to adopt the meeting minutes from October 24, 2019.
Representative Wakeman moved to adopt the meeting minutes from October 24, 2019. There being no objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent. The Chair laid SB 455 before the committee: SB 455 (Sen. Stamas) A bill to amend 1893 PA 206, entitled “The general property tax act,” by amending section 7ff (MCL 211.7ff), as amended by 2005 PA 165. Senator Jim Stamas, the bill sponsor, explained SB 455, and introduced John Lindley, lobbyist for Public Affairs Associates, who submitted a testimony card in support of SB 455. Questions followed. At 9:03 a.m., the Chair laid the committee at ease. At 9:07 a.m., the Chair called the committee back to order. Jennifer Smith, Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards, testified in opposition to SB 455. Questions followed. Ms. Smith’s written testimony is attached. Natalie Stewart, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for Switch, and John Lindley, lobbyist for Public Affairs Associates, testified in support of the bill. Questions followed. Alexa Kramer, Director of Government Affairs for Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Dan Papineau, Director of Tax and Regulatory Affairs for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of SB 455. Questions followed. Chris Glass, Director of Legislative Affairs for West Michigan Talent Triangle, representing Kent County ISD and Caledonia Community Schools, testified with a neutral position on SB 455. Questions followed. At 9:48 a.m., the Chair laid the committee at ease. At 9:58 a.m., the Chair called the committee back to order. The following individuals submitted a testimony card in opposition to SB 455, and did not wish to speak: Bob Kefgen, Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals; Todd Tennis, representing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Peter Spadafore, Associate Executive Director for Advocacy and Communications for the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators: Julie Rowe, Legislative Coordinator for the American Federation of Teachers-Michigan: and Joe DeVault, Director of Education Policy and Special Education at Macomb ISD. Jason Puscas, Director of Government and Community Affairs for MICHauto, submitted a testimony card and written testimony in support of SB 455, but did not wish to speak.