24 MiMfg Magazine September 2021
MFG Voice
Mike
Johnston Caroline Liethen David Worthams Vice President of Director of Environmental Director of Human Government Mike Johnston Affairs & Regulatory Dave Greco Policy David Resource Worthams Policy
Your MMA Government Affairs Team at Work
MMA and Treasury Working to End Local PPT Filing
MMA is working closely with the Michigan Department of Treasury to streamline the process to allow manufacturers to file a single Personal Property Tax ( PPT ) exemption at the state level rather than filing exemptions with each local municipality every year .
Draft legislation is being developed that will categorically exempt all manufacturing personal property — both new and existing — via a simple “ one and done ” filing . Bills are expected to be introduced and see legislative action this fall .
During the phase-out of the industrial PPT between 2016 and 2023 , manufacturers were required to file annually with local government to identify the property by age that is exempt and property that is not yet exempt and still on the tax rolls . However , all eligible manufacturing personal property will be exempt and local filing will no longer be necessary beginning in 2023 .
State Representative Joe Tate ( D-Detroit ), left , toured MMA member company Humphrey Products in Kalamazoo with company president Dave Maurer , right , and MMA ’ s Dave Worthams in August .
$ 6 Million Appropriation Will Provide Long-Term Solutions to Talent Crisis
As part of MMA ’ s efforts to provide solutions to the acute need for manufacturing talent , now and in the future , MMA secured a $ 6 million appropriation with bipartisan support that will double the number of schools participating in the Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education ( PRIME ®) initiative , which offers education and career-readiness opportunities to high school students .
MMA partners with the SME Education Foundation to develop Michigan PRIME schools which tailor a curriculum incorporating hands-on training on modern , industry-standard equipment and are provided with opportunities to explore futures in manufacturing , engineering and STEM-related careers . There are currently 17 SME PRIME schools in Michigan and many more throughout the nation .
Developing strong CTE programs like PRIME is key to solving Michigan ’ s talent shortage . This expansion of the PRIME school initiative introduces students across the state to the great future that lies with manufacturing careers and supports a strong pipeline of ambitious and creative young people prepared to take their place in advanced manufacturing .
Learn more about PRIME on page 10 and contact MMA ’ s Mike Johnston , at 517-487-8554 , to discuss opportunities to boost your company ’ s talent pipeline and improve the image of manufacturing careers .
PFAS Regulations Continue to Evolve and Impact Manufacturers
The study and regulation of perand polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ) continues to impact manufacturers following the final promulgation of drinking water standards in 2020 .
The Department of Environment , Great Lakes , and Energy ( EGLE ) has moved on to regulations governing cleanup criteria with the currently proposed ruleset based , in part , on the State Drinking Water Standards for PFAS . MMA has submitted comments and resubmitted its commissioned independent peer review study to provide crucial information to policymakers during the administrative rule development process .
Meanwhile , Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ( MDHHS ) is engaging in regional and nationwide PFAS health studies to better understand how PFAS affects health among different populations .
In southeast Michigan , the Great Lakes Water Authority has released the findings of a recent re-evaluation of the wastewater pollutant discharge limitations for the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant , which reaffirm wastewater pollutant limitations from 2016 and recommend the adoption of new limitations on PFOS compounds .
The Citizen ’ s Advisory Workgroup was formed to represent the concerns of communities negatively impacted by PFAS and is advocating for the state to notify the public of PFAS