Each year, the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce invites state, county and city leaders to update its members on the latest governmental news. The update comes during one of the chamber’s Breakfast Club meetings, which are held monthly to allow members the opportunity to network with other business owners and hear about the latest happenings in the community.
In August, four public officials stopped by to share the latest news from their offices. If you missed the breakfast, here’s a recap of what each had to say.
State of the State: Representative Thomas Albert
The first update came from State Representative Thomas Albert.
He noted the major news out of Lansing was the passage of car insurance reform. “The biggest takeaway is that it offers choice. Right now, you have one choice,” Albert said, referring to the medical coverage currently included in Michigan auto insurance policies.
Under Michigan law, insurance companies are assessed a mandatory fee to participate in the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association. In the event of an injury, the MCCA covers all medical costs in excess of $580,000. There is no limit on this coverage. In 2019, the MCCA fee was $220 per insured vehicle, and insurance companies almost universally pass on this entire fee to their customers.
With the new auto insurance legislation, Albert explained people can choose whether to continue to pay for and receive unlimited medical insurance coverage through the MCCA or choose a different level of medical coverage. The minimum required coverage will be $50,000.
Among his legislative accomplishments, Albert said he was particularly pleased to get a bill passed that makes it illegal for minors to possess vaping materials. “You wouldn’t believe how hard it was to get that done,” he remarked.
In other news, the Michigan Legislature is working to pass a budget by September 30. While the Governor and the Legislature have different approaches to funding, particularly in regards to road work, Albert was confident a consensus will be reached.
Next on Albert’s agenda is legislation to reform how special education is funded in Michigan. He is currently looking for a Democratic legislative partner to help him work on bi-partisan legislation.
State of the County: Diane Jones
Diane Jones took the podium after Albert to provide an update on the state of Kent County. Jones is the county commissioner for the fourth district which includes the City of Lowell and Vergennes Township.
“My goal is to have everyone in this room learn something new about the county,” Jones said. She shared information from the county’s new strategic plan, its mission and its vision. The county is 872 square miles and contains a young, diverse population, she noted. One fact that surprised many in the room was that half the county residents are younger than age 35.
Kent County maintains an AAA bond rating which means it can obtain more favorable rates when funding projects. That, in turn, saves taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, there were more than 80,000 appointments made with the county health department last year as well as 40,000 WIC appointments for mothers of young children and 15,000 immunizations administered. More than 3,000 veterans were assisted, and the county had 500 veteran burials.
In other news, Jones shared that bond proposals may be coming up to provide for a new parks headquarters and address the needs of fleet services. She also mentioned that with the retirement of long-time Sheriff Larry Stelma, Michelle LaJoye-Young becomes the first woman appointed to that post.
At the end of her presentation, Jones urged those in attendance to consider serving on a county board or commission. “We need folks like you to engage and participate,” she said.
State of the City: Mike Burns
City Manager Mike Burns was the third to speak and provided an update on happenings in the city. He noted that Dan Czarnecki was recently hired to lead the city’s Department of Public Works. He also said that city councilmembers were busy trying to work out the rules for marijuana facilities that hope to set up shop in Lowell.
As for the Showboat, Burns says the city hopes to have the new boat open and ready for the public by the end of 2020. “We anticipate construction of the frame and hull to begin in the next few weeks,” he explained.
Burns also provided a brief overview of the city budget, and how much funding is available for road repairs. “People think we have an abundance of money, and we don’t,” he said. Of the city’s $3.2 million general fund, only 6% goes towards local streets. “We have roughly $100,000 per year going to 13.2 miles of streets,” the city manager noted.
To raise additional funds for road repairs, Lowell voters will be asked to approve a city income tax this November. Burns acknowledged getting an income tax approved could be a “herculean task” but added that it would bring in an estimated $750,000 each year for road repairs.
State of the State, Part Two: Winnie Brinks
The final speaker at the August Breakfast Club meeting was State Senator Winnie Brinks. Her district includes half of Grand Rapids and runs east to include the City of Lowell and Lowell Charter Township. “I’m doing my best to get around to all the corners of the district,” she said.
Brinks said she mainly wanted to introduce herself to those in attendance and noted that her office was standing by to help people cut through any red tape they may encounter when interacting with state government agencies.
The legislator also mentioned that the budget was a main focus in Lansing right now. “The bottom line is it takes real work and bi-partisanship to get things done,” Brinks said.
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