better government agenda.
I know where the votes are in this chamber and I know that this debate means little, which is unfortunate, but I hope that the Governor is listening to Michigan's residents and not just to his political operatives. I hope he vetoes this bill and stands up for the rights and needs of the residents of Michigan instead of those seeking to gain political advantage.
Deregulation of Nutritionists (HB 4688)
As a member of the House's Regulatory Reform Committee, I heard from a number of stakeholders about the benefits and concerns associated with deregulating the Dietetic/Nutrition Profession through House Bill 4688. I remain supportive of allowing nutritionists to practice and would like to see the current law amended to address the scope of practice to include nutritionists. I don’t, however, support repealing current licensure requirements. I offered to work with both parties and the bill sponsor to try to find language to include nutritionists in the current licensure law in the hopes of finding a good middle ground to ensure safety through licensure without preventing nutritionists from practicing. Because we weren’t able to arrive at that perfect balance, I passed (abstained) on the bill when it was considered for a vote in committee and voted against it on the House floor.
Schor Introduced Legislation
HB 4711, Micro Brewery Expansion
This bill is part of a package that will help promote economic development by allowing Michigan's thriving craft brewery industry to produce more and have more places where people can come purchase and drink the beer (called tasting rooms). Michigan has the 5th largest craft brewer industry, and these bills will create many jobs and support growth in what has become one of our state's great local industries. All three bills in this package have been passed by the House and sent to the Senate for consideration, where they are expected to be brought up and sent to Governor Snyder for his signature before the end of the year.
HB 5164, Issue Ad Disclosure
As some of you heard, our Secretary of State recently proposed a rule requiring better disclosure on issue ads—an issue I, too, have been working to address. Secretary of State Johnson proposed an administrative rule to require groups funding so-called issue ads about candidates for office to disclose their donors and spending activity. The same day she proposed that administrative rule, the Senate took action on a bill (SB 661) forbidding the accountability Secretary of State Johnson called for in her rule proposal.
My bill (HB 5164) requires a person who pays for a publication or broadcast of a communication that references a candidate or ballot question to file an electronic report with the Secretary of State that includes the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person who paid for the communication;
(2) The cost of publishing or broadcasting the communication;
(3) The full name and street address of each person from whom the person who paid for the publication or broadcast received money that was intended to be used for the publication, as well as the amount of money received.
My bill requires the Secretary of State to publish that information online within 24 hours of receiving it and lays out late filing fees for individuals who fail to file their report within the time slot specified in the bill. Disclosure requirements would apply for ads appearing in the 60 days leading up to an election where referenced candidates or ballot questions appear on the ballot. Like our Secretary of State, I believe that Michigan’s citizens deserve to know who is funding ads so that they’re able to make well-informed decisions at the polls. With political spending on the rise, proposals like the one Secretary of State Johnson is putting forth and legislation like the bill I’ll be introducing promote much-needed transparency in campaigning.
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HBs 4949, 4952, and 4953 (passed the House on 10.22) – Revisions to Employer’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits
HB 4949 allows the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to retroactively reverse a decision that an individual is qualified for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and to recollect any benefits already disbursed to that individual. The H-4 substitute requires that the UIA grant waivers of recollections in cases of administrative error (most employer error) and indigence. HB 4952 stipulates that any claimant who is offered a job subject to passing a drug test will be considered to have refused the job if the claimant refused to take the test or failed it without good cause. HB 4953 establishes a procedure for charging an employer’s account benefits paid to claimant as a result of the employer not providing or not fully providing required information. HB 4953 is a clean-up bill that makes an amendment to Section 32, as required by HB 4950. These bills were recently signed into law by Governor Snyder.
HB 4889 (passed the House on 10.22) – Revision of Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Traffickers
HB 4889 revises the sentencing guidelines to allow increased penalties for drug traffickers who travel from out of state to Michigan with the intent to deliver illegal drugs.
HB 4352 (passed the House on 10.23) – Allowing Pharmacists to Prescribe Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Directly to School Districts
HB 4352 amends the Public Health Code to allow a prescriber to issue a prescription and a dispensing prescriber or pharmacist to issue epinephrine auto-injectors directly to school districts/school boards.
HB 4353 (passed the House on 10.23) – Allowing Authorized School Individuals to Administer an Epinephrine Auto-Injector
HB 4353 amends the Revised School Code to allow for school nurses (or trained and authorized individuals) to administer an epinephrine auto-injector without risk of criminal or civil liability as long as it is administered in good faith.
SB 352 (passed the House on 10.23) – Expansion of the Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
SB 352 amends the General Property Tax Act to expand the property tax exemption provided for disabled veterans. Current law provides for a property tax exemption on a homestead for an honorable discharged disabled veteran and unremarried spouse who has a service-connected disability (where the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has adapted the home to deal with the disability). SB 352 bill would expand the exemption to disabled veterans who are totally and permanently disabled and eligible for benefits at the 100% rate, regardless of whether the VA has adapted the home.
HB 4384 (passed the House on 10.29) – Revision of the “Michigan Do-Not-Resuscitate Procedure (D-N-R) Act”
HB 4384 amends the “Estates and Protected Individuals Code” to do the following: (1) Require that a guardian ad litem inform a ward of their right to limit a guardian’s power to execute a D-N-R order on behalf of the ward, (2) Require that a guardian ad litem inform a ward that if a guardian is appointed, the guardian may have the power to execute a D-N-R order on his or her behalf. (3) Grants guardians the power to execute, reaffirm, and revoke a D-N-R order on behalf of a ward, and (4) Outlines specific requirements that a guardian must follow in order to execute an order.
HB 4958 (passed the House on 10.29) – Exclusion of J-1 and H-2B Visa Holders from Unemployment Insurance
HB 4958 would specifically exclude J-1 and H-2B Visa Holders from Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance System.
HB 4570 (passed the House on 10.30) – Postponement of Jury Duty for College Students
House Bill 4570 would allow a full-time college student to postpone jury service.
HBs 4593 and 4595 (passed the House on 10.31) – Amending Regulations Concerning the Buying and Selling of Scrap Metal
HB 4593 amends regulations concerning the buying and selling of scrap metal, including amending the definition of scrap metal, requiring sellers to provide scrap metal dealers certain information at the time of purchases, and the dealer to retain that information. The bill also requires that scrap metal dealers implement and maintain purchase records and make the records available for law enforcement purposes. The legislation creates standards for how and when a scrap metal dealer may pay a seller, as well as a list of items a scrap metal dealer cannot purchase unless the seller has proper authorization. The bill also includes penalties for sellers and purchasers who buy or sell scrap metal that they know or should have known was stolen. HB 4595 amends the Michigan Penal Code to include scrap metal theft under the crime of larceny.
HBs 4858 and 4859 (passed the House on 11.7) - Denial of Cash Benefits from a Bridge Card When Used at an ATM in Certain Places
These bills amend different statutes to require financial institutions to work with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure that automated teller machines do not allow an individual access to cash benefits from a Michigan Bridge Card through an automated teller machine (ATM) that the financial institution owned, operated, or managed on the premises of any of the following: a casino; a casino enterprise; a liquor store; or an adult entertainment establishment. HB 4858 amends the Banking Code, HB 4859 amends the Savings Bank Act, and HB 4860 amends the Credit Union Act.
HBs 5014 and 5015 (passed the House on 11.7) – Denial of Cash Benefits from a Bridge Card When Used at an ATM at Certain Businesses
These bills would amend different statutes to require certain businesses to work with the Department of Human Services and persons who provide point of sale devices or ATM services on the business’ premises to prevent an individual’s access to cash benefits from a Michigan Bridge Card by electronic funds transfer or withdrawal from an ATM on the business’ premises. HB 5014 would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code and apply to a retailer, except a retail food store as defined in the bill and under federal regulations. HB 5015 would amend the Horse Racing Law and apply to a track license holder. HB 5016 would amend the Social Welfare Act to require DHS to work with providers of ATM services to create and implement a program or method to block access to FIP assistance through point of sale devices and ATMs located in liquor stores or adult entertainment establishments.
HB 4484 (passed the House on 11.7) – Limit on the Value of Property Stored in a Self-Service Storage Facility
HB 4844 allows self-service storage facility owners to limit the value of property stored in a unit or at the facility, and charge a reasonable late fee against tenants that fail to pay rent in a timely fashion; broadens an owner’s ability to dispose of property to which a lien has attached when the tenant is in arrears of rental payments; and limits an owner’s liability during and after disposal.
HB 4485 (passed the House on 11.7) – Elimination of Licensing Requirements for Insurers of Self-Service Storage Facilities
HB 4485 would eliminate licensing requirements for persons who sell insurance solely to individual renters of self-service storage facility units under a lease agreement of less than one year.
HB 4878 (passed the House on 11.12) – Allowing Municipalities to Conduct Election Administrative Duties with One Another
HB 4878 would amend the Michigan Election Law to allow municipalities to enter agreements with other municipalities to conduct certain election administrative duties. Additionally, the bill would allow the Bureau of Elections or a county to enter into an agreement with the clerk of any city or township to allow the Bureau of Elections to handle its Qualified Voter File list maintenance.
HB 4156 (passed the House on 11.12) – Creation of a Special Volunteer License for Nurses
HB 4156 amends the Public Health Code to create a Special Volunteer License for retired nurses. A nurse who provides care under this Special Volunteer License would not be liable in a civil action for personal injury or death proximately caused by professional negligence or malpractice of the individual if certain conditions are met.
HBs 4133, 4350, and 4134 (passed the House on 11.12) – Exemption of Certain Corrections Officers from “Pistol-Free” Zone Prohibition
HB 4133 and HB 4350 exempt certain corrections officers, prosecuting attorneys, and retired federal law enforcement officers from the “pistol-free” or “no carry” zone prohibition for concealed handguns. HB 4134 exempts retired federal law enforcement officers from the “pistol-free” or “no carry” zone prohibition for concealed handguns. In addition, the bill waives certain educational requirements, such a pistol safety training course, for peace officers and persons on active duty service status with the armed services or those who received an honorable discharge at the time of separation.
HBs 4715, 4716, and 4714 (passed the House on 11.12) – Prohibition of Felons from Possessing Ammunition
HB 4715 prohibits a felon from possessing, using, transporting, selling, carrying, shipping, or distributing ammunition until three years have passed since their offense. HB 4717 allows an individual to apply to the concealed weapons licensing board in the county in which he or she resides for full restoration of his or her rights to possess ammunition once he or she is eligible. HB 4716 updates the sentencing guidelines description for the criminal offense “possession or sale of firearm by felon.”
HB 4277 (passed the House on 11.13) – Allowing the Liquor Control Commission to Issue Conditional Liquor Licenses
HB 4277 would allow for the Liquor Control Commission (LCC) to issue conditional liquor licenses.
SB 174 (passed the House on 11.14) – Creation of the “Security Freeze Act”
SB 174 would create the “Security Freeze Act” to allow consumers and authorized representatives of protected consumers to request that a consumer reporting agency (CRA) place a freeze on their credit reports, if the request meets certain conditions. The bill also provides the procedures to temporarily lift or remove the freeze.
HB 4624 (passed the House on 11.14) – Allowing Firefighters to Moonlight
HB 4624 would specify that firefighters are allowed to moonlight in another fire department and expressly forbids a local government from prohibiting this.
HB 4513 (passed the House on 11.14) – Right of First Refusal for Disabled Tenants of Low-Income Housing
HB 4513 would require certain low-income housing to offer current mobility disabled tenants the right of first refusal to relocate to a lower level apartment.
SBs 35-39 (passed the House on 11.14) – Increased Sanctions on Persons Delinquent in Paying Blight Violations
SBs 35-39 would provide for increased sanctions on persons delinquent in paying for blight violations. The bills would establish additional civil and criminal penalties on delinquent payers of blight violations, provide zoning-based and building-permit based sanctions, and allow the city to file a garnishment action. The bills would also revise provisions dealing with liens against property involved in blight violations.
