KEY LEGISLATION:

SENATE LEADER EYES ATTORNEY GENERAL POST

Senate Majority Leader Dan DeGrow (R-Port Huron) has taken the first step
toward running for Michigan attorney general. DeGrow issued a statement
saying he is filing a committee to explore running for the post. His
statement eliminates one more potential challenger to Lieutenant Governor
Dick Posthumus for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. DeGrow's announcement
comes five days after current Attorney General Jennifer Granholm announced
she is running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Sen. DeGrow was elected majority leader following the 1998 election. He has
served in the Senate since 1982 after serving one term in the House. Widely
recognized as one of the state's hardiest supporters of public education,
DeGrow came out as the first Republican to oppose the failed voucher
proposal of 2000. While DeGrow has traditionally been on the side of the
Main Street retailer, it is unclear what role he would take on Michigan's
item pricing statute if he were to eventually win the post.

TREASURER TO LEAD GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

State Treasurer Mark Murray accepted a new position as president of Grand
Valley State University. He will succeed Arend Don Lubbers, who retires June
30 after 32 years on the job.

Murray has worked in a number of state agencies, including the departments
of Commerce, Social Services and Management and Budget. He also spent one
year as vice president for finance and operations at Michigan State
University, his alma mater.

Grand Valley State University, the state's fastest growing university, has
17,500 students. Its main campus is in Allendale, with facilities also
located in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and Traverse City.

VOTE DELAYED ON LIVING WAGE BAN

A committee vote on legislation to abolish municipalities' living wage laws
will be delayed at least until after the spring recess. House leaders
reportedly told supporters of the measure that they need firmer support in
both chambers before the bill can advance.

Six Michigan communities have enacted living wage laws, which require
businesses contracting with the municipality to pay employees at a specified
amount above the minimum wage - usually about $8.50 per hour with health
benefits or $10 per hour without. Opponents argue that such laws discourage
businesses from locating in a community and set artificial wage levels
across the state.

KEY BILL INTRODUCTIONS:

HB 4456, sponsored by Rep. Judson Gilbert (R-Algonac), to create an
Alternative Agricultural Production tax Act which implements a specific farm
tax in lieu of property taxes.

SB 324, sponsored by Sen. Bev. Hammerstrom (R-Temperance), to provide for a
single business tax credit for company-operated facilities or subsidization
of childcare.

SB 331, sponsored by Sen. Glenn Steil (R-Grand Rapids), to revise the Liquor
Control Code by allowing for-profit organizations to apply for "private"
liquor licenses.

SB 332, sponsored by Sen. Christopher Dingell (D-Trenton), to revise the
Insurance Code by prohibiting the requirement to use particular repair
services for collision and comprehensive coverage.

SB 337, sponsored by Sen. Mat Dunaskiss (R-Trenton), to prohibit taxing
drivers by amount of mileage driven in this state.

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:
Eric R. Rule, Director of Governmental Affairs at errule@retailers.com.
Michigan Retailers Association
603 South Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517.372.5656
Toll Free: 800.366.3699
Fax: 517.372.1303
govt_affairs@retailers.com
http://www.retailers.com
http://www.mallofmichigan.com

Click here to find more information about any of the bills referenced above.