SENATE BILL 11
(Ban reimbursement of lame duck politician's travel)
Introduced by state Sen. John Gleason, D - Flushing
The bill proposes to prohibit a school and local elected official from traveling to a conference or seminar at public expense during the "lame duck" period if he or she has been defeated in a primary general election, or after the candidate filing deadline for the election to replace him or her if the official is term limited.
SENATE BILL 18
(Earmark sales tax money to tourism subsidies)
Introduced by state Sen. Jason Allen, R - Traverse City
The bill proposes to earmark a portion of state sales tax receipts to government tourism promotion subsidies.
HOUSE BILL 4037
(Authorize alternative energy vehicle tax credit)
Introduced by state Rep. Matt Lori, R - Constantine
The bill proposes to authorize an income tax credit of up to $250 per vehicle for individuals who purchase a vehicle powered by a fuel cell, advanced lean burn technology, gasoline/electric hybrid, or "alternative fuel" (including ethanol).
HOUSE BILL 4004
(Authorize alternative energy income tax break)
Introduced by state Rep. Brian Calley, R - Portland
The bill proposes to authorize a refundable income tax credit equivalent to 50 percent of the amount spent on a wind, water, biomass or solar energy system in a residence. "Refundable" means the state would write a check for the amount exceeding a taxpayer's income tax liability, in effect making this a cash subsidy in many cases.
HOUSE BILL 4017
(Allow nonresident property owner to vote on millages)
Introduced by state Rep. Richard LeBlanc, D - Westland
The bill proposes to allow nonresident property owner to vote on local property tax millage elections.
SENATE BILL 8
(Ban Wal-Mart bank)
Introduced by state Sen. John Gleason, D - Flushing
The bill proposes to revise the status of certain banks in Michigan statute (specifically, "Industrial Loan Companies" or ILCs) in a way that would prohibit Wal-Mart from using its own bank or ILC to process credit card transactions at its Michigan stores.
HOUSE BILL 4016
(Authorize carbon dioxide sequestration equipment tax break)
Introduced by state Rep. Paul Opsommer, R - Dewitt
The bill proposes to authorize a credit against the Michigan Business Tax for the amount spent by a firm on carbon dioxide sequestration equipment. Carbon dioxide sequestration (injection into wells deep in the ground) is a technique being investigated to mitigate the possibility of global warming caused by the release of CO2 into the atmosphere.
HOUSE BILL 4034
(Prohibit enforcement of residential loan contracts for one year)
Introduced by state
Rep. Shanelle Jackson, D - Detroit
The bill proposes to require courts to prohibit the foreclosure of a residential mortgage or land contract for one year if the borrower requests it, notwithstanding the provisions of any contract between the lender and borrower, or any obligations of the lender which may be dependent on the revenue from loan repayments or proceeds from the foreclosure and sale of the property.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.