HB 5046 (passed the House on 11.14) – Allowing Consumers to Bring Unopened Bottles of Wine into a Licensed Premise
HB 5046 allows consumers to bring unopened bottles of wine into a licensed premise (restaurant, bar, etc.), prohibits the removal of opened wine from the licensed premises unless the wine is completely re-corked, and allows the licensee to charge a corkage fee for each bottle brought by the consumer and opened on the premises.
HB 4257 (passed the House on 11.14) – Expansion of Issuance of Public Liquor Licenses in Redevelopment Areas
HB 4257 expands the issuance of public on premise liquor licenses in redevelopment and development project areas in villages and townships, in addition to cities.
HB 5086 (passed the House on 11.14) – Allowing Qualified Blind Persons the Same Credit as Lower-Income Seniors
HB 5086 amends homestead property tax credit provisions to allow qualifying blind persons the same type of credit available to lower-income seniors and qualifying persons that are quadriplegic, paraplegic, totally and permanently disabled, or deaf, which is likely to be higher than the credit currently provided for blind persons.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My ‘Coffee and Tea with Andy’ schedule for the first half of 2014 is as follows (note that all gatherings will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.):
Monday, January 13
Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster Avenue
Saturday, February 8
Potter Park Zoo
1301 South Pennsylvania Avenue
Monday, March 10
Gier Community Center
2400 Hall Street
Saturday, April 26
Flap Jack Waverly
1601 S. Waverly Road
Monday, May 19
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center
5825 Wise Road
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another series of productive discussions.
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Court of Claims (SB 652)
SB 652 makes significant changes to Michigan’s Court of Claims. The Court of Claims is a court of statewide, limited jurisdiction that hears and determines all civil actions filed against the State of Michigan and its agencies. Cases include highway defect, medical malpractice, contracts, constitutional claims, prisoner litigation, tax-related suits, and other claims for monetary damages. Before the passage of SB 652, the Court of Claims was located in the Ingham County Circuit Court.
I joined with a number of colleagues in active opposition to SB 652, which was unfortunately fast-tracked through the Legislature (in two weeks) with only Republican votes. SB 652 moves the state's Court of Claims from Ingham County Circuit Court to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Now that this bill is signed into law, Ingham County will lose as much as $500,000 in annual state funding, which will likely force the county to cut staff and could mean the loss of at least one of the county's five trial division judges in Circuit Court. During floor debate on this issue, I offered an amendment to require the state to reimburse Ingham County for the lost dollars and called out colleagues for failing to give county officials adequate time to plan for such a significant change to their 2014 budget. My amendment, along with more than a dozen others brought by fellow Democrats, was shot down by House Republicans.
More than one stakeholder stood up during this bill's committee hearing to note that it not only tampers with the court system but is unconstitutional. Indeed, it causes quite a few problems. For starters, it allows an appeals court judge to make a decision, then forces an appeal in that same court, which is unheard of. The bill doesn't even specify whether or not the judge who made the original ruling would then have to abstain in the decision of an appeals panel. The bill also requires an appeals judge to conduct jury trials and take witness testimony, which they are not equipped to do. SB 652 will require attorneys from the Attorney General's office to travel all around the state to fight cases when the state is sued, creating significant travel and lodging costs that the state will then be responsible for picking up. Those who take action against the state will pay more in travel costs, too, and the bill will cause a massive backlog in cases at the appeals court, delaying court decisions and justice for our citizens. In fact, because this change was rushed through so quickly, several cases in progress will now have to be delayed and moved.
SB 652 greatly expands the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims from cases in which plaintiffs seek monetary damages from the state for alleged torts to a variety of other types of cases (including civil rights, whistle-blower, environmental, Open Meetings Act, and Freedom of Information Act cases, among others). According to the State Bar of Michigan, this bill will prolong appeals that already take an alarming 12 to 18 months to complete, costing the state more money.
All of Ingham County's judges, several Ingham County Commissioners, and Ingham County's Controller testified against SB 652 in committee. Having served on the Ingham County Commission for a decade before beginning my term in the State House, I know from firsthand experience that the 'problem' this bill's sponsor claims the legislation address never came up as a concern.
Below are the comments I made on the House floor when SB 652 came before my colleagues and I for a vote:
Rep. Schor's Floor Speech re: SB 652
11.6.13
I started working in the Legislature 16 years ago. When I started, I met a man who had been here for many years and was widely respected by all. As I continued to work in and with the Legislature for 15 years, this man was the expert on all things dealing with the Judiciary. He recently retired after many years of distinguished service and we celebrated him on the House Floor. In this age of term limits, we needed someone who had institutional knowledge about our past and he provided that. He was well respected by Democrats and Republicans. His name is Bruce Timmons, and he was the House Republican Policy expert. Most people on the House floor here today know and respect him.
Bruce testified in SB 652's committee hearing yesterday, and in the Senate last week, noting that this bill both tampers with the court system and is unconstitutional. He recognized this bill as a bad idea, and perhaps because of him our leadership over the last 30 years has not passed a bill like this…even when Governor Engler had his epic brawls with Judge Jim Giddings and when Governor Engler had solid Republican majorities in the House and Senate in the 1990’s.
This bill causes all sorts of problems. It allows an appeals court judge to make a decision, then forces an appeal in that same court. That is unheard of. Does the judge that ruled originally have to abstain in the decision of the panel? It doesn’t specify that in the bill. It requires an appeals judge to conduct jury trials and take witness testimony, which they are not equipped to do. It will require attorneys from the Attorney General’s office to travel all around the state to fight cases when the state is sued, creating significant travel and lodging costs for the state. The bill will not save money for those that take action against the state because instead of traveling to Lansing, they will have to travel to some other part of the state. This bill will cause a massive backlog in cases at the Appeals Court and delay court decisions and justice for our citizens. It greatly expands the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims from cases in which plaintiffs seek monetary damages from the state for alleged torts to cases involving state civil rights, whistle-blower, environmental, Open Meetings Act, and Freedom of Information Act issues, among others. According to the State Bar of Michigan, this bill will prolong appeals that already take 12 to 18 months to complete. This will also cost the state more money.
Why is the Court of Claims housed in the Ingham Circuit Court? How about because Lansing is the seat of government. I am pretty sure I read that in the Constitution and swore an oath to follow that Constitution. And when someone sues the state, it should be litigated where the seat of government is located. Lansing was chosen because it is a central location in the state, and our Court of Claims, which defends the state, should be housed here.
All Ingham County Judges as well as several Ingham County Commissioners and the Ingham County Controller testified against SB 652 in committee. Although the sponsor claimed that this bill would help Ingham County, I can tell you that in my 10 years as a County Commissioner this issue never came up as a problem. SB 652 will cost Ingham County almost a half a million dollars a year, and it blows a huge hole in the recently-passed county budget. Despite that, there was no consideration to reimburse Ingham County for those dollars. As the Lansing State Journal pointed out in their editorial, this is an unfair financial burden to Ingham County’s taxpayers. The Lansing State Journal also noted that the speed at which this bill is moving suggests a political agenda rather than a better government agenda.
I know where the votes are in this chamber and I know that this debate means little, which is unfortunate, but I hope that the Governor is listening to Michigan's residents and not just to his political operatives. I hope he vetoes this bill and stands up for the rights and needs of the residents of Michigan instead of those seeking to gain political advantage.
Deregulation of Nutritionists (HB 4688)
As a member of the House's Regulatory Reform Committee, I heard from a number of stakeholders about the benefits and concerns associated with deregulating the Dietetic/Nutrition Profession through House Bill 4688. I remain supportive of allowing nutritionists to practice and would like to see the current law amended to address the scope of practice to include nutritionists. I don’t, however, support repealing current licensure requirements. I offered to work with both parties and the bill sponsor to try to find language to include nutritionists in the current licensure law in the hopes of finding a good middle ground to ensure safety through licensure without preventing nutritionists from practicing. Because we weren’t able to arrive at that perfect balance, I passed (abstained) on the bill when it was considered for a vote in committee and voted against it on the House floor.
Schor Introduced Legislation
HB 4711, Micro Brewery Expansion
This bill is part of a package that will help promote economic development by allowing Michigan's thriving craft brewery industry to produce more and have more places where people can come purchase and drink the beer (called tasting rooms). Michigan has the 5th largest craft brewer industry, and these bills will create many jobs and support growth in what has become one of our state's great local industries. All three bills in this package have been passed by the House and sent to the Senate for consideration, where they are expected to be brought up and sent to Governor Snyder for his signature before the end of the year.
HB 5164, Issue Ad Disclosure
As some of you heard, our Secretary of State recently proposed a rule requiring better disclosure on issue ads—an issue I, too, have been working to address. Secretary of State Johnson proposed an administrative rule to require groups funding so-called issue ads about candidates for office to disclose their donors and spending activity. The same day she proposed that administrative rule, the Senate took action on a bill (SB 661) forbidding the accountability Secretary of State Johnson called for in her rule proposal.
My bill (HB 5164) requires a person who pays for a publication or broadcast of a communication that references a candidate or ballot question to file an electronic report with the Secretary of State that includes the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person who paid for the communication;
(2) The cost of publishing or broadcasting the communication;
(3) The full name and street address of each person from whom the person who paid for the publication or broadcast received money that was intended to be used for the publication, as well as the amount of money received.
My bill requires the Secretary of State to publish that information online within 24 hours of receiving it and lays out late filing fees for individuals who fail to file their report within the time slot specified in the bill. Disclosure requirements would apply for ads appearing in the 60 days leading up to an election where referenced candidates or ballot questions appear on the ballot. Like our Secretary of State, I believe that Michigan’s citizens deserve to know who is funding ads so that they’re able to make well-informed decisions at the polls. With political spending on the rise, proposals like the one Secretary of State Johnson is putting forth and legislation like the bill I’ll be introducing promote much-needed transparency in campaigning.
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HBs 4949, 4952, and 4953 (passed the House on 10.22) – Revisions to Employer’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits
HB 4949 allows the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to retroactively reverse a decision that an individual is qualified for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and to recollect any benefits already disbursed to that individual. The H-4 substitute requires that the UIA grant waivers of recollections in cases of administrative error (most employer error) and indigence. HB 4952 stipulates that any claimant who is offered a job subject to passing a drug test will be considered to have refused the job if the claimant refused to take the test or failed it without good cause. HB 4953 establishes a procedure for charging an employer’s account benefits paid to claimant as a result of the employer not providing or not fully providing required information. HB 4953 is a clean-up bill that makes an amendment to Section 32, as required by HB 4950. These bills were recently signed into law by Governor Snyder.
HB 4889 (passed the House on 10.22) – Revision of Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Traffickers
HB 4889 revises the sentencing guidelines to allow increased penalties for drug traffickers who travel from out of state to Michigan with the intent to deliver illegal drugs.
HB 4352 (passed the House on 10.23) – Allowing Pharmacists to Prescribe Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Directly to School Districts
HB 4352 amends the Public Health Code to allow a prescriber to issue a prescription and a dispensing prescriber or pharmacist to issue epinephrine auto-injectors directly to school districts/school boards.
HB 4353 (passed the House on 10.23) – Allowing Authorized School Individuals to Administer an Epinephrine Auto-Injector
HB 4353 amends the Revised School Code to allow for school nurses (or trained and authorized individuals) to administer an epinephrine auto-injector without risk of criminal or civil liability as long as it is administered in good faith.
SB 352 (passed the House on 10.23) – Expansion of the Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
SB 352 amends the General Property Tax Act to expand the property tax exemption provided for disabled veterans. Current law provides for a property tax exemption on a homestead for an honorable discharged disabled veteran and unremarried spouse who has a service-connected disability (where the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has adapted the home to deal with the disability). SB 352 bill would expand the exemption to disabled veterans who are totally and permanently disabled and eligible for benefits at the 100% rate, regardless of whether the VA has adapted the home.
HB 4384 (passed the House on 10.29) – Revision of the “Michigan Do-Not-Resuscitate Procedure (D-N-R) Act”
HB 4384 amends the “Estates and Protected Individuals Code” to do the following: (1) Require that a guardian ad litem inform a ward of their right to limit a guardian’s power to execute a D-N-R order on behalf of the ward, (2) Require that a guardian ad litem inform a ward that if a guardian is appointed, the guardian may have the power to execute a D-N-R order on his or her behalf. (3) Grants guardians the power to execute, reaffirm, and revoke a D-N-R order on behalf of a ward, and (4) Outlines specific requirements that a guardian must follow in order to execute an order.
