2019-2020 LEGISLATIVE POLICY PLATFORM WINTER - 2019 Emscope

WINTER 2019

A emscopequarterly publication of SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments

INVESTING IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN 2019-2020 LEGISLATIVE POLICY PLATFORM WINTER - 2019 emscope

2018-2019 Officers

Phil Weipert Chairperson Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Commissioner, 1001 Woodward Avenue, Suite 1400 Oakland County Detroit, Michigan 48226-1904 313-961-4266 • Fax 313-961-4869 Donald Hubler www.semcog.org First Vice Chair facebook.com/SEMCOG twitter.com/SEMCOG Secretary, Macomb Intermediate semcog.org/blog youtube.com/SEMCOG School District instagram.com/SEMCOG1 linkedin.com/company/semcog Chris Barnett Vice Chairperson Cover photo: Supervisor, This photo of the inside of the Michigan State Capitol was taken Orion Township on January 8, 2019. Mandy Grewal Vice Chairperson Preparation of this document was financed in part through grants Supervisor, from and in cooperation with the Michigan Department Pittsfield Township of Transportation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and Federal Brenda Jones Transit Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Vice Chairperson Agency, and local member dues. President, Detroit City Council Please direct any questions about this publication to Sue Stetler, 313-324-3428 or [email protected] Eric Sabree Vice Chairperson Treasurer, Semscope is a quarterly publication of SEMCOG Wayne County ISSN#03071-1310 Robert Clark Immediate Past Chair Mayor, City of Monroe

Kathleen Lomako Executive Director

Printed on recycled paper. Table of Contents

Commentary - Phil Weipert, SEMCOG Chairperson 2 SEMCOG’s 2019-2020 Legislative Policy Platform 3 Investing in Southeast Michigan SEMCOG Legislative Policy Platform 4 - Investing in our infrastructure 6 - Investing in our community 8 - Investing in our natural assets 9 - Investing in our people 10 Map and Contact Information: State House Districts 11 Map and Contact Information: State Senate Districts 12 Map and Contact Information: U.S. Congressional Districts

Commentary

SEMCOG’s 2019-2020 Legislative Policy Platform Phil Weipert SEMCOG Chairperson My goal throughout my term as chair is to meet and get to know all of you who attend our Commissioner, meetings. I have encouraged you to also take advantage of our meetings to network and learn Oakland County from each other. That’s why I find it hard to start meetings on time. I just hate to interrupt the networking buzz. This issue of Semscope includes on our new policy platform. It was developed by a task force of elected officials that spent the fall identifying the ways our state and federal partners can help us improve the economic prosperity and quality of life in Southeast Michigan. It was adopted by the Executive Committee in December. The platform focuses on investment in: • the region’s infrastructure, that provides the foundation necessary for economic development; • the region’s communities, partnering to provide high-quality services; • protecting the region’s natural assets, so we have clean water and air; and • the people of Southeast Michigan, to educate and support workplace success. We now need to share these SEMCOG positions with those who represent Southeast Michigan in Lansing and Washington. That is particularly important this term as there are many new faces representing Southeast Michigan. In fact, we have 23 new state house members and, seven new state senators without previous legislative experience. At the federal level, we have four new members of the House of Representatives. Many of these new members would appreciate hearing from each of you about your experiences in local government. As you engage with those who represent you and your communities, I hope you will share the policy positions contained in the platform. Be sure and tell them that these positions represent the consensus of all levels of government in Southeast Michigan – counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, and community colleges. Let them know that our success as a region is dependent on everyone’s cooperation and we need them to help.

2 2019-2020 Investing in Southeast Michigan SEMCOG Legislative Policy Platform SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, represents all levels of local government in Southeast Michigan – counties, cities, villages, townships, intermediate school districts, and community colleges. The SEMCOG region is home to 58 percent of the state’s economic activity and nearly half of its residents. The annual economic output of Southeast Michigan exceeds that of three-quarters of the nations of the world. Our success as a region depends on a collaborative approach among our members and in partnership with the state and federal governments.

The following recommendations reflect needed changes to federal and state policy that are foundational to health and economic prosperity in Southeast Michigan. Many are derived from SEMCOG’s plans and policies that are geared toward investing in our communities to achieve high-quality public infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and an enhanced quality of life with a healthy natural environment – all to support improved economic vitality.

