Michigan Developments

1. MMA Launches Website on Industrial PPT Phaseout
2. 2012 Budget Set to Meet June Deadline
3. Insurance Companies Have 180 Days to Comply with Mandate
4. MEDC Offering a New Export Program for Manufacturers
5. Electrical Licensing Regulation Adds Unnecessary Cost
6. Manufacturers Boost Employment Numbers
7. Seats Filling Fast for 2012 MMA CEO & Executive Forum

Federal Developments

1. EPA Issues New Standard for Drilling
2. NAM Appeal of NLRB Ruling to Be Expedited

Michigan Developments

1. Executive Budget Remains Fiscally Responsible
2. Bill to Eliminate Annual Wastewater Report Passes Committee
3. Michigan Veterans Face 30 Percent Unemployment
4. HFA Reports Business/Insurance Taxes Greatest Increase in Revenue
5. MMA Creates New Programs to Help Employers Comply With UI Changes
6. Rail Speeds to Increase to 110 MPH in West Michigan

Federal Developments

1. Wind Industry Wants Subsidies Included in Payroll Tax Cut Deal
2. Timmons Testifies at Congressional Forum on Manufacturing
3. MMA Supports Federal UI Reform

Michigan Developments

1. Bonding Bills Approved, More UI Reform Needed
2. Testimony on Workers’ Compensation Reform Continues
3. Regulatory Reform Package Advances in Both Chambers
4. Senate Committee Passes Health Insurance Mandate
5. Health Exchange Moves Forward
6. $500 Million Surplus Projected by HFA
7. “Fracking” Legislation Introduced
8. MMA Congratulates Economic Gardening Recipients
9. MMA Regional Meetings Move to Member Facilities in 2012
10. Register to Attend Global Access Export Forum with Governor Snyder

Federal Developments

1. Manufacturers: Senate Resolution Will Protect Jobs
2. Manufacturing Accounts for 13.8 Percent of New Jobs

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Supports the Bridge and Encourages Members to Call Legislators
2. Former Florida Governor Testifies on Education Reform
3. Social Security Fix To Pension Tax Passes Senate
4. Unemployment Bills Sent to House
5. House Passes Reform Legislation
6. Gas Tax Bill Clears Transportation Committee
7. MMA’s 2011 Compensation Report Complete
8. MMA’s Newberry Provides Overview of Dog Years Administration
9. ORR Environmental Committee MeetsAdministration
10. Upcoming MMA Policy Committee Meetings

Federal Developments

1. NAM Expands Government Affairs Team
2. Job Creation Task Forces Provides “Fast Track” Suggestions

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Schedules Emergency Conference Call on HICA Legislation
2. Senate Committee Passes Budget with Extra Cuts
3. Economic Development Funding Hit Hard
4. Brownfield Credits May Come Back
5. “Toxic Toy” Study Removed from Health Department Budget
6. MMA Environmental Committee Hears About State Cleanup Program
7. ProQuest Executive to Lead Workforce Development at MEDC
8. Only Two Weeks Left To Register for the 2011 MMA CEO & Executive Forum
9. Significant Changes to Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

Federal Developments

1. Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act Signed Into Law
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Down According to New Report

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Names Delaney Newberry Director of Human Resource Policy
2. Senate Passes Bill to Ban Workplace Ergonomic Standards
3. Senate, House Committees Hold Hearings on MBT
4. MMA Opposes Job-Killing Greenhouse Gas Regulations
5. Special Event: How to do Business with the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Inventory Control Point
6. Ford, Chrysler and GM Report Sales Increase in January

Federal Developments

1. Index Shows Strong Growth in U.S. Manufacturing Sector
2. Plan Unveiled to Invest $53 Billion in High-Speed Rails Within 25 Years

Michigan Developments

1. Six Budgets Move Out of Conference Committee
2. House Stalls Tax Amnesty Bills
3. Hadden Takes a Spin in GM’s Volt
4. Snyder Favored by 53 Percent
5. Let Your Voice Be Heard
6. MEGA Grants Generate 99.9 Million in MI Investments

Federal Developments

1. EPA’s Regulatory Agenda Will Harm Economic Recovery
2. U.S. Senate Advances Small Business Bill

Michigan Developments

1. No Vote on DRIC this Week
2. House Passes Higher Education Budget
3. MDOT Budget Passes House
4. Corrections Budget Clears House
5. Legislation Threatens Free Speech

