Rep. Howrylak introduces legislative reform constitutional amendment. Dear Friends, Hello and welcome to my e-newsletter for July 2015!

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Milton Booker
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1 Dear Friends, Legislative reform proposal Road funding Senior Brigade Aug. 7 Governor signs budget HB 4052 Surplus land Unemployment rate New state police troopers Early warning bills Veterans Film subsidies Criminal justice reform bills Environmental farm bill Eagle Scout Education hearing Office hours Hello and welcome to my e-newsletter for July 2015! Summer is progressing quickly as evidenced by the Back to School signs that are popping up in stores around town. It is not too late, though, to enjoy some beautiful Pure Michigan opportunities. And while it is warm and sunny outside, the work of the legislature continues. I am frequently in Lansing, working to represent you in our State s Capitol. This legislative update is meant to be a brief summary of some things that are happening in the legislature. Should you wish to learn more about what is happening in your legislature, please do not hesitate to call or me. Finally, should you wish to visit the Capitol, sit in on committees or otherwise experience your state government at work, please call my office toll-free at I am more than happy to help coordinate your visit to Lansing. Rep. Howrylak introduces legislative reform constitutional amendment Earlier this month I introduced HJR Y, a joint resolution proposing to amend Michigan s Constitution to establish a non-partisan unicameral legislature. This resolution was co-sponsored by three Democrats (Robinson, LaVoy and Phelps) and three Republicans (McBroom, Gamrat, and Aaron Miller). The Legislature has had many opportunities to pass a comprehensive package of transportation bills. Unfortunately, partisan posturing destroyed past realistic and workable possibilities. With a non-partisan, unicameral legislature, Michigan s hardworking taxpayers would have seen the fruits of good legislative process with much-needed road improvements. Michigan s residents deserve a legislature that is representative of and by the people. Too much good policy runs into the headwind of elections, with each party trying to position itself as superior to that of the other party. Good policy knows no party labels and there is no reason that elections should stand in the way of legislation that benefits Michigan s taxpayers.

2 Said Representative LaVoy, I am happy to support legislation that reduces the size of state government, saves taxpayer money and encourages bipartisanship by taking the politics out of the process. Representative McBroom, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, stated that he was interested in vetting the proposal along with term-limit reforms that he, himself, is proposing. I am particularly intrigued by the nonpartisan mandate. We should give ideas like this and term-limit reform serious consideration. Nebraska is currently the only state in the union to have a non-partisan, unicameral legislature. This system of government provides for real savings in the state s budget and eliminates obstacles to the process by which common sense consensus may be reached on sound policy. Under this system, legislators could serve a maximum of four, four-year terms, with a 16 year limit. The starting dates of legislators would be staggered. The resolution now moves to the House Committee on Government Operations for further consideration. Legislature makes progress on solutions for roads During the summer, lawmakers have been meeting and having discussions on how to best arrive at a long-term, sustainable source of funding to fix and maintain our roads and bridges. Within days of the defeat of Proposal 1, House Republicans introduced a solution that depends mostly on prioritizing existing funds and redirecting other money, resulting in $1.2 billion annually for our transportation system. The Senate in July introduced a plan that raises the gas tax, among other things, to meet the goal of $1.2 billion. We are in discussion with the Senate and the governor, trying to reach a solution that will best benefit all of Michigan. Senior Brigade town hall and lunch scheduled for August 7 in Clawson Once again I am partnering with the Michigan Attorney General s office to host a Senior Brigade Town Hall on Friday, August 7. The subject is Investment Fraud presenting the tools to help check out the seller and product before investing your money. Lunch will be provided. The event will start at 11 a.m. at Clawson s Hunter Community Center, located at 509 Fisher Court. Individuals looking for more information may contact my office toll-free at (877) or by ing martinhowrylak@house.mi.gov. Additionally, more information is available on my office website Following the town hall, lunch will be provided. The event is free of charge and open to the public. No reservations are required. Governor signs balanced budget Gov. Rick Snyder signed a fiscally responsible budget that sets priorities on education, transportation and public safety. Issues that are important to taxpayers are the focus of the budget, which allocates net increases of at least $25 per pupil in K-12 schools, putting funds in the classroom where they can do the most good. The spending plan allocates $30.5 million to help improve third-grade reading abilities, and $85 million in career tech education. While I have concerns about the allocation of budget increases and continue to advocate for supplemental funding for metropolitan school districts (to make their funding changes more consistent with out-state districts), I am pleased that certain micromanaging of districts that had previously been included in the budget have been removed this year with the consolidation of most categorical funding into the general school aid allocation.