Legislative district maps, with contact information, are included in this issue of Semscope. Please save this issue and use as a handy reference for our policy recommendations and for contacting your legislators. 3 WINTER - 2019 emscope

Investing in . . . Our Infrastructure

Since 1992, Michigan has consistently been last or near last in the nation in per capita construction expenditures by state and local governments.

– By the Numbers: A Comparative Look at Michigan’s Local Government Revenues and Expenditures, 2017

Managing Regional Assets • Support data-driven funding for infrastructure projects using asset management principles, while supporting better inte- We must invest in infrastructure if gration of roadway improvements with other underground we expect our economy to prosper. infrastructure projects. Public infrastructure is the backbone • Ensure that asset management programs and incentives re- of economic development. Michigan flect local needs and priorities. needs to invest an additional $4 • Support development of comprehensive coordinated data billion per year to bring our infra- systems through GIS and other means that document the structure back to acceptable levels. location and condition of all underground infrastructure in order to facilitate strategic investment decisions. This includes $1 billion per year for modernizing water-related systems, • Support additional resources from state and federal partners to invest in assessment, repair, and replacement of aging and $2.7 billion per year for trans- infrastructure. portation purposes (not including • Support flexibility in use of state and federal funds so that costs associated with transforming regional and local needs are better addressed. our transportation system through • Oppose proposals that would require local governments to technology). While we have begun to pay for relocation costs of private utility facilities located address these needs, we have taken within the public road easement area. Respect the respon- only the first steps towards solving sibility of local governments to manage use of the public this most basic economic develop- right-of-way. ment driver. • Support access to affordable broadband service.

4 Transforming Transportation Modernizing Water Systems • Support enhancement and diversification of funding • Clarify local governments’ ability to fund stormwater sources for the transportation system. system construction, improvements, and operations • Review Act 51 to ensure transportation funds are using a fee-based mechanism. allocated in the best possible manner. • Support increased resources for improving municipal • Ensure all revenues promised in the 2015 state trans- wastewater treatment and water supply through grants portation package are appropriated. or programs such as the Drinking Water State Revolv- ing Fund (DWSRF) and the Sewer Revolving Fund • Ensure that Michigan receives an equitable share of (SRF). federal discretionary spending. • Require the state to fund replacement of water- • Support efforts to make Michigan the leader in imple- service lines on private property due to mandates menting Intelligent Transportation Systems. found in the Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule. • Support all forms of transportation and associated • Clarify local government liability for damages arising programs including walkable communities and com- from large-scale rain events. plete streets to meet local needs. • Support updates to the Michigan Statewide Sani- • Support integrated transit systems that are safe, tary code that address sustainable onsite sewage efficient, and effective. disposal system standards. • Support efforts to improve traffic safety, especially those programs emphasizing pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized modes. • Reduce the truck weight limit to 80,000 pounds to match the limit found in most other states. • Support secure and efficient international border cross- With more than 25,000 miles of public ings within the region. roads, 13,000 road stream crossings, 377 • Support funding for a new Soo Lock, recognizing its importance to the regional, state, and national economy. dams, more than 100 drinking water treatment facilities, 59 wastewater treatment plants, and thousands of miles of underground water infrastructure, it is vital to address the region’s infrastructure in a holistic and integrated manner.

– Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan, 2018

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Investing in . . . Our Communities

Securing Fiscal Capacity • Reinstate Statutory Revenue Sharing distributions to 21.3 percent of the first four cents of the state sales tax. • Support protections against unfunded mandates that go beyond those currently found in the Michigan Constitution. • Resolve constitutional problems associated with property taxes including undervaluing property as illustrated by dark stores, the inability to recover from the Great Recession and Headlee rollbacks, and the impacts of Proposal A. • Require the state to return the same proportion of its revenues to local governments as it did when Proposal A revenue was fully realized, in keeping with the intent of Article IX Sec. 30 of the Michigan Constitution. • Reimburse local governments for lost revenues associated with changes to tax laws, including reimbursement for the Michigan continue to deal with recently enacted veterans’ property tax exemptions. the ramifications of the Great • Support local options for more diverse sources of local gov- Recession. Constitutional limita- ernment revenue (such as local sales taxes, vehicle registration tions have resulted in Michigan fees) in order to reduce our reliance on property taxes. local governments being last • Assist local governments with administration through col- in the nation in revenue growth lection and enforcement of all local income tax programs. during the comeback years of • Maintain the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. 2012-2015. Balancing budgets has • Support a wide range of tools that enhance economic de- often meant deferred infrastructure velopment efforts, but not at the expense of other local investment and reduced services, governments. hindering our ability to build stronger • Provide financial incentives to encourage voluntary local gov- communities. Local governments in ernment and school district collaboration or consolidation. Southeast Michigan look to partner with • Rectify the inequity in tax structure for homes in manufac- the federal and state government to tured housing parks. address the region’s needs.

