MRA-supported legislation to prohibit the sale of certain goods at flea markets was reported out on a unanimous vote by the House Economic Development Committee on Wednesday. HB 5677, sponsored by Committee Chair Valde Garcia (R-St. Johns), would prohibit the sale of temperature-sensitive and dated products at unregulated flea markets and require documentation of purchase for unused products sold in these settings. Amendments were added to the bill strengthening the penalties for noncompliance with the provisions of the act.
John Smith, Loss Prevention Specialist with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and Peter Kuhnmuench, MRAŐs Vice President of Governmental Affairs, testified to the committee in favor of the legislation. MRA will continue to work for passage of this legislation as it moves through the legislature.
Legislation creating a sales tax holiday during the seven days before and after Labor Day currently awaits consideration in the state House. If passed by the legislature and signed by the governor into law, House Bill 4862, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Cassis (R-Novi), would eliminate sales tax during this period on all clothing and footwear purchases less than $150.
House Speaker Chuck Perricone (R-Kalamazoo) has said he supports the legislation and would like to hold a vote before the June 8th targeted recess date. MRA will keep you updated on the progress of this bill.
The State Senate next week will attempt to move a significantly amended version of Governor EnglerŐs proposal for electric restructuring after failing to garner bipartisan support for the package this week. Senate Democrats have expressed reservations on several elements of the proposal and were unable to finalize any agreement on their proposal to establish an elected Michigan Public Service Commission as an alternative to the current appointed body.
As reported from the Senate Committee on Technology and Energy, the governorŐs proposal is tie-barred to legislation which provides for securitization of certain stranded costs of existing electric utilities. The Michigan Retailers Association supports the framework of the governorŐs original proposal but has joined with other business and consumer organizations in opposing the securitization provision.
There was one major surprise as the candidate filing deadline came and passed on Tuesday: Macomb County Prosecutor Carl Marlinga dropped his bid for the Michigan Supreme Court and instead filed for re-election to his post as prosecutor. His withdrawal may be a blow to the Democratic partyŐs chances to take back control of the Supreme Court. Currently, Republican-backed justices hold a 5-2 edge on the nonpartisan court.
In other political news, spokespersons for both major parties predicted victory in November in the race to control the State House, both claiming superior candidates. (Republicans currently hold a 58-52 edge in the House).. In a mild surprise, ten first-term incumbent house members are facing primary challenges. Many political observers had felt that with term limits, challengers would be more inclined to wait and run for election during the election year that the seat was open or after the second term of the three-term cycle.
There were no surprises on the federal level as congressional races are starting to heat up. Incumbent Sen. Spence Abraham will take on Congresswoman Debbie Stabenow. State Senator and Majority Floor Leader Mike Rogers (R-Howell) will face senate colleague Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) in the race to fill the vacancy in the 8th Congressional district created by StabenowŐs departure. These will be two of the most closely watched races in the nation. In another interesting race, Congressman Bart Stupak will face Chuck Yob, Republican National Committeeman, in the 1st House district covering much of northern Michigan.
HB 5788, sponsored by Rep. Eileen DeHart (D-Westland), to require retail establishments to provide public bathroom facilities.
HB 5789, sponsored by Rep. DeHart, to require grocery stores to post state inspection letter grade on front entrance with statement that full report can be reviewed.
HB 5790, sponsored by rep. DeHart, to require owner or operator of a food service establishment to provide customer with copy of latest health inspection report upon request.
HB 5795, sponsored by Rep. Doug Spade (D-Adrian), to require manufacturers and publishers of instructional materials to provide digital electronic versions.
HB 5798, sponsored by Rep. DeHart, to increase filing fees for small claims court.
HB 5806, sponsored by Rep. Jud Gilbert (R-Algonac), to revise motor carrier fuel tax rate and remove reporting requirements.
HB 5807, sponsored by Rep. Rick Johnson (R-LeRoy), to remove diesel fuel tax discount and allocate revenues.
SB 1267, sponsored by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.), to regulate phosphorus content of household cleaning agents.
SB 1269, sponsored by Sen. David Jaye (R-Washington Twp.), to exempt physicians from single business tax.
SB 1273, sponsored by Sen. Leon Stille (R-Spring Lake), to regulate and establish standards for organic farming and to provide penalties and remedies.
SB 1277, sponsored by Sen. Bill Schuette (R-Midland), to allow aggregation of electric utilities by municipal governments.
SB 1278, sponsored by Sen. Harry Gast (R-St. Joseph), to establish elder prescription insurance coverage program.
For back issues of Capitol F@cts on-line visit MRA's web site at http://www.retailers.com/capfax/capfax.html.
Specific comments or questions regarding this bulletin should
be directed to:
Jason Klonowski, MRA's Manager of Governmental Affairs at jklonowski@retailers.com.
Michigan Retailers Association 603 South Washington Avenue Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.5656
800.366.3699
Fax: 517.372.1303
govt_affairs@retailers.com
http://www.retailers.com
http://www.mallofmichigan.com
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here to find more information about any of the bills referenced above.