HB 4958 (passed the House on 10.29) – Exclusion of J-1 and H-2B Visa Holders from Unemployment Insurance
HB 4958 would specifically exclude J-1 and H-2B Visa Holders from Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance System.
HB 4570 (passed the House on 10.30) – Postponement of Jury Duty for College Students
House Bill 4570 would allow a full-time college student to postpone jury service.
HBs 4593 and 4595 (passed the House on 10.31) – Amending Regulations Concerning the Buying and Selling of Scrap Metal
HB 4593 amends regulations concerning the buying and selling of scrap metal, including amending the definition of scrap metal, requiring sellers to provide scrap metal dealers certain information at the time of purchases, and the dealer to retain that information. The bill also requires that scrap metal dealers implement and maintain purchase records and make the records available for law enforcement purposes. The legislation creates standards for how and when a scrap metal dealer may pay a seller, as well as a list of items a scrap metal dealer cannot purchase unless the seller has proper authorization. The bill also includes penalties for sellers and purchasers who buy or sell scrap metal that they know or should have known was stolen. HB 4595 amends the Michigan Penal Code to include scrap metal theft under the crime of larceny.
HBs 4858 and 4859 (passed the House on 11.7) - Denial of Cash Benefits from a Bridge Card When Used at an ATM in Certain Places
These bills amend different statutes to require financial institutions to work with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure that automated teller machines do not allow an individual access to cash benefits from a Michigan Bridge Card through an automated teller machine (ATM) that the financial institution owned, operated, or managed on the premises of any of the following: a casino; a casino enterprise; a liquor store; or an adult entertainment establishment. HB 4858 amends the Banking Code, HB 4859 amends the Savings Bank Act, and HB 4860 amends the Credit Union Act.
HBs 5014 and 5015 (passed the House on 11.7) – Denial of Cash Benefits from a Bridge Card When Used at an ATM at Certain Businesses
These bills would amend different statutes to require certain businesses to work with the Department of Human Services and persons who provide point of sale devices or ATM services on the business’ premises to prevent an individual’s access to cash benefits from a Michigan Bridge Card by electronic funds transfer or withdrawal from an ATM on the business’ premises. HB 5014 would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code and apply to a retailer, except a retail food store as defined in the bill and under federal regulations. HB 5015 would amend the Horse Racing Law and apply to a track license holder. HB 5016 would amend the Social Welfare Act to require DHS to work with providers of ATM services to create and implement a program or method to block access to FIP assistance through point of sale devices and ATMs located in liquor stores or adult entertainment establishments.
HB 4484 (passed the House on 11.7) – Limit on the Value of Property Stored in a Self-Service Storage Facility
HB 4844 allows self-service storage facility owners to limit the value of property stored in a unit or at the facility, and charge a reasonable late fee against tenants that fail to pay rent in a timely fashion; broadens an owner’s ability to dispose of property to which a lien has attached when the tenant is in arrears of rental payments; and limits an owner’s liability during and after disposal.
HB 4485 (passed the House on 11.7) – Elimination of Licensing Requirements for Insurers of Self-Service Storage Facilities
HB 4485 would eliminate licensing requirements for persons who sell insurance solely to individual renters of self-service storage facility units under a lease agreement of less than one year.
HB 4878 (passed the House on 11.12) – Allowing Municipalities to Conduct Election Administrative Duties with One Another
HB 4878 would amend the Michigan Election Law to allow municipalities to enter agreements with other municipalities to conduct certain election administrative duties. Additionally, the bill would allow the Bureau of Elections or a county to enter into an agreement with the clerk of any city or township to allow the Bureau of Elections to handle its Qualified Voter File list maintenance.
HB 4156 (passed the House on 11.12) – Creation of a Special Volunteer License for Nurses
HB 4156 amends the Public Health Code to create a Special Volunteer License for retired nurses. A nurse who provides care under this Special Volunteer License would not be liable in a civil action for personal injury or death proximately caused by professional negligence or malpractice of the individual if certain conditions are met.
HBs 4133, 4350, and 4134 (passed the House on 11.12) – Exemption of Certain Corrections Officers from “Pistol-Free” Zone Prohibition
HB 4133 and HB 4350 exempt certain corrections officers, prosecuting attorneys, and retired federal law enforcement officers from the “pistol-free” or “no carry” zone prohibition for concealed handguns. HB 4134 exempts retired federal law enforcement officers from the “pistol-free” or “no carry” zone prohibition for concealed handguns. In addition, the bill waives certain educational requirements, such a pistol safety training course, for peace officers and persons on active duty service status with the armed services or those who received an honorable discharge at the time of separation.
HBs 4715, 4716, and 4714 (passed the House on 11.12) – Prohibition of Felons from Possessing Ammunition
HB 4715 prohibits a felon from possessing, using, transporting, selling, carrying, shipping, or distributing ammunition until three years have passed since their offense. HB 4717 allows an individual to apply to the concealed weapons licensing board in the county in which he or she resides for full restoration of his or her rights to possess ammunition once he or she is eligible. HB 4716 updates the sentencing guidelines description for the criminal offense “possession or sale of firearm by felon.”
HB 4277 (passed the House on 11.13) – Allowing the Liquor Control Commission to Issue Conditional Liquor Licenses
HB 4277 would allow for the Liquor Control Commission (LCC) to issue conditional liquor licenses.
SB 174 (passed the House on 11.14) – Creation of the “Security Freeze Act”
SB 174 would create the “Security Freeze Act” to allow consumers and authorized representatives of protected consumers to request that a consumer reporting agency (CRA) place a freeze on their credit reports, if the request meets certain conditions. The bill also provides the procedures to temporarily lift or remove the freeze.
HB 4624 (passed the House on 11.14) – Allowing Firefighters to Moonlight
HB 4624 would specify that firefighters are allowed to moonlight in another fire department and expressly forbids a local government from prohibiting this.
HB 4513 (passed the House on 11.14) – Right of First Refusal for Disabled Tenants of Low-Income Housing
HB 4513 would require certain low-income housing to offer current mobility disabled tenants the right of first refusal to relocate to a lower level apartment.
SBs 35-39 (passed the House on 11.14) – Increased Sanctions on Persons Delinquent in Paying Blight Violations
SBs 35-39 would provide for increased sanctions on persons delinquent in paying for blight violations. The bills would establish additional civil and criminal penalties on delinquent payers of blight violations, provide zoning-based and building-permit based sanctions, and allow the city to file a garnishment action. The bills would also revise provisions dealing with liens against property involved in blight violations.
HB 5046 (passed the House on 11.14) – Allowing Consumers to Bring Unopened Bottles of Wine into a Licensed Premise
HB 5046 allows consumers to bring unopened bottles of wine into a licensed premise (restaurant, bar, etc.), prohibits the removal of opened wine from the licensed premises unless the wine is completely re-corked, and allows the licensee to charge a corkage fee for each bottle brought by the consumer and opened on the premises.
HB 4257 (passed the House on 11.14) – Expansion of Issuance of Public Liquor Licenses in Redevelopment Areas
HB 4257 expands the issuance of public on premise liquor licenses in redevelopment and development project areas in villages and townships, in addition to cities.
HB 5086 (passed the House on 11.14) – Allowing Qualified Blind Persons the Same Credit as Lower-Income Seniors
HB 5086 amends homestead property tax credit provisions to allow qualifying blind persons the same type of credit available to lower-income seniors and qualifying persons that are quadriplegic, paraplegic, totally and permanently disabled, or deaf, which is likely to be higher than the credit currently provided for blind persons.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My ‘Coffee and Tea with Andy’ schedule for the first half of 2014 is as follows (note that all gatherings will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.):
Monday, January 13
Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster Avenue
Saturday, February 8
Potter Park Zoo
1301 South Pennsylvania Avenue
Monday, March 10
Gier Community Center
2400 Hall Street
Saturday, April 26
Flap Jack Waverly
1601 S. Waverly Road
Monday, May 19
Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center
5825 Wise Road
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another series of productive discussions.
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Thursday, October 10, 2013
October 2013 E-News
I hope all our students, teachers, and parents have had a pleasant time getting back to school and that everyone has had a chance to enjoy some of Lansing's seasonal offerings with the beginning of fall. I'm getting in touch to give you a brief update on some of the major issues the Legislature has been tacking over the summer and so far this fall.
Health Care and Medicaid Expansion
The House passed legislation to expand health care (through Medicaid) to low-income working residents in June. The Senate refused to vote on the legislation at that time, though, because of Tea Party resistance to the legislation and to federal law.
After weeks of negotiations (which I lead for the House Democrats) the House, Senate, and Governor were able to come to agreement on this legislation (HB 4714) and pass it into law. While the bill we passed wasn't a perfect solution, I am happy that over 400,000 of Michigan's low-income workers will be able to access quality health care plans without relying on emergency rooms for their ailments. The federal funds Michigan will receive for expansion will help us reduce uncompensated care, saving our state an estimated $300 million; save taxpayers millions in future Medicaid expenses; save small businesses from fines; and bring an estimated $1.9 to $2 billion in new revenue to our state over a ten-year period, for a total of over $20.5 billion worth of new revenue for Michigan.
Unfortunately, the Senate did not pass “immediate effect,” so HB 4714 won't take effect until late March or early April of 2014. In the meantime, some individuals will have to utilize the federal exchange first, then move to Medicaid when the new law goes into effect. Even with this bump in the road, though, casting a vote for this legislation (then again for the compromise) was one of my proudest moments as a State Representative so far and I was honored to join the Governor for the bill's signing.
Common Core Implementation
This summer, the House also spent a significant amount of time discussing possible resolution to the discrepancies about implementation of the Common Core standards for our schools. The budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 (HB 4328) prohibited the Michigan Department of Education from spending money implementing the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessments, which were adopted statewide by the State School Board in 2010 and have been successfully implemented by our local school districts since then.
Michigan's local school districts have spent hundreds of hours planning and implementing the high-quality Common Core Standards to empower their students to be career and college-ready. Language included in HB 4328 left school boards, administrators, teachers, and parents with no clear direction on how to continue planning their locally-developed curricula to meet state standards. Even worse, the State Board of Education warned that unless the Legislature took affirmative action on Common Core and Smarter Balanced, every school in Michigan would fail to meet Adequate Yearly Progress standards, jeopardizing important federal funding for our students.
I was appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on a special Common Core subcommittee, which met and took more than 20 hours of testimony over the summer to determine the future of Common Core in Michigan. On Thursday, September 26th, the House passed HCR 11, which sets conditions for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and allows the State Board of Education to spend money implementing the use of those standards, which demand critical thinking and problem solving of our students to help them compete with peers across the county and be career and college-ready upon graduation. The resolution also ensures that the State School Board engages in an active review of the Smarter Balanced Assessments and compare it to other alternatives available to be used. I was able to get language included in HCR 11 that will ensure parents, teachers, administrators, and others will be able to provide necessary feedback to the Department of Education, and I was proud to vote for the final version of the resolution. Unfortunately, there is some doubt about the Senate's support of this resolution (or even a version of their own). In the meantime, the Department of Education is prohibited from spending any dollars on Common Core. I am disappointed that the Senate hasn't taken action on this issue yet and will continue urging colleagues in that chamber to pass HCR 11 as soon as possible so that the Department of Education cam assist schools in finalizing the implementation of Common Core.
Affordable Health Care Implementation
October 1st marked an important benchmark in the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA): it was the day citizens could begin enrolling for health insurance programs through their state's Health Care Marketplaces. Michigan's Health Care Marketplace is a federally operated insurance marketplace (also called an exchange) where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for and compare health coverage. Enrollment in programs is for coverage that will begin on January 1, 2014 (so long as enrollment happens before December 15, 2013). Residents are encouraged to go to the Health Insurance Marketplace to find a health plan best suited to their needs by visiting www.healthcare.gov. Those who prefer not to use the website can receive a paper application and consumer assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center at 800.318.2596.