Federal Developments

1. NAM Urges Senate to Pass Murkowski Resolution

Michigan Developments

1. MMA President and CEO Talks Manufacturing with CNBC
2. MMA Opposes Excessive Ozone Regulations
3. House Passes Economic Development Accountability Bills
4. Property Classification Threatens 10,000 Companies
5. Michigan’s Jobless Rate Declines Slightly
6. Next Wednesday is Deadline for Manufacturer of the Year Nominations
7. Reserve Your Seat Today for the 2010 MMA CEO Forum

Federal Developments

1. Health Care Bill Bad Business for Manufacturers

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Unveils 2010 Structural and Economic Reform Agenda
2. CAR’s Jay Baron Leads MMA Tool and Die Roundtable
3. Special Report on Corporate Free Speech
4. MMA Survey Results — Available Soon
5. MMA Members Voice Business Concerns at Regional Meetings

Federal Developments

1. MMA’s Take on President’s Speech
2. NAM Makes Powerful Case for Manufacturing
3. NAM Collects Names to Oppose Radical Labor Law

Michigan Developments

1. $5 Billion for Green Jobs
2. Tentative Deal on Education Reforms
3. Muskegon Project Granted Battery Credit
5. Unemployment Drops Again
6. 9,000 Jobs Created or Saved
7. Cash Incentives to Available Manufacturers
8. Speed Banking Coming to Grand Rapids
9. MMA Manufacturing Survey

Federal Developments

1. NAM Recommends Better Export Controls

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Stops Huge Tax Increase on Manufacturers
2. New Department is Official — DNRE Unveiled
3. Labor and Business Rally to Build Power Plants
4. $2.7 Million Federal Grant for Wolverine
5. Johnston Speaks to Business Leaders
6. MMA Makes Radio Waves over LCFS
7. School Aid Budget Adopted
8. UM Economists: Worst is Behind Us
9. House Tax Push
10. Public Hearing for Kennecott’s Permit
11. Upcoming HR Seminars
12. October Webinars

Federal Developments

1. NAM Says Recovery Is Fragile
2. New Emissions Rule to Cost $115 Million

Michigan Developments

1. Democrats Propose Anti-Employer Policies
2. GM’s Global Sales Increase 20 Percent
3. House GOP Budget Proposal Released
4. MEGA Grants Dry Up
5. Bishop Endorses Dillon’s Health Plan
6. $15 Million in Grants for Small Manufacturers

Federal Developments

1. Health Care Reform Debate Heats Up
2. Bernanke: Fed Has Exit Strategy

Michigan Developments

1. Economic Forecast Released Today
2. Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Announced
3. Great Minds Gather at MMA’s CEO Forum
4. Four Pro-Manufacturing Legislators Recognized by MMA
5. Chrysler and GM Dealerships Close Nationwide
6. Key MMA Policy Passes out of Senate Committee
7. New Dow Joint Venture for Next-Generation Battery Production
8. House Passes Chemical Registry Legislation
9. MEA and Anderson Economic Group Produce Report on Incentives
10. Dillon Announces House Cuts

Federal Developments

1. NAM Disappointed in CPSC Decision on Labeling Rule

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Speaks Out Against Card Check
2. Senate Passes Auto Sales Tax
3. UI Solvency Tax Bill to Save Businesses Big Bucks
4. House and Senate Pass Incentives for Advanced Battery Development
5. Michigan Ranks #3 in the Nation for Expansion
6. MMA Urges DEQ to Reduce Fees
7. Michigan Ranked Middle of the Pack for Tax Burden
8. MMA Opposes Mercury Rule
9. MMA Recommends Capping Storm Water Fees
10. Alternative Pathway May Open for H.S. Graduation

Federal Developments

1. NAM says the EFCA Threatens Economic Recovery

Michigan Developments

Dillon’s Speech Harmonizes with MMA Priorities

House Speaker Andy Dillon opened the 2009-10 session of the Michigan Legislature on Wednesday. In his opening speech, Dillion outlined initiatives, priorities and goals for the next two years, which are closely aligned with MMA’s 2009 Legislative Agenda.

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U.S. Automakers Sweep Truck Awards

U.S. Automakers have reason to celebrate after taking top honors for their new trucks at the North American International Auto Show.