According to the U.S. Census, from 2002 to 2012, Michigan municipalities saw a startling 8.5% decline in General Revenues. This compares to the national average increase of 48.9% for all cities in the nation.

– By the Numbers: A Comparative Look at Michigan’s Local Government Revenues and Expenditures, 2017

6 The SEMCOG region currently has a disproportionately large share of baby boomers. People, aged 45 to 64, account for 28.4% of the SEMCOG region’s population, compared with 26.2% nationally. The younger age cohorts, that is, those under 45, constitute a smaller share in the region than in the nation. The share of the over-65-year-old population will grow more dramatically going forward in the SEMCOG region than in the nation.

– Stabilizing and Sustaining: The Economic and Demographic Outlook for Southeast Michigan through 2045, 2017

Building Stronger Communities legal immigration to enhance economic development and help meet the region’s workforce needs. • Respect the decisions of local elected governing boards where the needs of communities are best served. • Support state and federal policies that provide resources – including funding – to communities dealing with • Support policies that facilitate renovation and reuse of health-based risks, such as opioids, lead-based paint, residential, commercial, and industrial properties. and PFAS. • Support policies and programs to facilitate aging in • Support policies that enhance funding for community place to accommodate the region’s projected signifi- mental health services. cant growth in the number of individuals over age 65. • Support legislation to encourage voter participation, • Increase funding and flexibility of the Community ensure election security and transparency, and provide Development Block Grant program to address local enhanced election worker training. challenges. • Encourage federal investment, procurement, and • Repeal the state fireworks law which limits local training for defense, human services, homeland government control. security, and other services/programs within South- Addressing Regional Initiatives east Michigan. • Ensure that funding and resources are available to • SEMCOG’s 2045 Regional Development Forecast proj- conduct the decennial Census and American Commu- ects stagnant population growth to the region without nity Survey to provide necessary detailed demographic international immigration. Support policies that promote and economic data. • Support modification or elimination of term limits for elected officials at the state level of government.

In Southeast Michigan, local employment growth will be slower than the nation because of slower population growth.

– Stabilizing and Sustaining: The Economic and Demographic Outlook for Southeast Michigan through 2045, 2017

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Investing in . . . Our Natural Assets

Southeast Michigan’s water-related industries are directly connected to more than 350,000 jobs, generating $21 billion in annual earnings.

– Water Resources Plan for Southeast Michigan, 2018

Protecting the Environment • Minimize the impacts of activities that threaten our water or air with pollutants, such as manufacturing by-products, hazardous waste disposal, and other sources of pollution. This includes siting, transparency, oversight, and emergency preparedness. Investing in preserving and improv- • Support streamlining environmental processes, and ad- ing our natural assets is critical to equately staff governmental regulatory agencies to ensure Southeast Michigan’s future. The timely review and approvals. region’s bountiful fresh water is the • Support funding for hazard mitigation – programs that foundation of much of our economy reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property and the cornerstone of a wide range from extreme weather events. of recreational activities. Clean air is • Ensure that state and federal regulations are based on data and essential to the health and welfare balance environmental protection with economic sustainabil- of residents. SEMCOG strives to ity; examples include lead and copper, asset management, and air quality. find a balance between supporting the needs of a strong economy and • Support locally developed, cost-effective strategies to at- tain and maintain National Ambient Air Quality Standards preserving natural assets for genera- (NAAQS). tions to come. • Support efforts and funding to manage invasive species, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which sup- ports habitat restoration, invasive species management, and stormwater mitigation. • Ensure efforts to manage nutrients in the Great Lakes focus on their primary sources and are not overly burdensome to local governments. • Support acquiring, developing, and rehabilitating parks in areas easily accessible to the state’s major population centers through the use of programs such as the Natural Resource Trust Fund and the State Parks Endowment Fund. • Support solid waste planning programs to increase local recycling opportunities and participation, and ensure envi- ronmentally sustainable disposal operations. • Promote education initiatives that emphasize the importance changing our behavior to reduce future environmental impacts to our natural assets. Investing in . . . Our People

