Capitol Connection Newsletter: May 16, 2022
In This Issue:
- It’s Infrastructure
WeekDecade! - Supporting Semiconductor Production
- State Legislature Sends Term Limit Reform to November Ballot
- Senate Bill 888 – Establishing Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Commission
- One-Click Letter to Strengthen & Support Downtown
- LRCC Supports German Auto Company HQ Proposal in East Lansing
- LRCC Messages Local Units of Governments to Spend ARPA Funds Wisely
It’s Infrastructure Week Decade!
Infrastructure has been a top priority focus area that LRCC members have indiciated is important to their business. Infrastructure impacts everything – the economy, the environment, quality of life and so much more. Investing in infrastructure is investing in our future.
The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is an excellent pivot from Infrastructure Week to Infrastructure Decade! There are billions of dollars for roads, water, and more. Investing in infrastructure can transform communities. The LRCC public affairs team continues to work with our elected officials at every level of government to ensure that they focus on securing as many of these tax dollars to fix our regional infrastructure.
Helpful Links
United for Infrastructure
Capital Council of Governments
Supporting Semiconductor Production
The LRCC has joined several chambers of commerce and organizations from across the U.S., urging members of Congress to fund the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act and enhanced Facilitating American-Built Semiconductors (FABS) Act. Swift enactment of funding is critical to America’s workers and America’s long-term competitiveness. Semiconductors are essential to nearly every economy sector, including aerospace, automobiles, communications, clean energy, information technology, and medical devices. Unfortunately, demand for semiconductors has outstripped supply, partly due to shifts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has created a global chip shortage and resulted in lost growth and jobs, underscoring the need for increased domestic manufacturing capacity.
Coalition Letter on the CHIPS Act
State Legislature Sends Term Limit Reform to November Ballot
The State Legislature approved a joint resolution that would alter term limits to 12 cumulative years of service in the Legislature for members across both the House and Senate.
HJR R, sponsored by House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell), passed the House in a 76-28 vote and the State Senate by a 26-6 vote. As a constitutional amendment, it required a two-thirds majority to send the proposal to the ballot.
The language is very similar to the Voters for Transparency and Term Limits, which is leading the ballot proposal on the change to term limits and includes additional disclosure requirements for elected officials. The LRCC is working on scheduling an opportunity to educate LRCC members on this proposal. The LRCC will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Senate Bill 888 – Establishing Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Commission
The Senate Economic and Small Business Committee to up testimony on Senate Bill 888, which would create the blockchain and cryptocurrency commission in the State of Michigan. The LRCC is supportive of the legislation and working closely with Spartan Blockchain Solutions on advancing several initiatives in this new tech space. This aligns with the LRCC priorities, including economic development and job creation, talent and education, and regulations.
Spartan Blockchain Solutions is a student-run, non-profit blockchain advisory and advocacy firm. The mission is to provide local businesses and organizations with innovative blockchain solutions while jumpstarting Michigan State University’s ecosystem into a leading academic institution in the blockchain space.
One-Click Letter to Strengthen & Support Downtown
For downtown Lansing businesses, the pandemic’s effects are still being felt. State government workers are choosing hybrid experiences when it comes to being in the office, which means fewer meals out, reduced shopping, and huge losses to many of our downtown businesses.
As we look to reimagine what downtown Lansing can look like, we need state funding support to help our businesses bridge the gap between yesterday and tomorrow. Click below to message key lawmakers to help strengthen and support our downtown businesses!
LRCC Supports German Auto Company HQ Proposal in East Lansing
The LRCC sent a letter of support to the East Lansing City Council for the economic development package presented by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) on behalf of ATESTEO North America, Inc. ATESTEO would invest $26 million with 46 new, high-wage jobs for an operation at the core of the future of mobility in East Lansing. This aligns with the LRCC priority of economic development and job creation.
LRCC Messages Local Units of Governments to Spend ARPA Funds Wisely
With tens of billions of dollars in federal aid flowing down to our local units of government as part of the American Rescue Plan, leaders at all levels have had a unique opportunity to shape Michigan’s future.
The LRCC strongly encourages leaders to take the necessary steps to ensure that these funds are not simply spent. They must be utilized effectively in order to make our region, community and state a better place to live, work, and thrive. Read the key principles outlined by the LRCC to local government leaders below.