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Detroit Three Ready to Wow Public at Auto Show

The next generation of transportation will be proudly displayed at the North American International Auto Show 2009. Beginning Saturday, the doors will open for the public to kick the tires on over 700 of the most innovative vehicles ever designed.

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Feds OK New Detroit-Windsor Crossing System

U.S. officials signed a Record of Decision on 01/14/09 that allows Michigan to begin acquiring land and planning construction for a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor.

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GM Accelerates Lithium-Ion Technology

General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced the company’s plans to establish the first battery manufacturing plant and dedicated battery-engineering lab in the United States — both to be constructed in Michigan.

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Ergonomic Rules Moves Forward

The joint commission meeting 1/14/09 culminated in a unanimous vote to adopt a statewide ergonomics standard that the MMA, along with a united business community, has strongly warned would be yet another blow to Michigan’s economy.

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Drain Fee Veto Request Denied

Governor Granholm signed HB 4688 on 01/12/09, which was a huge disappointment for the MMA and the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC). The two organizations banded together to submit a joint letter imploring the Governor to veto the bill. Nonetheless, the bill was signed into law and will double the drain maintenance taxes that can be assessed on homeowners and businesses in Michigan.

Granholm Applauds Obama’s Stimulus Plan

Governor Granholm praised President-elect Barack Obama’s speech on 01/08/09, which outlined his plan to boost the economy and help U.S. businesses and families.

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Federal Developments

U.S. Exporters Can Continue Using Dual Labels

A 20 year dispute over metric regulations that would have imposed significant costs on U.S. exporters was resolved this week.

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Michigan Developments

Chevy Volt Will Be “Made In Michigan”

General Motors announced on 9/25/08 that it will produce the Chevrolet Volt right here in Michigan at a new plant to be built in Flint.

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Great Lakes Compact Ratified by Congress

Congress passed the Great Lakes Compact 9/23/08, but with no help from U.S. Representative Bart Stupak (D-Menominee).

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MPSC Doesn’t Wait for Governor’s Signature to Move Ahead on Energy Plan

With the Governor’s promise to sign Michigan’s new energy plan into law, the Michigan Public Service Commission isn’t waiting for the formal ceremony to begin implementing the plan, as they roll out the MMA-pushed deskewing requirements.

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SUTA Dumping Legislation Moves to Senate

MMA-supported SUTA Dumping conformity legislation passed in the House on 9/24/08 and is on its way to the Senate to protect employers from penalties.

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Business to DEQ: We Need More Certainty!

Department of Environmental Quality officials got an earful on 9/18/08 from the business community blasting the department for treating operational memoranda and guidance documents the same as law.

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Budget Completed With Little Time to Spare

No threat of a government shutdown this year, as agreement was finally reached on the Department of Transportation Budget on 9/25/08, giving the Governor plenty of time to sign it as the last bill standing in the way of completing the state budget process before October 1.

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Sunset Extended on $2 million in DEQ Fees

One week before the Department of Environmental Quality would have lost the ability to collect $2 million in annual fees, the Legislature passed HB 6091 to extend the sunset until 2011.

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RMGN Funding Source Revealed

Almost all of the $1.45 million spent on the Reform Michigan Government Now (RMGN) proposal came from the Michigan Democratic Party and accusations of “money-laundering” may land the issue in court again.

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Kuipers Uses Bus Bill to Move Charter Schools Forward

Senator Kuipers (R-Holland) didn’t waste any time moving forward with his plan to get around the cap that has been the bane of the charter school movement, using a substitute school bus driver bill (SB 1252) as a vehicle to remove the sunset on charter schools on 9/24/08.

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Michigan to Create Centers of Energy Excellence

$27 million in 21st Century Jobs Funding was approved 9/24/08 to build three Centers of Energy Excellence in Michigan, which will bring private, public, and university research together to accelerate renewable energy research.

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Effort to Eliminate MBT Surcharge Heats Up in Senate

Legislation passed in the Senate on 9/25/08 would phase-out the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) surcharge seven years earlier than under current law.

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Upcoming MMA Seminars

Don’t miss these MMA seminars coming up in the next two weeks: Four Components of Successful Sales on 10/2/08 in Traverse City; Managing MIOSHA Compliance and WorkSafe Back Safety Training, both offered 10/7/08 in Kalamazoo; Internet Marketing and Sales Strategy 10/8/08 in Grand Rapids; Defending Price 10/9/08 in Livonia; and Six Pillars of Effective Leadership in Livonia. For complete details or to register online, see the MMA Seminar Schedule.

