May 2008 Field Report -
Southeast Michigan
By: Michelle Brant - Southeast Michigan Director
Hello Southeast Michigan!
For those of you who I have yet to meet, I am Michelle Brant and I am your new Southeast Michigan Field Director. Prior to joining MAR earlier this month, I served as Executive Vice President to the Livingston County Association of REALTORS® and previous to that, I worked in the Michigan Legislature. I am honored to have been appointed to this position and look forward to working with the local associations and REALTOR® members in Southeastern Michigan.
In my capacity as Field Director, I will strive to keep you up to date on state and federal initiatives which will have an effect on the real estate industry. As your liaison between Southeast Michigan and state government, it will be my pleasure to help you to set up meetings with our state elected officials for your membership. Please feel free to call on me to attend your government affairs meetings, board of directors meetings, or any other event that the association is hosting. I can be reached at: mbrant@mirealtors.com or 517.899.2612. I look forward to working with you.
Senate Hosts MBT Road Show…
Meetings held across Michigan in May
Recently, the Senate Finance Committee formed a subcommittee to examine the effects of the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) on businesses around the state. The Senate MBT Impact Assessment Subcommittee formed to analyze input from taxpayers, along with seeking suggestions for improvement of the MBT in order to bring recommendations for revision to the Senate Finance Committee in June. Comprised of Senator Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Twp) serving as Chair, along with Senator Jud Gilbert (R-Algonac) and Senator Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming), the subcommittee aims to ensure that businesses are not suffering from any unintended consequences of the MBT. The subcommittee will work to make the new tax more fair and equitable.
The MBT Impact Assessment Subcommittee has already begun to hold hearings. In a recent hearing in Rochester, local REALTORS® testified about the impact of the MBT on their businesses, especially in the commercial real estate sector. While Michigan attempts to recruit new business ventures, the treatment of commercial real estate under the MBT poses a significant disincentive to invest in our state. The negative effects of this tax on Michigan will ultimately lead to declining economic growth and less tax revenue.
Candidate Interviews
The MAR RPAC Trustees will be reviewing and taking action on endorsement recommendations made by the local associations for State Representative Candidates on June 9th. Please have all candidate recommendations to MAR before June 9th. If your association would like to host candidate interviews, but has yet to do so, please feel free to contact me as I would be happy to assist in the process. Click here for more information.
RPAC Fundraising Assistance
The MAR RPAC Trustees have put together an RPAC fundraiser assistance program for local associations to utilize. The “Fundraiser in a Box” is a complete “How To” guide for local associations. In your tool kit you will find several fundraising ideas along with the templates needed to implement these fundraisers. 2008 is a big year for RPAC as there are key elections at the local, state and federal levels. Now it is more important than ever to become involved in RPAC to ensure that Michigan REALTORS® have a voice in this ever changing industry. By investing in RPAC you are investing in one of the most effective advocacy groups in Michigan. MAR was recently listed as the #3 advocacy group in Lansing. This is a great honor, but this can only be continued through your recognition and support of RPAC.
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