3 With respect to roads, the transportation system will see an additional $400 million dedicated to repair and maintain the state s roads and bridges. During the past five budgeting cycles, the Legislature has directed more than $1 billion to transportation. Prior to 2011, not a single cent of General Fund money had been spent on state roads in eight years. Local rules bill signed by the governor; Howrylak expresses concerns A bill that limits the rules that local governments could place on businesses passed in both the House and Senate in June and was signed into law by Governor Snyder. House Bill 4052, sponsored by state Rep. Earl Poleski, R-Jackson, stops local governments from adopting ordinances or policies that require businesses to pay a set wage or to offer paid leave at standards that exceed federal or state requirements. An amendment to the bill leaves intact rules that were put in place before the end of However, there was not a blanket protection for community benefits agreements. For example, the bill specifically prohibits policies that require businesses to perform certain duties and to reach certain metrics in return for tax abatements or other incentives. The bill was opposed by a number of community and township associations and I believe it will adversely impact Troy and Clawson. While I support a uniform minimum wage and general labor laws across the state, I also recognize the roll that communities play when establishing agreements in return for providing economic incentives (as part of economic development). If communities are going to continue offering tax abatements and other economic incentives, it is reasonable to allow them the right to establish policies governing how they are going to award such benefits. For example, the City of Troy has an adopted city council policy that is used as a guideline for the awarding of abatements. It is a grid structure that measures community investment and jobs provided and then settles on the duration and the amount of the abatement that the council will consider. This is a very transparent process established by the local governing body and it should not be pre-empted by the state government. Additionally, I support the right of communities to establish general policies for contracts that they award as part of a bidding process. Nobody is forced to bid on government contracts or to seek out abatements. Therefore, it should be within the purview of local governments to attach obligations and metrics to which they hold people and entities. Finally, there are elements of this bill that I do not believe will be practical to enforce. As a result of these concerns, I voted against this bill. DNR auctions surplus land in Muskegon and Newaygo counties The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer public land for sale through live auctions in Muskegon on Aug. 20 and Manistee on Aug. 22. Registration for the noon Muskegon County auction begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, 939 Third St., Muskegon, and features 18 properties in Cedar Creek, Blue Lake, White River, Egelson, Dalton, Fruitland, Norton Shores and Muskegon townships. The properties for sale range between half an acre and 2.03 acres in size throughout Muskegon County. Registration for the Aug. 2 Newaygo County noon auction is at 11:30 a.m. at the Little River Casino, Bodweaadamiinh Room, 2700 Orchard Way in Manistee. It features 140 properties in Merrill and Ashland townships. For both auctions, bidders may register or get more information on the live auction process at June jobless rates stable in most of Michigan labor markets

4 Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in June were mostly little changed with rates edging downward in nine of the state s 17 major labor market areas, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Total employment and labor force levels declined moderately in most major regions. From May to June, nine regions posted jobless rate declines ranging from -0.1 to -0.6 percentage points. Since June 2014, unemployment rates fell in all 17 major regions. Reductions ranged from -1.1 to -2.3 percentage points with a median rate drop of -1.5 percentage points. When new state leadership began reforming economic policy in 2011, the jobless rate was 11.2 percent. In the past five years, the rate has dropped steadily as Michigan has emerged from the Lost Decade, and now Michigan is on par with the national unemployment rate for the first time since Sixty-two recruits become State Police troopers Sixty-two new Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers reported for their first day of work at MSP posts across the state at the end of July, following their graduation from the 128th Trooper Recruit School. The 128th Trooper Recruit School began on March 1, when 85 prospective troopers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. For the past 21 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing and precision driving. Early warning legislation to aid struggling schools A package of legislation that creates an early warning system to help state administrators aid financially struggling school districts before they reach the point of insolvency was signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder. The new safeguards will help the state avoid dissolving cash-strapped school districts, as happened in Inkster and Buena Vista schools. The new law requires school districts that have a fund balance of less than 5 percent for two years to send the Department of Treasury their budget assumptions when estimating their annual budget. It also grants the state treasurer the authority to determine which school districts are under financial stress. Veterans: Last Call for MiVHAP Applications Military service members and honorably discharged veterans affected by the housing crisis have until Aug. 7 to submit an application for financial grant assistance through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The Michigan Veterans Homeowners Assistance Program has helped more than 700 eligible veterans and service members struggling with mortgage or property tax payments since May 2013, but the $5 million fund is nearly depleted. MVAA is encouraging those who may still be eligible to fill out an application. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 7, with grants being distributed through the end of September. The program is open to military service members and honorably discharged veterans. Eligible surviving spouses of military service members, whose deaths were combat-related since 2006, may also apply for grant funding. Veterans and family members in need of emergency assistance may contact MVAA by visiting MichiganVeterans.com or calling (800) MICH-VET ( ). Applications for MiVHAP are available at Veterans Expo, job fair scheduled for Lansing Men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces have earned the right to assistance in breaking down barriers to employment, education, health care and quality of life. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is hosting a Veterans Expo at the Lansing Center on Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. In addition to information on resources available, many exhibitors will provide on-site services as well, including health screenings and DD 214 printing. All exhibitors are approved by MVAA and have a history of

