09/25/2006
Quote of the week
"While some are claiming that these bills are necessary to protect consumers and halt illegal immigration, it is more likely that the real reason is that the labor unions are pushing this legislation to make it easier for them to organize workers in the home-building industry. The home-building industry, like many of Michigan's small businesses, has been a stabilizing factor in Michigan's troubled business climate. To increase regulation and red tape on this industry at this time is puzzling and sends the wrong signal to Michigan business." -- NFIB/Michigan State Director Charlie Owens commenting on Republican attempts to pass legislation requiring registration and licensing of carpenters.
Issues in play this week
- Carpenter licensing and union featherbedding bills stalled
- Governor signs youth wage bills and overtime "fix-up"
- Governor signs eminent domain abuse bills
- AAC meetings around the state
Carpenter licensing and union featherbedding bills stalled
At 1:30 a.m. on Thursday of last week, the Legislature adjourned until after the November elections without moving the carpenter licensure bill sponsored by Rep. John Pastor (HB 6533). The bill was opposed by NFIB, the Homebuilders Association, and the Associated Builders and Contractors. The bill, being pushed by Republican leadership, is a top priority for the carpenters union as an organizing tool (such intentions can be verified by a visit to their Web site). The bill had been discharged directly from committee and was expected to be passed before the House adjourned; however, pressure from NFIB and the other groups along with conservative Republicans in the House kept the bill from moving. It is expected that the efforts to pass the bill will resume during lame duck session after the election.
Governor signs youth wage bills and overtime "fix-up"
On Friday of last week, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a package of bills restoring overtime exemptions for commissioned salespeople, truck drivers and other occupations that were put in jeopardy by the minimum-wage increase signed into law earlier this year. In addition, SB 1364 was signed which will establish a new youth training wage of 85 percent of the state minimum wage. NFIB has been fighting for these two changes since earlier this year.
Governor signs eminent domain abuse bills
On Friday of last week, the governor signed a package of bills to make it more difficult for government to take private property by threat of eminent domain, or by declaring it blighted, and then turning the property over to a private entity for development. This practice enriches developers with local political connections and boosts tax revenue to the local government in question at the expense of small business and homeowners. The bills are part of the legislative implementation of Proposal 4 which will be on the November ballot and is supported by NFIB.
The week ahead
On Monday, Andrea Conarton will attend a day-long class in Microsoft Excel. Owens and Amanda Fisher will be preparing for a week of AAC meetings around the state.
On Tuesday, Conarton will attend a day-long class in Microsoft Excel. Owens will participate in a conference call with the field force early in the morning, attend an editorial board visit with the Ann Arbor News in support of Proposal 4, and attend an afternoon candidate meeting. Fisher and Kevin Hughes, Regional Political director, will be at the AAC meeting in Monroe. In the evening Owens will meet with Hughes in Livonia to discuss 2006 elections.
On Wednesday, Owens will attend the Western Wayne/SW Oakland Area Action Council meeting in the morning and the Macomb/East Oakland Area Action Council at 12 p.m. with Hughes (see mention elsewhere for details).
On Thursday, Fisher and Hughes will be attending the Grand Rapids Area Action Council in the morning and the Jackson Area Action Council at noon.
On Friday, Owens and Hughes will attend the Kalamazoo Area Action Council in the morning, and Hughes and Fisher will be attending the Lakeshore Area Action Council at 12 p.m.
NFIB/Michigan Area Action Council meetings coming up
- Tuesday, Sept. 26, 12-1:30 p.m. Monroe Area Action Council, Monroe
- Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7:30-9 a.m. Western Wayne/SW Oakland Area Action Council, Livonia
- Wednesday, Sept. 27, 12-1:30 p.m. Macomb/East Oakland Area Action Council, Shelby Twp.
- Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:30-9 a.m. Grand Rapids Area Action Council, Wyoming
- Thursday, Sept. 28, 12-1:30 p.m. Jackson Area Action Council, Jackson
- Friday, Sept. 29, 7:30-9 a.m. Kalamazoo Area Action Council, Kalamazoo
- Friday, Sept. 29, 12-1:30 p.m. Lakeshore Area Action Council, Spring Lake
NFIB/Michigan is:
- Charlie Owens, State Director
- Amanda Fisher, Regional Member Activism Coordinator
- Diane Lazette, Division Manager, Sales
- Andrea Conarton, Administrative Assistant
NFIB/Michigan Phone: (517) 485-3409