It's important to note that individuals who are on Medicare, Medicaid, or already have health insurance through an employer are already covered (they won't need to enroll for a plan through Michigan's Health Care Marketplace). The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is available to answer any questions about health insurance options offered through Michigan's Marketplace at www.michigan.gov/hicap. Residents can also e-mail DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov or call 877.999.6442.
Remember that in 2014 and beyond, the ACA requires individuals who don’t already have health insurance to choose a plan through their state's marketplace. Be sure to visit healthcare.gov for more information.
Schor Introduced Legislation
HB 4982, Year-Round School District Pilot Program
Education is absolutely vital for our state's future, yet far too much of our students' hard-earned educational progress is lost every year over the summer break. One of the biggest issues our schools are facing is that when students return to class in the fall, they often have to spend one to two months relearning everything that they lost over the summer. This means that out of the currently mandated 175 days, 30-60 of them are used for catch-up and not for learning new material. This is especially true in at-risk schools, where students often do not have access to educational camps and other resources over the summer. Our most at-risk students are often left behind at the beginning of the school year, which makes it increasingly difficult to catch up as the year progresses. This is one of the reasons that students can be low-achieving and is a major factor in the result of several schools being on the priority schools list (lowest 5%).
House Bill 4982 creates an incentive for schools that choose to move to all-year calendars but lack the resources for necessary one-time expenditures (for things such as air conditioning in the building). Specifically, my bill would create a $10 million fund that could be used for these expenses by schools that choose to go to an all year format. The fund would be maintained by the Department of Education, and schools that currently qualify for free or reduced price lunches would be eligible to apply for the available dollars. Oftentimes these schools have more outdated buildings in need of renovation before summer use and the district's students tend to lack the resources to take advantage of educational camps and other enrichment opportunities during the three months that they are off in the summer.
My legislation would not increase the already required number of school days; it would simply require a balanced calendar where the school spreads the days out across the calendar year. The choice of which schools participate in the pilot program is left up to the individual school districts. HB 4982 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee where I am hopeful it will be granted a hearing.
HB 4992, Assessment Test Information
HB 4992 was introduced after Lansing's Superintendent called an important issue to my attention. In the Lansing School District, the staff and students of Eastern High School have worked very hard during recent years to improve the school's educational environment and increase student achievement. This last year was no exception; everyone was focused, students were motivated, and the staff was ready to lead positive change. The Michigan Merit Exam (MME) was given in March with a student participation rate that exceed expectations. Based on enthusiasm alone, there was every hope that Eastern would be able to boost its performance ratings.
After testing was finished and all booklets were submitted to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), it was discovered that the MDE had invalidated 18 tests due to a failure to bubble in the corresponding ID number of some test booklets with answer sheets. Had just ten of those tests been considered valid, Eastern could have shown remarkable improvement in its performance ratings; the students whose tests were invalidated and who took other tests during the MME testing window scored advanced proficient and proficient on all of their other tests.
Once a student takes the MME, all tests booklets go into a box and are shipped off to the MDE. Eastern's staff didn't discover the issue with 18 of their test booklets until the first week of June (well past the 'appeals' window) when it was brought to their attention by the State Reform Office. Our students work hard to learn every bit of vital information needed to pass tests throughout the year because the weight we attach to state assessments is so heavy. Allowing something technical and unrelated to the subject content to disqualify a student's test is wrong and detrimental both to our hard-working students and to our school districts. As a result of this issue, Eastern was unable to move off of the 'Priority Schools' list.
HB 4992 would allow teachers and school administrators to change technical and non-substantive test information on state assessments for students, including portions that collect demographic and other information from pupils that isn't related to the actual content of the test. The Michigan Department of Education does not currently allow schools to amend non-content errors on tests, resulting in a number of tests (like the 18 at Eastern) being disallowed for school ratings.
This bill has been referred to the House Education Committee where it will be granted a hearing at the discretion of Committee Chair Lyons.
HR 163
Passed by the House on October 3rd, HR 163 declares October 2013 as Microenterprise Month in the State of Michigan. The resolution's purpose is to call attention to Michigan's microenterprises-- our small businesses with 5 or fewer employees. Those businesses actually comprise over 17 percent of our state's employment and provide jobs for over 950,000 individuals. I was honored to be approached by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) to help recognize one of the most important components of our state's economy.
HR 229
I was excited to pass a resolution to declare October 5, 2013 as 'Buy Nearby, Get Caught Blue-Handed Day' in the State of Michigan. 'Buy Nearby' is an ongoing, year-round campaign launched by the Michigan Retailers Association to benefit retail businesses and local communities across Michigan. The campaign is intended to serve as a call to action to our citizens to choose Michigan stores when they head out to shop.
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I plan to continue working on and introducing legislation throughout the summer, too. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HB 4668 (passed the House on 9.10) - Restructuring of Hunting and Fishing Fee Licenses
HB 4668 restructures hunting and fishing fee licenses in Michigan and increases certain fees (as proposed by the Governor). The license changes would take effect on March 1, 2014, and sunset on March 1, 2019. A substitute for this bill was passed by the Senate and has been returned to the House for reconsideration.
HBs 4284, 4299 (passed the House on 9.12) - Allowance of ORVs on the Shoulders of State Highways
These bills allow authorized local units of government to adopt ordinances allowing for the operation of Off-Road Recreation Vehicles (ORVs) on the shoulders of state trunk line highways.
SB 50 (passed the House on 9.12)- Waiver of Permit Requirements for ORVs
SB 50 expands the activities for which an ORV license is not required, allows the Department of Natural Resources to enter into license reciprocity agreements with other states, establishes a free ORV-riding day, and prohibits a permit from being needed for group recreational ORV riding on DNR-owned land or for an ORV event on the frozen surface of public waters.
HB 4786 (passed the House on 9.12) - Increase of Vital Records Fees
HB 4786 increases most existing fees for vital records searches, copies, authenticated copies, amendments to vital records, and verification of vital records facts. I opposed this legislation as an unnecessary fee increase on citizens who need these vital records.
SB 162 (passed the House on 9.19) - Amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure
SB 162 allows a defendant to face prosecution in any county where he or she intended the offense or acts to have an effect. Under current law, whenever a felony consists of two or more acts done in the perpetration of that felony, the perpetrator may be prosecuted in any county where any one of the acts was actually committed. SB 162 expands this law a bit by allowing prosecution in any county where the effect of the acts was intended.
HBs 4694-4697 (passed the House on 9.19) - Establishment of Mental Health Courts
HBs 4694 through 4697 statutorily establish mental health courts. The bills are all tie-barred to each other.
HB 4930 (passed the House on 9.25) - Repeal of Law Prohibiting a Person from Displaying an Emblem on a Motor Vehicle
HB 4930 repeals an archaic section of law that prohibits a person from displaying an emblem or insignia on his or her motor vehicle.
HBs 4949-4954 (passed the House on 9.26) - Revisions to Employer's Unemployment Insurance Benefits
HB 4949 allows the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to retroactively reverse a decision that an individual is qualified for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and to recollect any benefits already disbursed to that individual. The H-4 substitute requires that the UIA grant waivers of recollections in cases of administrative error, most employer errors, and indigence. HB 4950 establishes a procedure for charging an employer's account benefits paid to a claimant as a result of the employer not providing or not fully providing required information. HB 4953 is a clean-up bill that makes an amendment to Section 32 of MESA, as required by HB 4950. HB 4951 makes changes to how amounts recovered in certain situations are to be credited. HB 4954 makes a technical change, required by HB 4951. HB 4952 stipulates that any claimant who is offered a job subject to passing a drug test will be considered to have refused the job if the claimant refused to take the test or failed it without good cause.
HB 4811 (passed the House on 10.3) - Changes to the Military Relief Fund
HB 4811 makes a number of changes to the Military Relief Fund that will increase access to the funds and further promote the availability of the funds.
HB 4194 (passed the House on 10.3) - Allowing Local Government Unites to Create Budget Stabilization Funds
HB 4194 amends PA 30 of 1978, which allows local units of government to create Budget Stabilization Funds (BSF), to increase the limit on the local unit's BSF revenues. A county, city, village, or township may create a BSF by an ordinance of the municipality's most recent general fund budget or 15% of the average of its five most recent general fund budgets, whichever is less. The bill would increase this limit to the 20% of either of these amounts, whichever is less.
SB 25 (passed the House on 10.3) - Allowing Requests from Property Owners in Regard to a Principal Residence Exemption
SB 25 would provide a mechanism by which property owners can request a principal residence exemption (PRE) from Treasury for any year the exemption was erroneously not provided by the local unit of government. The bill would also allow Treasury to deny an improperly granted PRE for the same time frame.
HB 4656 (passed the House on 10.9) - Expansion of the Youth Employment Standards Act
HB 4656 expands the Youth Employment Standards Act to include 16 year olds who obtain a high school equivalency certificate.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My next 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' gathering is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at The Avenue Café (formerly Gone Wired), located at 2021 East Michigan Avenue here in Lansing.
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another productive discussion.
Details about my final 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' for 2013 are below:
Monday, December 2
Letts Community Center
1220 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing
My office is currently in the process of lining up 'Coffee and Tea' gatherings for the first half of 2014. We'll be sure to share the schedule as soon as it is confirmed!
Health Care Reform and Expansion Town Hall Event
On Monday, October 28th, Senator Whitmer and I will be hosting a Town Hall meeting to help residents learn about their health care options. We'll be gathering from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the New Saint Paul Church of God in Christ (COGIC) located at 1717 E. Cavanaugh in Lansing. Presenters and resources from the Ingham County Health Department, Michigan Consumers for Health care, and Enroll-Get Covered America! will be available to all participants.
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Health Care and Medicaid Expansion
The House passed legislation to expand health care (through Medicaid) to low-income working residents in June. The Senate refused to vote on the legislation at that time, though, because of Tea Party resistance to the legislation and to federal law.
After weeks of negotiations (which I lead for the House Democrats) the House, Senate, and Governor were able to come to agreement on this legislation (HB 4714) and pass it into law. While the bill we passed wasn't a perfect solution, I am happy that over 400,000 of Michigan's low-income workers will be able to access quality health care plans without relying on emergency rooms for their ailments. The federal funds Michigan will receive for expansion will help us reduce uncompensated care, saving our state an estimated $300 million; save taxpayers millions in future Medicaid expenses; save small businesses from fines; and bring an estimated $1.9 to $2 billion in new revenue to our state over a ten-year period, for a total of over $20.5 billion worth of new revenue for Michigan.
Unfortunately, the Senate did not pass “immediate effect,” so HB 4714 won't take effect until late March or early April of 2014. In the meantime, some individuals will have to utilize the federal exchange first, then move to Medicaid when the new law goes into effect. Even with this bump in the road, though, casting a vote for this legislation (then again for the compromise) was one of my proudest moments as a State Representative so far and I was honored to join the Governor for the bill's signing.
Common Core Implementation
This summer, the House also spent a significant amount of time discussing possible resolution to the discrepancies about implementation of the Common Core standards for our schools. The budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 (HB 4328) prohibited the Michigan Department of Education from spending money implementing the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessments, which were adopted statewide by the State School Board in 2010 and have been successfully implemented by our local school districts since then.
Michigan's local school districts have spent hundreds of hours planning and implementing the high-quality Common Core Standards to empower their students to be career and college-ready. Language included in HB 4328 left school boards, administrators, teachers, and parents with no clear direction on how to continue planning their locally-developed curricula to meet state standards. Even worse, the State Board of Education warned that unless the Legislature took affirmative action on Common Core and Smarter Balanced, every school in Michigan would fail to meet Adequate Yearly Progress standards, jeopardizing important federal funding for our students.