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Federal Developments

Bush Proposes Biggest Bailout in U.S. History

In his address to the nation 9/24/08, President Bush urged lawmakers to take quick action on his proposed $700 billion bailout plan to prevent financial panic and a painful recession.

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Congress to Give $25 Billion Loan to Auto Industry

Legislation authorizing $25 billion in loans to revamp the auto industry passed the U.S. House and is expected to be approved by the U.S. Senate and President Bush as early as next week, giving the Big Three a major win.

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Michigan Developments

1. Senate Kills Ergo Committee Funding

The Senate passed the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) budget this week, which removed $11,000 in funding for the operation of the two committees charged with promulgating a state-specific ergonomics rule. An amendment that would have struck the boilerplate language on ergonomics was shot down.

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2. Energy Efficiency Reforms Pass Senate, Renewable Bills Could Come Soon or Fall

In its first step toward adopting a comprehensive energy policy strategy for Michigan, the Senate Energy Policy Committee signed off on a package of bills dealing with energy efficiencies at the end of May. However, if the remaining pieces of the House’s long-term energy strategy aren’t sent to the full Senate chamber before the Legislature’s scheduled summer break, the measures may not be addressed until the fall.

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3. Supply Chain Commission Could be Forthcoming

Rep. Steve Tobocman introduced the Michigan Supply Chain Management Development Commission Act, HB 6150, this week that would establish a supply chain commission that would be charged with helping Michigan grow its supply chain industry.

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Federal Developments

1. Action on R&D Credit Expansion Stalled

Potential action on legislation that would extend the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit has stalled. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee was scheduled to receive the act before the beginning of June but action on the bill, S. 2886, seems unlikely.

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2. Senate Passes $12.2 Billion UI Extension, President Issues Veto Threat

On 5/22/08 the U.S. Senate approved a $12.2 billion extension in unemployment insurance benefits through an amendment included in the war supplemental appropriations bill, which was approved by the House earlier in May.

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In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. Movement on Energy Legislation Expected, Senate Adopts Efficiency Reforms
2. MMA Submits Comments on Proposed Costly Court Rules
3. DEQ Gets $11 Million in General Fund Increase
4. CEO Forum Approaching
5. Lean Sessions Offered this Month

Federal Developments

1. Supreme Court Helps Employers with Health Care

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Will Host Roundtable with U.S. Department of Commerce
2. Senate Attempts to Block Adoption of Ergonomics Rule
3. Manufacturers Should Take Note of Initiatives in State of the State Address
4. Mercury Report Gives Manufacturers Cause to Pause
5. MMA Working to Help Legal Foreign Nationals Obtain Drivers Licenses
6. Stem Cell Ballot Initiative Moving Forward
7. Legislature Puts Drug Manufacturers in its Crosshairs
8. CEO Forum and Legislative Reception Coming Up

Federal Developments

1. Approval of Stimulus Package Slated for this Week

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Testifies at Senate Service Tax Hearing, Action Isn’t Expected Until Next Week
2. Ban on Incandescent Light Bulbs Proposed
3. Possibilities for Additional Base-load Generation Could Open in Near Future
4. Automation Alley gets $2 Million Appropriation
5. Manufacturers Included in Climate Action Panel

Federal Developments

1. Ford Workers Give Deal with UAW Thumbs Up
2. OSHA Says Employers Must Pay for Personal Protection Equipment
3. Michigan’s U.S. Representatives Concerned Great Lakes are in the Crosshairs

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. Use Tax on Services Slams Manufacturers
2. Action Alert: Voice Your Opposition to the Proposed Ergo Standards
3. Governor Extends Four Environmental Fee Sunsets
4. FAS 109 Fix Enacted
5. Supreme Court Denies Rehearings in Water Withdrawal, Asbestos Cases
6. MMA Energy Advisory Committee Working on Possible Reforms
7. UAW-GM Labor Contract on the Road to Ratification

