5 Things You Should Know: Lansing Edition

The Michigan State Legislature is not in session for the next two weeks, but there's plenty of work waiting for them when they come back to Lansing, State Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-37th District) told constituents Saturday.

During her monthly coffee hour at Family Buggy restaurant in Farmington Hills, Barnett covered a lot of ground. Here are five of the topics she covered:

1. Bullying legislation

The national spotlight turned on the Michigan Senate last week, as word spread about the passage of anti-bullying legislation that made an exception for people with strong religious or moral convictions. Barnett said the House of Representatives has passed a version that eliminates that language, but once bullying was reported, exempts school officials, teachers, parents or anyone who reports the action from any further liability. Barnett called that "a little troubling", but said, "It is a far better bill than what was passed out of the Senate ... At least it's steps foward for the first time in nine years."

2. Film incentives

There is a movement underway to ressurrect state help for those who make movies, television and video games, after Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation in July that slashed the program. Barnett said tax credits would be offered through the Michigan Strategic Fund, which oversees the state's economic development strategices. Barnett said about $125 million has been identified to support the credits.

3. "Right to light", Pledge of Allegiance

Barnett took a swipe at bills that moved through the House and Senate before the November break:

• House Bill 4815 allows the sale of incandescent bulbs in Michigan, so long as they are manufactured and only sold in the state. Bulbs are otherwise subject to federal energy efficiency standards than most incandesecents don't meet. Barnett said there are no incandescent light bulb manufacturers located in Michigan. The bill has been referred to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee.
• Senate Bill 0637 mandates that every school in Michigan have on prominent display an American flag on the school building or on school grounds during school hours, as well as flags in classrooms. The bill also requires students, except those whose parent or guardian objects, to recite the pledge of allegiance. The bill is now in the House Education Committee. "I'm not opposed to flags or the pledge of allegiance," Barnett said. "I'm opposed to not having a jobs package ... I think that's a total waste of taxpayers' time and money."

4. Hire a vet

Barnett said legislation is being introduced that will provide incentives to employers who hire veterans of U.S. military service. Vets have an unemployment rate of more than 18.5 percent, about twice that of the general population. "We want to make sure we are employing our vets, and that we treat them properly for what they've done for us," she said.

5. Small business bills

Democrats are currently promoting a number of bills that support small businesses:

• A "micro-loan" program to provide for loans of $10,000-$25,000 that can help home-based and other small business owners create job opportunities.
• A program that would shift some dollars from state endowment funds, currently split between investments in the stock market and more secure instruments, toward buying shares of Michigan banks. Banks would request the assistance to issue loans to qualified "stage two" businesses, those that have been around for a few years and shown they can weather the economy. Barnett said the program would also allow banks and credit unions to "pool" loans, sharing the risk. The state would not be investing in the businesses, but in qualified banks.
• Benefit corporation legislation creates a class of business under state law for which its social mission is as important as making a profit. An example, Barnett said, is , founded by graduate Mallory Brown, which sells custom-made clothing and donates an item of clothing for each item purchased to people in need around the world.  

Barnett's next coffee hour will be held Dec. 10, 10 a.m., at on Grand River in Farmington. To learn more or to contact her, visit her website.