In This Email

• Party News

  • NEW: Spring Fling '23 Planning Under Way

  • NEW: WalMart's Dark Store Tax Dodge

  • NEW: Fix the Electoral College

  • NEW: Good Things Happening in Lansing

• Upcoming Events

  • NEW: Campaign & Community Events

Party News

It's that time of year! The planning team has met, and things are getting organized for another Spring Fling. Start thinking Spring, and mark June 10th on your calendar for our annual get together.

We'll have more information on the event as we get closer to June 10th.

WalMart's decision to seek a reduction in it's property taxes in the Michigan Tax Tribunal, despite its signed agreement with the city of Houghton, could result in a significant impact not only to the city, but to other local entities that receive funding through property taxes. Walmart is seeking to have its taxes devalued under the "dark store" theory. This theory, first used in Michigan in 2013, provides for significantly lower taxes for a retailer than the previously prevailing "highest and best use" theory. Use of the dark store approach has led to significant reductions in tax revenue with some of the hardest hit municipalities being here in the Upper Peninsula.

Over the past 10 years a number of bills have been introduced to rein in the use of the "dark store" approach. At least two have passed the Michigan House only to be stalled in the Senate. The approach still remains legally viable.

In WalMart's case they are seeking a Houghton store valuation of around $20 per square foot. Other corporate retailers that have gone through the Tribunal have reached settlement offers of about $40. By comparison, store valuations in Wisconsin average $80 per square foot.

The WalMart case has drawn national attention. Progressive radio host Thom Hartmann has discussed it in his Hartmann Report.

Here is a message from the Michigan Democratic Party:

So many good things are happening in the Michigan legislature that it can be hard to keep track. Here are highlights from just the last week: 

• The state Senate passed an LGBTQ rights bill to include sexual orientation and gender identity in Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which outlaws discrimination. The bill now goes to the state House. More info...

• In two 58-50 votes, House lawmakers voted both to repeal the 1931 law making it a four-year felony to perform abortions in Michigan except for life-threatening pregnancies as well as a ban on medicine, drugs or substances that could be used to induce a miscarriage. The bills now move to the state Senate. More info...

• Governor Whitmer celebrated the passage of the Lowering MI Costs plan through both houses of the legislature. The governor has called the plan a "$1 billion dollar tax break for Michigan working families and retirees". The bill phases out the retirement tax over four years and brings Michigan's Working Tax Credit match of the EITC up to 30% from 6%. As passed the bill does NOT include the governor's requested $180 inflation relief check for every tax filer. More info...

• As the state grapples with the aftermath of the shooting at Michigan State - the second school mass shooting in Michigan in 15 months - lawmakers have continued hearings on a number of bills aimed at curbing gun violence. The proposals would tighten current gun regulations and include universal background checks, red flag requirements and safe gun storage regulations. More info...

• Democratic lawmakers announced a bill allowing Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Compact. The Compact aims to make the Electoral College vote align with the popular vote for President (See the message from the Michigan Dems above). More info...

 There is even more going on, including the passage of a spending bill with funding enabling Ford's upcoming battery manufacturing plant in Marshall, and the introduction of bipartisan legislation that abolishes juvenile life without parole. This Democratic led legislature is wasting no time as they work to improve the lives of Michiganders.

Upcoming Events

Wed. 3/8: 

• The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda can be found in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

 Fri 3/10 

• Friday is the anniversary of the death of Harriet Tubman, the former slave who worked to free other slaves through the Underground Railroad. National Harriet Tubman Day has been celebrated on March 10th every year since 1990, when the day was recognized by the US Congress and proclaimed by then president George Bush. Find more information on Harriet Tubman and National Harriet Tubman Day here.