I was appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on a special Common Core subcommittee, which met and took more than 20 hours of testimony over the summer to determine the future of Common Core in Michigan. On Thursday, September 26th, the House passed HCR 11, which sets conditions for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and allows the State Board of Education to spend money implementing the use of those standards, which demand critical thinking and problem solving of our students to help them compete with peers across the county and be career and college-ready upon graduation. The resolution also ensures that the State School Board engages in an active review of the Smarter Balanced Assessments and compare it to other alternatives available to be used. I was able to get language included in HCR 11 that will ensure parents, teachers, administrators, and others will be able to provide necessary feedback to the Department of Education, and I was proud to vote for the final version of the resolution. Unfortunately, there is some doubt about the Senate's support of this resolution (or even a version of their own). In the meantime, the Department of Education is prohibited from spending any dollars on Common Core. I am disappointed that the Senate hasn't taken action on this issue yet and will continue urging colleagues in that chamber to pass HCR 11 as soon as possible so that the Department of Education cam assist schools in finalizing the implementation of Common Core.
Affordable Health Care Implementation
October 1st marked an important benchmark in the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA): it was the day citizens could begin enrolling for health insurance programs through their state's Health Care Marketplaces. Michigan's Health Care Marketplace is a federally operated insurance marketplace (also called an exchange) where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for and compare health coverage. Enrollment in programs is for coverage that will begin on January 1, 2014 (so long as enrollment happens before December 15, 2013). Residents are encouraged to go to the Health Insurance Marketplace to find a health plan best suited to their needs by visiting www.healthcare.gov. Those who prefer not to use the website can receive a paper application and consumer assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center at 800.318.2596.
It's important to note that individuals who are on Medicare, Medicaid, or already have health insurance through an employer are already covered (they won't need to enroll for a plan through Michigan's Health Care Marketplace). The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is available to answer any questions about health insurance options offered through Michigan's Marketplace at www.michigan.gov/hicap. Residents can also e-mail DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov or call 877.999.6442.
Remember that in 2014 and beyond, the ACA requires individuals who don’t already have health insurance to choose a plan through their state's marketplace. Be sure to visit healthcare.gov for more information.
Schor Introduced Legislation
HB 4982, Year-Round School District Pilot Program
Education is absolutely vital for our state's future, yet far too much of our students' hard-earned educational progress is lost every year over the summer break. One of the biggest issues our schools are facing is that when students return to class in the fall, they often have to spend one to two months relearning everything that they lost over the summer. This means that out of the currently mandated 175 days, 30-60 of them are used for catch-up and not for learning new material. This is especially true in at-risk schools, where students often do not have access to educational camps and other resources over the summer. Our most at-risk students are often left behind at the beginning of the school year, which makes it increasingly difficult to catch up as the year progresses. This is one of the reasons that students can be low-achieving and is a major factor in the result of several schools being on the priority schools list (lowest 5%).
House Bill 4982 creates an incentive for schools that choose to move to all-year calendars but lack the resources for necessary one-time expenditures (for things such as air conditioning in the building). Specifically, my bill would create a $10 million fund that could be used for these expenses by schools that choose to go to an all year format. The fund would be maintained by the Department of Education, and schools that currently qualify for free or reduced price lunches would be eligible to apply for the available dollars. Oftentimes these schools have more outdated buildings in need of renovation before summer use and the district's students tend to lack the resources to take advantage of educational camps and other enrichment opportunities during the three months that they are off in the summer.
My legislation would not increase the already required number of school days; it would simply require a balanced calendar where the school spreads the days out across the calendar year. The choice of which schools participate in the pilot program is left up to the individual school districts. HB 4982 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee where I am hopeful it will be granted a hearing.
HB 4992, Assessment Test Information
HB 4992 was introduced after Lansing's Superintendent called an important issue to my attention. In the Lansing School District, the staff and students of Eastern High School have worked very hard during recent years to improve the school's educational environment and increase student achievement. This last year was no exception; everyone was focused, students were motivated, and the staff was ready to lead positive change. The Michigan Merit Exam (MME) was given in March with a student participation rate that exceed expectations. Based on enthusiasm alone, there was every hope that Eastern would be able to boost its performance ratings.
After testing was finished and all booklets were submitted to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), it was discovered that the MDE had invalidated 18 tests due to a failure to bubble in the corresponding ID number of some test booklets with answer sheets. Had just ten of those tests been considered valid, Eastern could have shown remarkable improvement in its performance ratings; the students whose tests were invalidated and who took other tests during the MME testing window scored advanced proficient and proficient on all of their other tests.
Once a student takes the MME, all tests booklets go into a box and are shipped off to the MDE. Eastern's staff didn't discover the issue with 18 of their test booklets until the first week of June (well past the 'appeals' window) when it was brought to their attention by the State Reform Office. Our students work hard to learn every bit of vital information needed to pass tests throughout the year because the weight we attach to state assessments is so heavy. Allowing something technical and unrelated to the subject content to disqualify a student's test is wrong and detrimental both to our hard-working students and to our school districts. As a result of this issue, Eastern was unable to move off of the 'Priority Schools' list.
HB 4992 would allow teachers and school administrators to change technical and non-substantive test information on state assessments for students, including portions that collect demographic and other information from pupils that isn't related to the actual content of the test. The Michigan Department of Education does not currently allow schools to amend non-content errors on tests, resulting in a number of tests (like the 18 at Eastern) being disallowed for school ratings.
This bill has been referred to the House Education Committee where it will be granted a hearing at the discretion of Committee Chair Lyons.
HR 163
Passed by the House on October 3rd, HR 163 declares October 2013 as Microenterprise Month in the State of Michigan. The resolution's purpose is to call attention to Michigan's microenterprises-- our small businesses with 5 or fewer employees. Those businesses actually comprise over 17 percent of our state's employment and provide jobs for over 950,000 individuals. I was honored to be approached by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) to help recognize one of the most important components of our state's economy.
HR 229
I was excited to pass a resolution to declare October 5, 2013 as 'Buy Nearby, Get Caught Blue-Handed Day' in the State of Michigan. 'Buy Nearby' is an ongoing, year-round campaign launched by the Michigan Retailers Association to benefit retail businesses and local communities across Michigan. The campaign is intended to serve as a call to action to our citizens to choose Michigan stores when they head out to shop.
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I plan to continue working on and introducing legislation throughout the summer, too. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HB 4668 (passed the House on 9.10) - Restructuring of Hunting and Fishing Fee Licenses
HB 4668 restructures hunting and fishing fee licenses in Michigan and increases certain fees (as proposed by the Governor). The license changes would take effect on March 1, 2014, and sunset on March 1, 2019. A substitute for this bill was passed by the Senate and has been returned to the House for reconsideration.
HBs 4284, 4299 (passed the House on 9.12) - Allowance of ORVs on the Shoulders of State Highways
These bills allow authorized local units of government to adopt ordinances allowing for the operation of Off-Road Recreation Vehicles (ORVs) on the shoulders of state trunk line highways.
SB 50 (passed the House on 9.12)- Waiver of Permit Requirements for ORVs
SB 50 expands the activities for which an ORV license is not required, allows the Department of Natural Resources to enter into license reciprocity agreements with other states, establishes a free ORV-riding day, and prohibits a permit from being needed for group recreational ORV riding on DNR-owned land or for an ORV event on the frozen surface of public waters.
HB 4786 (passed the House on 9.12) - Increase of Vital Records Fees
HB 4786 increases most existing fees for vital records searches, copies, authenticated copies, amendments to vital records, and verification of vital records facts. I opposed this legislation as an unnecessary fee increase on citizens who need these vital records.
SB 162 (passed the House on 9.19) - Amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure
SB 162 allows a defendant to face prosecution in any county where he or she intended the offense or acts to have an effect. Under current law, whenever a felony consists of two or more acts done in the perpetration of that felony, the perpetrator may be prosecuted in any county where any one of the acts was actually committed. SB 162 expands this law a bit by allowing prosecution in any county where the effect of the acts was intended.
HBs 4694-4697 (passed the House on 9.19) - Establishment of Mental Health Courts
HBs 4694 through 4697 statutorily establish mental health courts. The bills are all tie-barred to each other.
HB 4930 (passed the House on 9.25) - Repeal of Law Prohibiting a Person from Displaying an Emblem on a Motor Vehicle
HB 4930 repeals an archaic section of law that prohibits a person from displaying an emblem or insignia on his or her motor vehicle.
HBs 4949-4954 (passed the House on 9.26) - Revisions to Employer's Unemployment Insurance Benefits
HB 4949 allows the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to retroactively reverse a decision that an individual is qualified for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and to recollect any benefits already disbursed to that individual. The H-4 substitute requires that the UIA grant waivers of recollections in cases of administrative error, most employer errors, and indigence. HB 4950 establishes a procedure for charging an employer's account benefits paid to a claimant as a result of the employer not providing or not fully providing required information. HB 4953 is a clean-up bill that makes an amendment to Section 32 of MESA, as required by HB 4950. HB 4951 makes changes to how amounts recovered in certain situations are to be credited. HB 4954 makes a technical change, required by HB 4951. HB 4952 stipulates that any claimant who is offered a job subject to passing a drug test will be considered to have refused the job if the claimant refused to take the test or failed it without good cause.
HB 4811 (passed the House on 10.3) - Changes to the Military Relief Fund
HB 4811 makes a number of changes to the Military Relief Fund that will increase access to the funds and further promote the availability of the funds.
HB 4194 (passed the House on 10.3) - Allowing Local Government Unites to Create Budget Stabilization Funds
HB 4194 amends PA 30 of 1978, which allows local units of government to create Budget Stabilization Funds (BSF), to increase the limit on the local unit's BSF revenues. A county, city, village, or township may create a BSF by an ordinance of the municipality's most recent general fund budget or 15% of the average of its five most recent general fund budgets, whichever is less. The bill would increase this limit to the 20% of either of these amounts, whichever is less.
SB 25 (passed the House on 10.3) - Allowing Requests from Property Owners in Regard to a Principal Residence Exemption
SB 25 would provide a mechanism by which property owners can request a principal residence exemption (PRE) from Treasury for any year the exemption was erroneously not provided by the local unit of government. The bill would also allow Treasury to deny an improperly granted PRE for the same time frame.
HB 4656 (passed the House on 10.9) - Expansion of the Youth Employment Standards Act
HB 4656 expands the Youth Employment Standards Act to include 16 year olds who obtain a high school equivalency certificate.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My next 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' gathering is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at The Avenue Café (formerly Gone Wired), located at 2021 East Michigan Avenue here in Lansing.
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another productive discussion.
Details about my final 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' for 2013 are below:
Monday, December 2
Letts Community Center
1220 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing
My office is currently in the process of lining up 'Coffee and Tea' gatherings for the first half of 2014. We'll be sure to share the schedule as soon as it is confirmed!
Health Care Reform and Expansion Town Hall Event
On Monday, October 28th, Senator Whitmer and I will be hosting a Town Hall meeting to help residents learn about their health care options. We'll be gathering from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the New Saint Paul Church of God in Christ (COGIC) located at 1717 E. Cavanaugh in Lansing. Presenters and resources from the Ingham County Health Department, Michigan Consumers for Health care, and Enroll-Get Covered America! will be available to all participants.
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
June 2013 (Before Session Break for Summer) E-News
As many of you know, the Legislature is winding down a bit for the summer (republicans have scheduled six session days between now and September). I wanted to touch base to draw your attention to a few issues that we worked on before recessing for our lighter schedule.
Medicaid Expansion
After the House passed legislation to expand Medicaid to low-income working residents in Michigan (see my floor speech at www.schor.housedems.com), I'm very disappointed to report that the Senate republicans recessed for the summer without taking a vote on this legislation (HB 4714).
As many of you have heard, resistance to taking the measure up for a vote was led by Tea Party supporters in the Senate. Rather than heed the recommendations of Governor Snyder (who cut a trip to Israel short to come back and work on getting Medicaid expansion passed), those individuals instead chose to let their hatred of the Affordable Care Act get in the way of providing health coverage to over 400,000 of Michigan's working residents. The Senate's refusal to take action on Medicaid expansion has jeopardized our state's ability to receive federal funds that would help us reduce uncompensated care, saving our state an estimated $300 million; save taxpayers millions in future Medicaid expenses; and bring an estimated $1.9 to $2 billion in new revenue to our state over a ten-year period, for a total of over $20.5 billion worth of new revenue for Michigan. I'm extremely frustrated that one of the proudest votes of my career as a State Representative was negated by a small minority of people who let their anger get in the way of what's best for our citizens. I remain committed to passing legislation to expand Medicaid in Michigan but am very disheartened about the Senate's recent refusal to take up the issue. The Senate is scheduled to return on July 3rd but it not planning to take any votes. I urge you to have your family and friends throughout Michigan contact republican senators to tell them to take a vote on HB 4714 when they return on July 3rd.