5 successful programs to meet the needs of veterans and their families through all stages of life. Veterans seeking career opportunities may participate in the Hiring Our Heroes job fair on Sept. 12, with employers ready to hire. Participants are urged to dress for success, bring copies of their resume and be prepared to speak with and potentially interview with employers. For more information on how to pre-register online call 800-MICH-VET. Film subsidies end under bill headed to governor The Legislature approved a bill to end film subsidies in Michigan, closing the curtain on a program that promised to create good-paying jobs but, in the end, only provided full-time employment to 27 people during its lifetime. House Bill 4122 was approved by both chambers of the Legislature. The bill honors agreements already in place for the coming year, but once those obligations have been met, no more tax money will go to film subsidies. Bills to reform parole, justice system clear committee A dozen bipartisan bills designed to reform the criminal justice system recently cleared a House committee and are awaiting approval when the Legislature resumes session. The bills could one day bring shorter prison stays for hundreds of criminal offenders in what lawmakers are calling smart justice. State Rep. Kurt Heise, R- Plymouth, chair of the House Committee on Criminal Justice, said the bills will bring substantive reforms to the state's criminal justice system. He predicts the changes could save more than $100 million over the next decade. Environmental farm bill extension approved A bill reauthorizing a successful voluntary environmental stewardship program for farmers and producers received legislative approval and was signed into law by Governor Snyder. House Bill 4391 reauthorizes the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) until 2021 and broadens certifications for MAEAP from three years to five years. The program, designed to help farms identify and minimize potential pollution risks, was scheduled to cease at the end of the year. MAEAP has become a national model on how to control agricultural pollution. Congratulations to Eagle Scout Andrew Miller Boy Scout Troop 1702 welcomed Andrew Miller into the rank of Eagle Scout on July 18 at the Troy Community Center. It is always rewarding to participate in these events, and that was certainly the case this day as I got to witness another Eagle Scout at my old troop.

6 Ray Watts, Andrew Miller and me at Andrew s Eagle Court of Honor on July 18 at the Troy Community Center. Lt. Governor Calley, Rep. Howrylak Listen to Parents at Community Center

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley visited the Troy Community Center on July 20 to listen to parents speak about their concerns for special education in Michigan.

7 Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley visited the Troy Community Center on July 20 to listen to parents speak about their concerns for special education in Michigan. The event was hosted by a special education advocacy organization. I attended, along with my staff, Senator Marty Knollenberg, State Board of Education member Michelle Fecteau and staff from the Department of Education. For more information about these conversations, please contact my office. Interpretation in American Sign Language was provided by Troy resident Carmen Johnson for this event. Several families with deaf children spoke in regards to closures of services for deaf students at local center based programs and the need for more options and choice for Deaf students. District office hours As an elected representative, it is important for me to be accessible to the public and to be available to listen to the ideas, concerns and suggestions of our neighbors. This is why I place such a large emphasis on office hours, community outreach and events. Talking to friends and neighbors face to face is the best way to gather ideas, answer questions or listen to suggestions. I rely on the perspective of people like you to guide me as I work to make state government more responsive, responsible and effective. Upcoming office hours are as follows: Saturday, August 29 3:00 pm 4:30 pm Troy Public Library 510 W. Big Beaver Road Monday, August 31 3:30 pm 5:00 pm Clawson Blair Memorial Library 416 N. Main Street No appointment is necessary for district office hours. Residents unable to meet with me during these scheduled times may contact my office at (517) , or via at MartinHowrylak@house.mi.gov. Please stop by and say hello! District office hours Staff

8 In addition to my office hours, my Constituent Affairs Assistant will be available for office hours in the main concourse of the Troy Community Center; 3179 Livernois Road in Troy, as follows: Friday, August am until 1 pm Friday, August 21 2 pm until 4 pm As always, no appointment is necessary. My staff will be seated near the swimming pool and will be able to assist you with your issues. He will have numerous booklets and publications available as well. Rep. Howrylak's Lansing Office Mailing Address: Website: N-890 House Office Building P.O. Box Lansing, MI Phone: (517) Toll Free: (877) MartinHowrylak@house.mi.gov As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. I will continue to work on removing barriers to job creation, retaining our valuable businesses, growing our economy, and getting Michigan back to work again. If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions please let me know. Warm regards, Martin Howrylak State Representative District 41 *If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing list, respond to this and type the word "unsubscribe."*

Rep. Howrylak introduced 36 bills, missed no votes in 2017

Rep. Howrylak introduced 36 bills, missed no votes in 2017 Dear Friends, Hello and welcome to my January e-newsletter. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few updates from our state Capitol. Please keep in mind that this e- newsletter is not exhaustive