Thursday, August 4, 2011

In an effort to make Michigan more competitive with the rest of the nation, the governor and the Legislature are taking a serious look at our state's tax structure. First on the list is the Michigan Business Tax, but number two is Michigan's personal property taxes. This panel will discuss the multiple variations of how personal property taxes may be impacted. Discussion will also focus on the taxation of wind turbines, as well as the prospects of saving millions of dollars a year by implementing a summer-only property tax system. In addition, the panel will be asked to discuss property tax loopholes, especially those created by recent court decisions.

Michigan's dire economy has had a dramatic impact on public safety as much as any other area. Communities are struggling to deliver basic public safety services as roughly 3,000 law enforcement positions have been eliminated in the past decade. The debate ensues around the Capitol about the best ways to maintain public safety in Michigan. This panel discussion will examine the challenges facing law enforcement in Michigan, the new approach by the Michigan State Police "troopers working from cruisers," collaborating on local law enforcement and PA 312 reforms.

With the new political leadership resulting from the 2010 elections at both the state and federal levels, many questions have arisen as to the proper level of environmental regulations and related governmental funding. This session will examine federal and state funding of the state revolving fund loan program, possible changes to storm water regulations, and the extension and creation of fees to fund programs maintained by the Department of Environmental Quality. Panelists will also discuss current environmental legislation including the disposal of yard waste into Michigan landfills, developing water quality alliances to protect Michigan's water bodies and changes to the land application of septage. Recent court decisions and their impact on environmental regulations will also be examined.