The intent of the package is to help cut costs on farm operations, especially for farms under pressure by nearby development. Use value assessment for agriculture exists in 48 of 50 states and the idea has been gaining momentum in Michigan. MTA supports the concept of use value assessment, however, there are concerns with provisions of the package. First, the bills call for the counties to do all the assessing on agricultural property. Further, MTA believes that meaningful penalties should be implemented for converting land that receives use value assessment.
Legislative action is likely to begin as early as next week on the package of bills.
His plan would provide 5 percent rate cuts to electric and telephone customers. The plan, which will be substitutes to existing bills, also calls for the MI Public Service Commission to have stronger authority to oversee the deregulated markets. His announcement is designed to push action on the bills which in recent weeks appeared to be stalemated. It is the first public comment Engler has made regarding rate cuts.