Revisions to Michigan Merit Curriculum Standards
The House recently took up House Bills 4465 and 4466-- both of which propose changes to our state's Merit Curriculum Standards.
HB 4465 would alter the current Michigan Merit Curriculum standards as they relate to Algebra II, foreign language and Physical Education by: (1) Establishing the option that career and technical education courses may be taken in place of Algebra II; (2) Allowing approved participation in extracurricular activities involving physical activities to count as a 1/2 credit toward health; and (3) Mandating that two foreign language credits must be earned, but can be substituted for technical education credits.
HB 4466 alters the current Michigan Merit Curriculum standards to: (1) Add Anatomy as a possible science credit alternative to either Chemistry or Physics; (2) Change certain current Personal Curriculum Guidelines; (3) Allow the Algebra II requirement to be completed as part of a CTE program; (4) Allow students that participate in a PC program to satisfy the math requirement with only three credits of math instead of 3.5; and (5) Develop a pupil's education plan so they must be informed that CTE courses are an option to fulfill many of the requirements.
While I'm generally hesitant to make changes to Michigan's Merit Curriculum standards, I voted for HBs 4465 and 4466 when they came before me on the House floor because I liked that they provided students with a broader set of options for fulfilling graduation requirements without eroding the overall quality of their high school curriculum. Both bills have been referred to the Senate's Education Committee where they will be taken up at the discretion of Committee Chair Pavlov.
Final Passage of Legislation Amending the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act
On June 19th, HB 4743 (which makes significant changes to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act) was signed into law with immediate effect. It is now PA 65'13.
Before this bill was signed into law, local governments could not put any restrictions on the discharge, initiation, or use of consumer grade fireworks on the day or, day before, or day after a national holiday. HB 4743 changed that provision to allow municipalities to restrict the hours of use of consumer grade fireworks on the day or, day after, or day before a national holiday as follows:
• A city with a population of 50,000 or more OR a local unit of government located in a county with a population of 750,000 or more may enact local ordinates to restrict fireworks usage between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. or between the hours or 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on New Year's Day;
• A city with a population of 50,000 or less OR a local unit of government located in a county with a population of 750,000 or less may enact local ordinates to restrict fireworks usage between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Among other things, the bill also addresses the fireworks safety fee for retailers, where the fee is distributed, and who is responsible for submitting the fee. The Senate substitute made a minor change to the bill to allow retailers which operate 25 or more retail locations to remit their fireworks safety fee in an aggregate form instead of on an individual store basis.
I was happy to support this bill when it came up for a vote and am confident that it will provide some important clarification and options for our local units of government as they consider measures to make our community a safe, enjoyable place for celebrations (especially those coming up this summer).
Repeal of the 90 Day Pre-Foreclosure Law
House Bills 4765 and 4766, which make changes to the state's 90-day pre-foreclosure law, have been passed by the House and the Senate and have been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature.
HB 4765 repeals the state's 90-day pre-foreclosure law as of January 9, 2014 (when the federal rules for mortgage servicing go into effect). Federal rules prohibit servicers from commencing the foreclosure process until a mortgage loan account is more than 120 days delinquent, which will give borrowers a reasonable amount of time to submit modification applications or seek foreclosure alternatives. HB 4766 would require certain lenders to comply with provisions requiring them to designate an agent to meet with a borrower to negotiate modifications. While I have some concerns about other foreclosure-related bills currently moving through the House and the Senate, I voted in favor of HBs 4765 and 4766 when they came before me for a vote on the House floor.
The House also passed Senate Bills 380 and 383.
SB 380 would extend the subset on the state's foreclosure prevention act (90-day pre-foreclosure law/mortgage loan modification law) through January 9th, 2014. Currently the Revised Judicature Act sets forth conditions that a party must satisfy to begin proceedings to foreclose a mortgage by advertisement. Under the mortgage loan modification program, the Act prohibits a party from beginning proceedings if a required notice has not been mailed to the borrower, if applicable time limits have not expired, or if the parties have agreed to modify the mortgage loan and the borrower is not in default. SB 380 extends the sunset on that requirement to January 9th, 2014. SB 383 would allow the purchaser of a property at a sheriff's sale to periodically inspect the property during the redemption period and to sue for possession if the homeowner damaged the property. The bill would also shorten the redemption period for certain abandoned properties.
I voted for SB 380 but against SB 383 because I had concerns about it allowing lenders to inspect houses without any notice to occupants (and without any limits). The bill also allows the redemption period to be completely eliminated if minor violations (such as broken windows) were reported. I am expecting (and hopeful) that this bill will be cleaned up a bit before it takes effect but simply couldn't support it in its current form. Both bills are currently awaiting Governor Snyder's signature.
My interest is revising Michigan's foreclosure laws lies in protecting both our families and our neighborhoods. Many people continue to grapple with the effects of our state's housing crisis (which is still a big problem in our community and state) and need the ability to negotiate with lenders before foreclosure. That being said, I don’t want to see people staying in houses rent-free, then stripping the house (cabinets, copper wire, appliances, etc.) and leaving a bare space that cannot be re-sold, which negatively affects the surrounding neighborhood and community. We need the law to ensure housing stability, safe communities, and economic recovery while also ensuring that we are not harming our citizens, home values, and neighborhoods. As such, I will continue to hear from all interested parties on foreclosure-related legislation.
Dissolution of School Districts
Many of you have heard about House Bills 4813 and 4815, which provide a mechanism by which a severely distressed school district can be dissolved and absorbed by neighboring districts.
HB 4813 amends the Revised School Code to outline the criteria under which a district can be deemed a candidate for dissolution as follows:
• The district lacks a population sufficient to serve the various district officer positions; OR
• The Superintendent and Treasurer determine that (a) The district either failed to submit a Debt Elimination Plan (DEP) when called upon to do so, or lacks the capability of implementing a DEP and lacks the capability of providing education services to its residents; AND (b) The district is not financially viable and is unable to provide K-12 education services for a full year and for the requisite number of hours.
Among other things, the Senate-passed substitute for HB 4813 makes intermediate school districts responsible for performing the functions and responsibilities of the dissolved district regarding debt repayment, managing ongoing sinking fund levies, etc. (as opposed to the House version which mandated that the receiving district which acquired the largest share of the SEV of the dissolved districted be tasked with those responsibilities).
HB 4815 amends the State School Aid Act to outline the various ways in which taxes, lingering financial obligations, and other matters are to be handled in the event of a school district's dissolution and absorption of that district by other entities. The bill provides $2.7 million to fully fund the foundation allowances of the receiving districts in order to replace the local school operating revenue from the dissolved district, which would be diverted to pay the dissolved district's debt. The receiving district would continue to receive its current per pupil foundation allowance for all students (including those received from the dissolved district). The bill also holds that the intermediate school district must act as the board of the dissolved district for the purposes of resolving debts, taxation, millage proposals and the like. It outlines that residents of the dissolved district cannot be made to pay taxes at the higher rate of the receiving district (if applicable), presumably until being provided with a chance to vote. The bill also excludes using the taxable value of residences as part of the new district's overall estimates while those within the dissolved district continue to satisfy debt obligations.
While these bills were originally introduced to address situations of financial stress in about 55 school districts with smaller populations, the legislation was narrowed to only affect Inkster and Nuena Vista (which actually ran out of money this year). I am generally opposed to measures that remove parents’ (and local school officials’) input and say from determining how to best serve their children's educational needs. I also had concerns that we were only addressing these two school districts and not looking at the entire problem by enacting a more comprehensive solution. Finally, I recognize that dramatic state cuts to education over recent years are one of the biggest factors putting schools in financial distress. Now, instead of re-funding our schools, we're embracing measures like dissolving them. The Legislature cannot continue to create problems and then punish those who cannot cope with them. As such, I voted against both bills when they came before me for consideration. Despite some strong opposition, both bills were passed by the House and Senate and have been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature.
House Subcommittee on Common Core
As I noted in my last e-newsletter, I have a number of reservations about the fact that this year's omnibus budget (HB 4328) included language prohibiting the Michigan Department of Education and local schools across Michigan from implementing the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessments, which were adopted statewide in 2010 and have been successfully implemented by our local school districts since then.
Michigan's local school districts have spent hundreds of hours planning and implementing the high-quality Common Core Standards to empower their students to be career and college-ready. Language included in HB 4328 would leave school boards, administrators, teachers, and parents with no clear direction on how to continue planning their locally-developed curricula to meet state standards that have were thoroughly vetted by citizens (including teachers, parents, students, school administrators, and post-secondary educators) when they were adopted three years ago. Members of the Michigan Legislature provided input and commentary on the construction of the standards at that time. Even worse, the State Board of Education has warned that unless the Legislature takes affirmative action on Common Core and Smarter Balance, every school in Michigan will fail to meet Adequate Yearly Progress standards, jeopardizing important federal funding for our students. While there are a number of opinions about whether or not Michigan's Common Core State Standards are good for our schools, for our children, for our businesses, and for our state's economic future, one thing is certain: it would be tremendously problematic for us to reverse course now, three years after we've established Common Core as a standard in our schools and have invested much into implementing those standards.
I'm pleased to share that I have been named to a special bipartisan House subcommittee (The Subcommittee on Common Core) recently assembled to determine the future of Common Core in our state. We'll be meeting throughout the summer to address this important issue and I anticipate working closely with our local school districts, education associations, and others to ensure that we take action in the best interests of our schools and students.
Schor Legislation
House Bill 4478 (Passed the House on 6.13) - Signature Stamp Legislation
I am thrilled to share that my first bill passed the House on June 13th! As many of you know, House Bill 4478 allows a voter who is unable to sign his or her name on an election document to execute the election document where a signature is required either by making his or her mark or by using a signature stamp. This legislation is in response to an issue that arose in a local mid-Michigan community. Under current law, a person can make his/her mark but cannot use a voter stamp. At its hearing, the bill was supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Disability Right Coalition, the Michigan Municipal League, AARP (Michigan), GCSI, the Association of County Clerks, and the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. The bill passed the House unanimously and is now in the Senate for review and consideration. Special thanks to all of the community members and stakeholders who had a hand in getting the bill moved through the House!
House Bill 4800 - Judicial Foreclosure
In an attempt to address foreclosure fraud, I introduced HB 4800 which amends the Revised Judicature Act to allow for judicial foreclosure proceedings when a lender engages in one or more of the following 'bad practices:'
(1) Purposely failing to record mortgages or assignments on mortgages;
(2) Advising mortgagors not to make payments on mortgages; or
(3) Placing false signatures on mortgage foreclosure documents
While most of our lenders are good actors and playing vital roles in Michigan's recovery, we must allow our residents to have recourse and to delay foreclosure actions if they are put into foreclosure due to unscrupulous acts initiated by bad actors. It's important for us to prevent lenders from engaging in behaviors and lending practices that ultimately harm Michigan's homeowners. I have requested that this consumer protection bill be taken up along with the other foreclosure-related bills being considered in the House and am hopeful that it will be included in evolving conversation on this issue. HB 4800 has been referred to the House's Financial Services Committee where it will be taken up at the discretion of Committee Chair Callton.
House Bill 4844 - Pre-Labor Day School Start Date
Under current Michigan law, our K-12 schools are required to commence their academic year after Labor Day. HB 4844 proposes to gives our schools the option of starting before Labor Day (if they so choose). My intent in introducing HB 4844 is to grant our local school districts more autonomy to set the fall start date for their students. Knowing that every one of Michigan's school districts is unique, I believe that we ought to empower our locals to make decisions that best fit the needs of their individual students and communities.
My bill does not require schools to start earlier; it only provides them with the option of commencing their academic years before Labor Day if they decide it is in the best interest of their students to do so. To ensure that my legislation doesn't impact travelers' Labor Day plans (a very important weekend for Michigan's tourism industry!), my bill stipulates that schools may not be in session the Friday preceding Labor Day. HB 4844 has been referred to the House Tourism Committee where it will be taken up at the discretion of Committee Chair Pettalia.
