After a grueling 25-hour lame duck session, the legislature adjourned at approximately 11:00 a.m. this morning. Despite the postive feedback from the leadership over the past several weeks, the House failed to put SB 865 up for a vote on the House floor. Although this was disappointing, we have not given up and will quickly reintroduce legislation in the next session.

A special thanks goes out to Melissa Yutzey of Kelly Cawthorne who never left the Capitol during the marathon session and has worked very hard the past 2 years to represent the members of ACEC, MSPE and AIA. ACEC members also deserve recognition for the contacts made with their legislators and leadership. The number of calls, letters and emails sent by engineers was noted by several legislators and staff.

On a positive note, the Governor signed our Increased Penalties bill (SB 1515) into law on December 17 and it now becomes Public Act 319 of 2008. The bill adds language to MCL 339.601 and creates significant fines and imprisonment if an individual is found guilty of practicing as an architect, professional engineer, or a professional surveyor without a valid license.

ACEC also actively particpated in a coalition that successfully repealed the Tax on Services earlier this year. ACEC was successful in turning back legislation that sought licensure of Interior Designers that would encroach on the practice of engineering and removed anti-contracting out language that was put in the Transportation Budget bill.

ACEC was named in legislation that created a Transportion Funding Task Force and had a representative appointed by the Governor to serve on the Citizen's Advisory Committee charged with defining transportation needs and funding alternatives. ACEC was a key member of Michigan's Transportation Team that will continue its efforts to seek increased investment in Michigan's transportation infrastructure.

For more information Contact: Ron Brenke