Retail vision clinics still in jeopardy
There are new developments on legislation that would put retail vision clinics in jeopardy—legislation that passed in the House and was taken up by the Senate Economic Development & Regulatory Reform Committee in late February.
MRA had received assurances from Sen. Alan Sanborn (R-Richmond), who chairs the committee, that he would delete from the bill the language that requires optometry clinics to be owned by, and the board be comprised of, optometrists. But an aggressive lobbying campaign by the Michigan Optometric Association is aimed at re-inserting the language on the Senate floor.
MRA will continue to remind legislators of the anti-competitive nature of the move.
MBT change could be in works
As businesses work to complete their tax forms for 2007, many members of MRA and the larger business community have seen staggering increases in their tax liability. MRA is collecting these reports of tax increases and sharing them with all who will listen.
Apparently someone is listening. House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford) recently hinted that he would like to reduce the 21.99-percent surcharge that was added to the MBT last year. The surcharge was implemented to make up revenue lost when the services tax was repealed immediately after taking effect.
With businesses in Michigan struggling to make ends meet, additional tax burdens are considered detrimental to the state’s economy. However, any reduction would have to be balanced against the state’s revenue needs. Analysts this year are already predicting slightly more than a $300-million shortfall in the state budget.
Senate changes food stamp distribution
The Senate has passed a bill that would move food stamp payments to twice a month instead of the current once a month. Senate Bill 120, which has bipartisan support, would make Michigan the first in the nation to make such a change.
Proponents of the legislation say it would encourage recipients to eat healthier, fresher food and would assist food retailers by spreading out demand and eliminating the shelf-clearing rush that often occurs at the beginning of the month.
Opponents blast the high costs associated with the change, a claim proponents say is false. After winning approval in the Senate on a 35-2 vote, the bill was sent to the House, where similar legislation is pending.
Tourism promotion bill passes committee
A package of bills aimed at boosting tourism promotion and business development by $60 million passed a House Committee. The package would be funded by a one-time payment from the state’s tobacco settlement fund.
The tourism industry supports the bills, and it appears the legislation should pass the House as soon as next week. Because the package is a one-time infusion of funds, the industry is also supporting passage of SB 690, which seeks to increase tourism funding in perpetuity through a portion of the General Fund allocation.
KEY BILL INTRODUCTIONS:
No bill introductions at this time.
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