House Resolution 163 - Microenterprise Month
House Resolution 163 declares October 2013 as Microenterprise Month in the state of Michigan—a move that I was asked to make by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). As many of you know, microenterprises are businesses with five or fewer employees. Today, they are actually responsible for 17% of Michigan's employment and provide jobs for approximately 969,584 of our citizens. Microenterprises continue to be essential to Michigan’s economic development and recovery from the Great Recession, which is one of the reasons I introduced HR 163.
House Resolution 192 -Harvest Gathering Month
House Resolution 192 declares October 2013 as Harvest Gather Month in the state of Michigan. Currently, 18% of Michigan residents regularly face hunger in their households while 23% of our state's children do not have a consistent source of health and nutritious food. The Food Bank Council of Michigan has successfully served the State of Michigan for some time by trying to alleviate hunger through the 'Michigan Harvest Gathering'. The Harvest Gathering has made significant impacts in alleviating hunger throughout our state's recent economically challenging years. HR 192 not only calls attention to the Food Bank Council's tremendous efforts but attempts to remind all residents of the hunger issues still facing so many of our citizens.
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I plan to continue working on and introducing legislation throughout the summer, too. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HB 4668 (passed the House on 6.5) - Restructuring of Hunting and Fishing Fee Licenses
HB 4668 restructures hunting and fishing fee licenses in Michigan and increases certain fees (as proposed by the Governor). The license changes would take effect on March 1, 2014, and sunset on March 1, 2019. A substitute for this bill was passed by the Senate and has been returned to the House for reconsideration.
HB 4629 (passed the House on 6.6) - Amendment to the Highway Advertising Act
HB 4269 amends the Highway Advertising Act, including, but not limited to: requiring a new permit process and other restrictions for digital billboards; addressing enforcement issues related to nonconforming billboards and other issues to ensure compliance with federal requirements; and amending procedures and penalties related to vegetation management in the vicinity of billboards. HB 4629 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
SB 27 (passed the House on 6.11) - Allow Merchants to Sell Beer Growlers
SB 27 will allow eligible merchants, such as a restaurant or bar, to fill and sell growlers with beer for off-premises consumption under certain conditions. The bill was also passed by the Senate and has been presented to Governor Snyder for his signature.
SB 79 (passed the House on 6.11) - Provision to Conduct Wine Tastings at Farmer's Markets
SB 79 and SB 279 provide for a farmer's market permit to allow a qualified small wine maker to conduct wine tastings and sell wine at farmer's markets. HB 79 was also passed by the Senate and has been presented to Governor Snyder for his signature.
HB 4768 (passed the House on 6.11) - Prohibition of the DEQ from Establishing or Enforcing the Amount of Sodium in Groundwater
HB 4768 adds a section to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit the Department of Environmental Quality from establishing or enforcing an effluent limitation for the amount or concentration of sodium in groundwater or a groundwater discharge. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, and Great Lakes.
HBs 4529 and 4530 (passed the House on 6.13) - Creation of a Permanent Commission to Improve Criminal Defense
HB 4529 creates a permanent, state-funded commission to improve criminal defense for indigent defendants in Michigan while HB 4530 revises how counsel is appointed for indigents. HB 4529 was also passed by the Senate and has been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature. HB 4530 is currently passage by the full Senate.
HB 4272 (passed the House on 6.19) - Requirement that all K-12 Schools Implement a Cardiac Emergency Plan
HB 4272 requires that all K-12 schools adopt and implement a Cardiac Emergency Plan for their school and mandates that cardiac emergency response drills be conducted regularly. These drills my take the place of a single mandated fire drill over the course of a school year. HB 4272 is currently in the Senate's Education Committee.
HB 4307 (passed the House on 6.20) - Elimination of a Requirement that a Special Election be Held when a County Commission Vacancy Occurs in an Odd-Numbered Year
HB 4307 eliminates a requirement that a special election be held when a county commission vacancy occurs in an odd-numbered year. The bill would allow for the vacancy to be filled by appointment by a county commission. If an appointment is not made within 30 days, the vacancy will be filled by a special election. After agreeing to changes the Senate made to this bill, the House passed it and sent it to Governor Snyder for his signature.
HB 4439 (passed the House on 6.20) - Waiver of Recreation Passport Fee
HB 4297 waives the recreation passport fee for veterans purchasing military specialty license plates. After agreeing to changes the Senate made to this bill, the House passed it and sent it to Governor Snyder for his signature.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My next 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' gathering is scheduled for Monday, August 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center (located at 5825 Wise Road here in Lansing). We'll be meeting in the building's Community Room that morning.
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another productive discussion.
My 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' schedule for the rest of 2013 is below.
Saturday, October 26
The Avenue Café (formerly Gone Wired)
2021 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing
Monday, December 2
Letts Community Center
1220 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
Medicaid Expansion
After the House passed legislation to expand Medicaid to low-income working residents in Michigan (see my floor speech at www.schor.housedems.com), I'm very disappointed to report that the Senate republicans recessed for the summer without taking a vote on this legislation (HB 4714).
As many of you have heard, resistance to taking the measure up for a vote was led by Tea Party supporters in the Senate. Rather than heed the recommendations of Governor Snyder (who cut a trip to Israel short to come back and work on getting Medicaid expansion passed), those individuals instead chose to let their hatred of the Affordable Care Act get in the way of providing health coverage to over 400,000 of Michigan's working residents. The Senate's refusal to take action on Medicaid expansion has jeopardized our state's ability to receive federal funds that would help us reduce uncompensated care, saving our state an estimated $300 million; save taxpayers millions in future Medicaid expenses; and bring an estimated $1.9 to $2 billion in new revenue to our state over a ten-year period, for a total of over $20.5 billion worth of new revenue for Michigan. I'm extremely frustrated that one of the proudest votes of my career as a State Representative was negated by a small minority of people who let their anger get in the way of what's best for our citizens. I remain committed to passing legislation to expand Medicaid in Michigan but am very disheartened about the Senate's recent refusal to take up the issue. The Senate is scheduled to return on July 3rd but it not planning to take any votes. I urge you to have your family and friends throughout Michigan contact republican senators to tell them to take a vote on HB 4714 when they return on July 3rd.
Revisions to Michigan Merit Curriculum Standards
The House recently took up House Bills 4465 and 4466-- both of which propose changes to our state's Merit Curriculum Standards.
HB 4465 would alter the current Michigan Merit Curriculum standards as they relate to Algebra II, foreign language and Physical Education by: (1) Establishing the option that career and technical education courses may be taken in place of Algebra II; (2) Allowing approved participation in extracurricular activities involving physical activities to count as a 1/2 credit toward health; and (3) Mandating that two foreign language credits must be earned, but can be substituted for technical education credits.
HB 4466 alters the current Michigan Merit Curriculum standards to: (1) Add Anatomy as a possible science credit alternative to either Chemistry or Physics; (2) Change certain current Personal Curriculum Guidelines; (3) Allow the Algebra II requirement to be completed as part of a CTE program; (4) Allow students that participate in a PC program to satisfy the math requirement with only three credits of math instead of 3.5; and (5) Develop a pupil's education plan so they must be informed that CTE courses are an option to fulfill many of the requirements.
While I'm generally hesitant to make changes to Michigan's Merit Curriculum standards, I voted for HBs 4465 and 4466 when they came before me on the House floor because I liked that they provided students with a broader set of options for fulfilling graduation requirements without eroding the overall quality of their high school curriculum. Both bills have been referred to the Senate's Education Committee where they will be taken up at the discretion of Committee Chair Pavlov.
Final Passage of Legislation Amending the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act
On June 19th, HB 4743 (which makes significant changes to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act) was signed into law with immediate effect. It is now PA 65'13.
Before this bill was signed into law, local governments could not put any restrictions on the discharge, initiation, or use of consumer grade fireworks on the day or, day before, or day after a national holiday. HB 4743 changed that provision to allow municipalities to restrict the hours of use of consumer grade fireworks on the day or, day after, or day before a national holiday as follows:
• A city with a population of 50,000 or more OR a local unit of government located in a county with a population of 750,000 or more may enact local ordinates to restrict fireworks usage between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. or between the hours or 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on New Year's Day;
• A city with a population of 50,000 or less OR a local unit of government located in a county with a population of 750,000 or less may enact local ordinates to restrict fireworks usage between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Among other things, the bill also addresses the fireworks safety fee for retailers, where the fee is distributed, and who is responsible for submitting the fee. The Senate substitute made a minor change to the bill to allow retailers which operate 25 or more retail locations to remit their fireworks safety fee in an aggregate form instead of on an individual store basis.
I was happy to support this bill when it came up for a vote and am confident that it will provide some important clarification and options for our local units of government as they consider measures to make our community a safe, enjoyable place for celebrations (especially those coming up this summer).
Repeal of the 90 Day Pre-Foreclosure Law
House Bills 4765 and 4766, which make changes to the state's 90-day pre-foreclosure law, have been passed by the House and the Senate and have been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature.
HB 4765 repeals the state's 90-day pre-foreclosure law as of January 9, 2014 (when the federal rules for mortgage servicing go into effect). Federal rules prohibit servicers from commencing the foreclosure process until a mortgage loan account is more than 120 days delinquent, which will give borrowers a reasonable amount of time to submit modification applications or seek foreclosure alternatives. HB 4766 would require certain lenders to comply with provisions requiring them to designate an agent to meet with a borrower to negotiate modifications. While I have some concerns about other foreclosure-related bills currently moving through the House and the Senate, I voted in favor of HBs 4765 and 4766 when they came before me for a vote on the House floor.
The House also passed Senate Bills 380 and 383.
SB 380 would extend the subset on the state's foreclosure prevention act (90-day pre-foreclosure law/mortgage loan modification law) through January 9th, 2014. Currently the Revised Judicature Act sets forth conditions that a party must satisfy to begin proceedings to foreclose a mortgage by advertisement. Under the mortgage loan modification program, the Act prohibits a party from beginning proceedings if a required notice has not been mailed to the borrower, if applicable time limits have not expired, or if the parties have agreed to modify the mortgage loan and the borrower is not in default. SB 380 extends the sunset on that requirement to January 9th, 2014. SB 383 would allow the purchaser of a property at a sheriff's sale to periodically inspect the property during the redemption period and to sue for possession if the homeowner damaged the property. The bill would also shorten the redemption period for certain abandoned properties.
I voted for SB 380 but against SB 383 because I had concerns about it allowing lenders to inspect houses without any notice to occupants (and without any limits). The bill also allows the redemption period to be completely eliminated if minor violations (such as broken windows) were reported. I am expecting (and hopeful) that this bill will be cleaned up a bit before it takes effect but simply couldn't support it in its current form. Both bills are currently awaiting Governor Snyder's signature.
My interest is revising Michigan's foreclosure laws lies in protecting both our families and our neighborhoods. Many people continue to grapple with the effects of our state's housing crisis (which is still a big problem in our community and state) and need the ability to negotiate with lenders before foreclosure. That being said, I don’t want to see people staying in houses rent-free, then stripping the house (cabinets, copper wire, appliances, etc.) and leaving a bare space that cannot be re-sold, which negatively affects the surrounding neighborhood and community. We need the law to ensure housing stability, safe communities, and economic recovery while also ensuring that we are not harming our citizens, home values, and neighborhoods. As such, I will continue to hear from all interested parties on foreclosure-related legislation.
Dissolution of School Districts
Many of you have heard about House Bills 4813 and 4815, which provide a mechanism by which a severely distressed school district can be dissolved and absorbed by neighboring districts.
HB 4813 amends the Revised School Code to outline the criteria under which a district can be deemed a candidate for dissolution as follows:
• The district lacks a population sufficient to serve the various district officer positions; OR
• The Superintendent and Treasurer determine that (a) The district either failed to submit a Debt Elimination Plan (DEP) when called upon to do so, or lacks the capability of implementing a DEP and lacks the capability of providing education services to its residents; AND (b) The district is not financially viable and is unable to provide K-12 education services for a full year and for the requisite number of hours.