Educating Our Workforce • Provide high-quality instruction in every classroom through enhanced professional development for educators, fair evaluation and compensation, and promotion of recruitment and retention. • Restore all dedicated funding to K-12 education without finan- cially impacting post-secondary institutions. • Stabilize funding for school districts by creating a process to adjust for declining school populations. • Reform Michigan’s K-12 school funding system. Issues that need to be addressed include adequately funding programs for students with special needs, who are at-risk, or English Language Learners. • Ensure every child has access to high-quality early childhood programs. Investing in our people is depen- • Expand and strengthen the K-12 counseling system with an em- phasis on career guidance, which promotes technical education dent on a well-educated workforce and career pathways at secondary and post-secondary levels. and is crucial to the future of South- • Require all publicly funded schools to follow the same regula- east Michigan. Education starts tions and requirements for accountability and transparency. with well-trained teachers who are • Support programs that make post-secondary education afford- supported with the facilities and able in order to educate our future workforce. complementary services that will • Support initiatives that attract and retain a skilled workforce allow them to do their job well. Stu- in Southeast Michigan. dents who are entering the formal • Support programs focused on developing skills and personal classroom must be ready to learn and behaviors that foster workplace success. given every opportunity to succeed. • Encourage programs that integrate returning military personnel Education is a lifelong process that into the workforce, including easier transfer of skills certification does not end with a diploma or cre- for service members and their family. dential. It is the foundation that allows • Assist adults entering or re-entering the workforce through a person to achieve in today’s world development of marketable skills. and adapt to tomorrow’s needs. • Support efforts for establishing broader transfer and articula- tion agreements to provide students with credit for previous formal education.

Between 2007 and 2012, Michigan’s K-12 education expenditures dropped 10%, dropping the state from 8th in the nation in expenditures to 25th. The state’s national ranking plummeted again in 2015 to 36th.

– By the Numbers: A Comparative Look at Michigan’s Local Government Revenues and Expenditures, 2017 9 WINTER - 2019 emscope

U.S. Congressional Districts

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EO EGTS ETE O GE CESE arton ills CT CO EO O WEST CO STE WE MEE E O E OGE Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) P ECOSE PST CO P www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact OMS TO O O O EEE SOTGTE WOTTE Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) SE EEW OO https://www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary Manchester O WOOE O TETO C O 7 Representative Tim Walberg (R) T OC OO GT https://walberg.house.gov/contact/email M OCWOO South Carleton ocwood OO Monroe CountyOO 8 Representative Elissa Slotkin (D) https://slotkin.house.gov/zip-code-lookup?form=/contact/email-me Maybee Estral each 9 Representative Andy Levin (D) CO undee https://andylevin.house.gov/zip-code-lookup?form=/contact/email-me

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10 Michigan Senate Districts

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CO undee 9 Paul Wojno (D) • [email protected] MOOE 10 Michael MacDonald (R) • [email protected] PETESG OO 11 Jeremy Moss (D) • [email protected] 12 Rosemary Bayer (D) • [email protected]

PE 13 Mallory McMorrow (D) • [email protected]

O O 14 Ruth Johnson (R) • [email protected] 15 Jim Runestad (R) • [email protected] 17 Dale Zorn (R) • [email protected] 18 Jeff Irwin (D) • [email protected] 22 Lana Theis (R) • [email protected] 25 Dan Lauwers (R) • [email protected]

11 WINTER - 2019 emscope

Michigan House Districts

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13 SEMCOG PRESORTED SoutheastSEMCOG Michigan Council of Governments FIRSTPRESORTED CLASS MAIL Southeast535Southeast Griswold Michigan Michigan Street, Council Council Suite of 300 ofGovernments Governments FIRSTU.S. CLASSPOSTAGE MAIL U.S. POSTAGE 1001 Detroit,535Woodward Griswold Michigan Avenue Street, 48226-3602 Suite • Suite 300 1400 PAID Detroit, Michigan 48226-3602 PAID Detroit, MI 48226-1904 DETROIT, MI PERMITDETROIT, NO. MI3981 PERMIT NO. 3981

A emscopequarterly publication of SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments

SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, is the only organization in Southeast Michigan that brings together all governments to develop regional solutions for both now and in the future. SEMCOG: • Promotes informed decision making to improve Southeast Michigan and its local governments by providing insightful data analysis and direct assistance to member governments; • Promotes the efficient use of tax dollars for infrastructure investment and governmental effectiveness; • Develops regional solutions that go beyond the boundaries of individual local governments; and • Advocates on behalf of Southeast Michigan in Lansing and Washington