Information for Policymakers Information for Nonprofits Policy Issues About MNA Public Policy

Policy Portal

Issue #265
February 13, 2009

HEADLINES

• Conference Committee Reaches Agreement on Economic Stimulus Package
• Governor Releases Executive Budget Proposal for FY 2009-2010
• Michigan House of Representatives Announces Committee Assignments
• Mark Your Calendar for the 2009 Michigan Giving & Volunteering Celebration!
• Save the Date - Nonprofit Day is September 22, 2009
• Charitable Solicitation License Audit Threshold Doubled
• New Contact List for State Legislature

Conference Committee Reaches Agreement on Economic Stimulus Package

After the U.S. House and Senate passed alternate versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill (otherwise known as the economic stimulus package), a group of conferees from the two chambers met to reconcile the differences between the two versions. The conference committee reached an agreement on Wednesday, and the final rendition of the stimulus now goes to the House and Senate for their approval before reaching the President's desk for his signature. The economic stimulus package that emerged from conference committee negotiations totaled $789 billion, with an estimated $7 billion for Michigan according to the Associated Press.

From the nonprofit perspective, there are positives and negatives to the final package. The $200 million stimulus for the National Corporation for Community Service and its AmeriCorps programs remained in the bill; MNA thanks the many nonprofit representatives who contacted Senators Levin and Stabenow in support of that provision. For a detailed breakdown of stimulus funds designated to program areas in which nonprofits operate, visit Independent Sector's website.

Back to top

Governor Releases Executive Budget Proposal for FY 2009-2010

The Governor's office released its FY 2009-2010 budget proposal yesterday, in which is recommended a combination of cuts to the general fund totalling $670 million and revenue increases of $230 million. The revenue shortfall for next year's budget is estimated at $1.2 billion dollars. The executive budget proposal suggests closing that $1.2 billion gap through $500 million in enhanced federal Medicaid spending funds that are expected from the federal stimulus package, in addition to the previously specified spending cuts and revenue increases. The budget proposal also accounts for an estimated $229 million shortfall in the School Aid Fund. For more information on the Governor's budget proposal, visit http://michigan.gov/budget.

Back to top

Michigan House of Representatives Announces Committee Assignments

The Michigan House of Representatives has announced their list of committee assignments for the new legislative session. The full list of committee leadership and membership is available for download here. Of particular interest to the nonprofit community, Rep. Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) will chair Tax Policy, Rep. Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) will chair Commerce, and Regulatory Reform will be chaired by Rep. Bert Johnson (D-Detroit). Committee assignments in the Michigan Senate remain the same.

Back to top

Mark Your Calendar for the 2009 Michigan Giving & Volunteering Celebration!

The 2009 Michigan Giving & Volunteering Celebration will take place on April 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the State Capitol Building in Lansing. This annual event features a program of extraordinary individuals sharing about their volunteer experiences, the presentation of the Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards, and the official release of the 2008 Giving & Volunteering in Michigan report. The event is free but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Mark your calendar and plan to join us, then watch your inbox for registration information.

Back to top

Save the Date - Nonprofit Day is September 22, 2009

Nonprofit Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at the Radisson in downtown Lansing. More details about the day's agenda will be published over the next several months. Save the date on your calendars and Blackberries and plan to join your nonprofit sector colleagues for this annual lobby day.

Back to top

Charitable Solicitation License Audit Threshold Doubled

Public Act 424 of 2008 was signed into law by Governor Granholm on January 5, 2009. As a result, effectively immediately, fewer charities will be required to submit audits or reviews by independent auditors with their application for a charitable solicitation license. For more information on the change in audit requirement, the change in review requirement, future threshold changes and the new Application for License to Solicit Donations, read MNA's full review of PA 424.

Back to top

New Contact List for State Legislature

MNA's website features a number of convenient tools for your organization to use in your advocacy efforts with elected officials. A few of those resources include a contact list of Michigan's state elected officials (excel), easily downloadable labels for Michigan elected officials, draft letters of introduction for new policymakers, and much more. Visit http://www.mnaonline.org/newleg.asp to take advantage of these resources!

Back to top