Among other things, the Senate-passed substitute for HB 4813 makes intermediate school districts responsible for performing the functions and responsibilities of the dissolved district regarding debt repayment, managing ongoing sinking fund levies, etc. (as opposed to the House version which mandated that the receiving district which acquired the largest share of the SEV of the dissolved districted be tasked with those responsibilities).
HB 4815 amends the State School Aid Act to outline the various ways in which taxes, lingering financial obligations, and other matters are to be handled in the event of a school district's dissolution and absorption of that district by other entities. The bill provides $2.7 million to fully fund the foundation allowances of the receiving districts in order to replace the local school operating revenue from the dissolved district, which would be diverted to pay the dissolved district's debt. The receiving district would continue to receive its current per pupil foundation allowance for all students (including those received from the dissolved district). The bill also holds that the intermediate school district must act as the board of the dissolved district for the purposes of resolving debts, taxation, millage proposals and the like. It outlines that residents of the dissolved district cannot be made to pay taxes at the higher rate of the receiving district (if applicable), presumably until being provided with a chance to vote. The bill also excludes using the taxable value of residences as part of the new district's overall estimates while those within the dissolved district continue to satisfy debt obligations.
While these bills were originally introduced to address situations of financial stress in about 55 school districts with smaller populations, the legislation was narrowed to only affect Inkster and Nuena Vista (which actually ran out of money this year). I am generally opposed to measures that remove parents’ (and local school officials’) input and say from determining how to best serve their children's educational needs. I also had concerns that we were only addressing these two school districts and not looking at the entire problem by enacting a more comprehensive solution. Finally, I recognize that dramatic state cuts to education over recent years are one of the biggest factors putting schools in financial distress. Now, instead of re-funding our schools, we're embracing measures like dissolving them. The Legislature cannot continue to create problems and then punish those who cannot cope with them. As such, I voted against both bills when they came before me for consideration. Despite some strong opposition, both bills were passed by the House and Senate and have been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature.
House Subcommittee on Common Core
As I noted in my last e-newsletter, I have a number of reservations about the fact that this year's omnibus budget (HB 4328) included language prohibiting the Michigan Department of Education and local schools across Michigan from implementing the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessments, which were adopted statewide in 2010 and have been successfully implemented by our local school districts since then.
Michigan's local school districts have spent hundreds of hours planning and implementing the high-quality Common Core Standards to empower their students to be career and college-ready. Language included in HB 4328 would leave school boards, administrators, teachers, and parents with no clear direction on how to continue planning their locally-developed curricula to meet state standards that have were thoroughly vetted by citizens (including teachers, parents, students, school administrators, and post-secondary educators) when they were adopted three years ago. Members of the Michigan Legislature provided input and commentary on the construction of the standards at that time. Even worse, the State Board of Education has warned that unless the Legislature takes affirmative action on Common Core and Smarter Balance, every school in Michigan will fail to meet Adequate Yearly Progress standards, jeopardizing important federal funding for our students. While there are a number of opinions about whether or not Michigan's Common Core State Standards are good for our schools, for our children, for our businesses, and for our state's economic future, one thing is certain: it would be tremendously problematic for us to reverse course now, three years after we've established Common Core as a standard in our schools and have invested much into implementing those standards.
I'm pleased to share that I have been named to a special bipartisan House subcommittee (The Subcommittee on Common Core) recently assembled to determine the future of Common Core in our state. We'll be meeting throughout the summer to address this important issue and I anticipate working closely with our local school districts, education associations, and others to ensure that we take action in the best interests of our schools and students.
Schor Legislation
House Bill 4478 (Passed the House on 6.13) - Signature Stamp Legislation
I am thrilled to share that my first bill passed the House on June 13th! As many of you know, House Bill 4478 allows a voter who is unable to sign his or her name on an election document to execute the election document where a signature is required either by making his or her mark or by using a signature stamp. This legislation is in response to an issue that arose in a local mid-Michigan community. Under current law, a person can make his/her mark but cannot use a voter stamp. At its hearing, the bill was supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Disability Right Coalition, the Michigan Municipal League, AARP (Michigan), GCSI, the Association of County Clerks, and the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. The bill passed the House unanimously and is now in the Senate for review and consideration. Special thanks to all of the community members and stakeholders who had a hand in getting the bill moved through the House!
House Bill 4800 - Judicial Foreclosure
In an attempt to address foreclosure fraud, I introduced HB 4800 which amends the Revised Judicature Act to allow for judicial foreclosure proceedings when a lender engages in one or more of the following 'bad practices:'
(1) Purposely failing to record mortgages or assignments on mortgages;
(2) Advising mortgagors not to make payments on mortgages; or
(3) Placing false signatures on mortgage foreclosure documents
While most of our lenders are good actors and playing vital roles in Michigan's recovery, we must allow our residents to have recourse and to delay foreclosure actions if they are put into foreclosure due to unscrupulous acts initiated by bad actors. It's important for us to prevent lenders from engaging in behaviors and lending practices that ultimately harm Michigan's homeowners. I have requested that this consumer protection bill be taken up along with the other foreclosure-related bills being considered in the House and am hopeful that it will be included in evolving conversation on this issue. HB 4800 has been referred to the House's Financial Services Committee where it will be taken up at the discretion of Committee Chair Callton.
House Bill 4844 - Pre-Labor Day School Start Date
Under current Michigan law, our K-12 schools are required to commence their academic year after Labor Day. HB 4844 proposes to gives our schools the option of starting before Labor Day (if they so choose). My intent in introducing HB 4844 is to grant our local school districts more autonomy to set the fall start date for their students. Knowing that every one of Michigan's school districts is unique, I believe that we ought to empower our locals to make decisions that best fit the needs of their individual students and communities.
My bill does not require schools to start earlier; it only provides them with the option of commencing their academic years before Labor Day if they decide it is in the best interest of their students to do so. To ensure that my legislation doesn't impact travelers' Labor Day plans (a very important weekend for Michigan's tourism industry!), my bill stipulates that schools may not be in session the Friday preceding Labor Day. HB 4844 has been referred to the House Tourism Committee where it will be taken up at the discretion of Committee Chair Pettalia.
House Resolution 163 - Microenterprise Month
House Resolution 163 declares October 2013 as Microenterprise Month in the state of Michigan—a move that I was asked to make by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). As many of you know, microenterprises are businesses with five or fewer employees. Today, they are actually responsible for 17% of Michigan's employment and provide jobs for approximately 969,584 of our citizens. Microenterprises continue to be essential to Michigan’s economic development and recovery from the Great Recession, which is one of the reasons I introduced HR 163.
House Resolution 192 -Harvest Gathering Month
House Resolution 192 declares October 2013 as Harvest Gather Month in the state of Michigan. Currently, 18% of Michigan residents regularly face hunger in their households while 23% of our state's children do not have a consistent source of health and nutritious food. The Food Bank Council of Michigan has successfully served the State of Michigan for some time by trying to alleviate hunger through the 'Michigan Harvest Gathering'. The Harvest Gathering has made significant impacts in alleviating hunger throughout our state's recent economically challenging years. HR 192 not only calls attention to the Food Bank Council's tremendous efforts but attempts to remind all residents of the hunger issues still facing so many of our citizens.
I continue to work with a variety of stakeholders on drafting legislation to address issues facing our community and state. I plan to continue working on and introducing legislation throughout the summer, too. I invite you to stay up to speed on all of my legislative action on my website (www.schor.housedems.com). For an up-to-date list of all legislative I've sponsored and co-sponsored to date, click on the below links:
Sponsored Legislation
Co-Sponsored Legislation
Other House Bills
A number of other bills have been passed by the House that directly impact Michigan's residents. I've included information about a notable few below.
HB 4668 (passed the House on 6.5) - Restructuring of Hunting and Fishing Fee Licenses
HB 4668 restructures hunting and fishing fee licenses in Michigan and increases certain fees (as proposed by the Governor). The license changes would take effect on March 1, 2014, and sunset on March 1, 2019. A substitute for this bill was passed by the Senate and has been returned to the House for reconsideration.
HB 4629 (passed the House on 6.6) - Amendment to the Highway Advertising Act
HB 4269 amends the Highway Advertising Act, including, but not limited to: requiring a new permit process and other restrictions for digital billboards; addressing enforcement issues related to nonconforming billboards and other issues to ensure compliance with federal requirements; and amending procedures and penalties related to vegetation management in the vicinity of billboards. HB 4629 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
SB 27 (passed the House on 6.11) - Allow Merchants to Sell Beer Growlers
SB 27 will allow eligible merchants, such as a restaurant or bar, to fill and sell growlers with beer for off-premises consumption under certain conditions. The bill was also passed by the Senate and has been presented to Governor Snyder for his signature.
SB 79 (passed the House on 6.11) - Provision to Conduct Wine Tastings at Farmer's Markets
SB 79 and SB 279 provide for a farmer's market permit to allow a qualified small wine maker to conduct wine tastings and sell wine at farmer's markets. HB 79 was also passed by the Senate and has been presented to Governor Snyder for his signature.
HB 4768 (passed the House on 6.11) - Prohibition of the DEQ from Establishing or Enforcing the Amount of Sodium in Groundwater
HB 4768 adds a section to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit the Department of Environmental Quality from establishing or enforcing an effluent limitation for the amount or concentration of sodium in groundwater or a groundwater discharge. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, and Great Lakes.
HBs 4529 and 4530 (passed the House on 6.13) - Creation of a Permanent Commission to Improve Criminal Defense
HB 4529 creates a permanent, state-funded commission to improve criminal defense for indigent defendants in Michigan while HB 4530 revises how counsel is appointed for indigents. HB 4529 was also passed by the Senate and has been sent to Governor Snyder for his signature. HB 4530 is currently passage by the full Senate.
HB 4272 (passed the House on 6.19) - Requirement that all K-12 Schools Implement a Cardiac Emergency Plan
HB 4272 requires that all K-12 schools adopt and implement a Cardiac Emergency Plan for their school and mandates that cardiac emergency response drills be conducted regularly. These drills my take the place of a single mandated fire drill over the course of a school year. HB 4272 is currently in the Senate's Education Committee.
HB 4307 (passed the House on 6.20) - Elimination of a Requirement that a Special Election be Held when a County Commission Vacancy Occurs in an Odd-Numbered Year
HB 4307 eliminates a requirement that a special election be held when a county commission vacancy occurs in an odd-numbered year. The bill would allow for the vacancy to be filled by appointment by a county commission. If an appointment is not made within 30 days, the vacancy will be filled by a special election. After agreeing to changes the Senate made to this bill, the House passed it and sent it to Governor Snyder for his signature.
HB 4439 (passed the House on 6.20) - Waiver of Recreation Passport Fee
HB 4297 waives the recreation passport fee for veterans purchasing military specialty license plates. After agreeing to changes the Senate made to this bill, the House passed it and sent it to Governor Snyder for his signature.
Community Update/Events
Coffee and Tea with Andy
My next 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' gathering is scheduled for Monday, August 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center (located at 5825 Wise Road here in Lansing). We'll be meeting in the building's Community Room that morning.
These gatherings are a great opportunity for me to share news about what's going on at the Capitol and gather your thoughts and concerns about our community. Hearing from you helps me better represent the interests of Lansing and Lansing Township in the Michigan House, so I hope you’ll consider joining in what promises to be another productive discussion.
My 'Coffee and Tea with Andy' schedule for the rest of 2013 is below.
Saturday, October 26
The Avenue Café (formerly Gone Wired)
2021 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing
Monday, December 2
Letts Community Center
1220 W. Kalamazoo Street, Lansing
For a full list of events happening in and around our community in the coming weeks, click here.
Thank you very much for your interest in my legislative activity. I look forward to keeping you updated on what's happening in the House and invite you to stay in touch with my office via phone (517-373-0826), e-mail (andyschor@house.mi.gov), or by stopping in to visit (we're located in office 1087 of the Anderson House Office Building, located at 124 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing) to share your thoughts or if we can be of any assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Andy Schor
State Representative, 68th District
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