Merit Minute News Brief: January 11, 2013

January 11, 2013: Volume 5, Issue 1

In This Issue

A Message from Chris Fisher: 96th Legislature Highlights

Save the Dave for ABC of Michigan's State Legislative Day

2013-2014 Lawmaker Contact Information

Michigan Governor to Propose Road Improvement Funding in State of the State

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Contact ABC

230 N. Washington Sq.

Suite 202

Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: (517) 853-2545

Fax: (517) 853-2546

email: info@abcmi.com

website: www.abcmi.com

A Message from Chris Fisher: 96th Legislature Highlights

"December wrapped up an exhaustive and remarkable two year legislative session in Michigan that brought about great changes on behalf of the Merit Shop in Michigan, taxpayers, and businesses in general. In a work, the 2011-2012 Legislative Session was "historic." For ABC of Michigan's part we racked up an impressive list of victories that is unprecedented in the fifty year history of our organization. Billions of dollars of work has been opened up to the membership, taxes are lower and costly government red tape continues to be slashed. We even passed anti-PLA laws (TWICE) and are now a Right to Work State (with NO Construction carve out!).

Below is a link to a document that highlights the ABC of Michigan victories from the past two years, none of which would have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our members."

2011-2012 ABC of Michigan Victories

Save the Date for ABC of Michigan's 2013 State Legislative Day

Be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 24, 2013! ABC of Michigan will be holding the 2013 State Legislative Day at the Radisson in Downtown Lansing.

At ABC's State Legislative Day, you will have the chance to meet face-to-face with lawmakers to discuss the issues that are important to your business and the construction industry as a whole.

It is important that we keep our issues in front of our Merit Shop friendly lawmakers and thank them for all of their hard work thus far.

Watch for more information including the registration materials, conference agenda and sponsorship opportunities for this annual event!

Save the Date

2013-2014 Lawmaker Contact Information

The first official day of Michigan's 97th Legislature began Wednesday, Jan. 9th after lawmakers were sworn into office. The House of Representatives welcomed 28 new House members and re-elected Jase Bolger (R-District 63) as Speaker of the House.

Due to redistricting, your State Representative and district number may have changed. Below is a link to look up your Representative and the contact information for all Representatives.

Find Your State Representative

Full State Representative List

The Michigan Senate remains the same however; we have included contact information for your Senator here as well.

Find Your State Senator

Governor Snyder to Propose Road Improvement Funding in 2013 State of the State

On Tuesday, Governor Snyder stated that he would be proposing a detailed plan to improve Michigan's roads and bridges in his 2013 State of the State Address.

In the past, Governor Snyder has mentioned the need for a annuale $1.4 billion increase in revenue for road funding. There has been some previous discussion about raising the gas tax, increasing the price of vehicle registration and fees, or using some of the state sales tax to help fund this additional cost.

On January 16th the citizens of Michigan will hear Governor Snyder's plan to fund the $1.4 billion revenue increase.

Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan is a statewide trade association, working in partnership with three local chapters, dedicated to providing Michigan with high-quality, affordable, safe and on-time construction. ABC of Michigan is an equal opportunity organization that opposes all discrimination in the construction industry including discrimination based on union affiliation. A leading construction industry voice with state government, ABC provides many member services including legislative advocacy, networking opportunities, member benefits, legal updates, business development and educational opportunities.