Federal Developments

1. President Bush Vetoes SCHIP
2. Last Chance to Comment on EPA Ozone Standard Revisions

Governor Signs MBT

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. Two for One: Attend the CEO Forum and Reception for One Low Price
2. MMA Tax Committee Reviews Speaker’s Business Tax Replacement Plan
3. House Passes $150 Million Trash Tax
4. House Committee Constrains Waste Disposal Options in Michigan
5. Energy Issues Still Being Addressed in House Committee
6. MMA Meets with New DLEG Director
7. House Panel Exploring Options to Fill Need for Math and Science Teachers

Federal Developments

1. Court Says EPA Must Reconsider Decision on New Emission Standards
2. NAM Heads Major Communications Push against Union Organizing Bill
3. China Not Embracing Democratic Reforms

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. House Passes Pharmaceutical Immunity Repeal
2. MMA Agenda Calls for Pro-manufacturing Policies
3. MMA Opposes Proposed Mercury Rule
4. MMA Provides Testimony against Empowering Site Review Board
5. Granholm Administration Pushing its Tax Plan
6. Senate Republicans Still Outlining Their Budget Proposal
7. MMA Member Applies for New Coal Plant Permit
8. MDEQ Adds Mining Hearing
9. Senate Passes Medicaid Incentive Bill
10. MMA Applauds CAMA’s Reverse Job Shadow Event
11. Principals Support Higher Drop-Out Age

Federal Developments

1. Plan to Upgrade Math and Science Education Announced
2. Business Champions Support Community Colleges

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Aides in Possible Delay of Ballast Water Permit Program
2. Michigan’s Promise Heads to Governor
3. Michigan Needs to Hold Strong to its Pharmaceutical Immunity Legislation
4. MBT May Be a Horse of Another Color in ’07
5. Scrap Dealers Beware
6. Timber Bill Passes with Major Cuts
7. Lannoye Appointed Governor’s Chief of Staff

Federal Developments

1. NAM Claims National Legislative Victories for Manufacturers
2. Congress Passes Historic, Bipartisan Legislation to Address American Natural Gas Crisis

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. MMA Gains Polling Insight on Key State Races
2. MMA Holds Tool and Die Conference, Starts Advisory Committee
3. MMA Tax Committee Explores GRACC SBT Replacement
4. First Televised Gubernatorial Debate Brings out Candidates’ Claws
5. Access Election Tools for Employees Online
6. SFA Estimates K-16 Initiative Would Cost $700 Million in First Year
7. Walsh Business Leadership Institute Presents ‘Retooling Michigan’s Economy’

Federal Developments

1. Trade Missions to Explore China and India Markets
2. Doha Round Not Dead Yet

In this issue:

Michigan Developments

1. Patients, Health Care and Business Groups Oppose Repeal of FDA Defense and Tort Reform Measures
2. Joint Tax Committee Includes PPT in Tax Restructuring Discussions
3. Minimum Wage Exemptions Pass House
4. MMA Participates with Advisory Council’s on Recommendations for State’s Uninsured Project
5. EPA Grants NOx Exemption in 11 Counties
6. House Committee Passes Dioxin Cleanup Criteria

Federal Developments

1. Momentum Continues to Shift in U.S. House in Favor of Accessing Domestic Energy Supplies
2. NAM Board Urges Action on R&D Credit
3. U.S. House Vote on Death Tax Compromise

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In this issue:

1) Tool and Die Bill Goes to Governor’s Desk

After working out minor differences in each chamber’s bills, the House 6/29 approved HB 5243 and sent it to the governor for her signature. MMA’s Chuck Hadden comments.

2) MDEQ Workgroup on Water Issues Starts with Differences

A workgroup convened by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to discuss issues related to Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s Water Legacy Act revealed plans by the MDEQ to move beyond recommendations by the Legislature regarding water withdrawal. MMA’s Mike Johnston comments.

3) House Passes Permit Streamlining Bills

The House 6/29 passed a package of bills that would reduce the amount of time needed for a permit application to be granted.

4) NAM Chairman Supports Detroit River Tunnel Project

Richard E. Dauch, co-founder, chairman and CEO of American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. and chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers, has announced his support for the Detroit River tunnel project.

5) Class Action Fairness Act Up for U.S. Senate Vote

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on S. 2062, the Class Action Fairness Act, when it returns from its Independence Day recess next week. MMA members are encouraged to contact Michigan’s U.S. Senators to urge their support for the bill, which will help eliminate “forum shopping” and bring class action lawsuits into more appropriate venues.