Lame Duck “Final” Update

Electric Choice Reform
Revised legislation offered in the last few days of the session, which essentially protects schools buying lower-cost power by preserving the state’s energy choice program, passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor for signature! Senate Bill 437 keeps money in the classroom and also includes a comprehensive energy bill which will put the state on solid ground for the future on energy matters. The bill has been referred to the Governor who is expected to sign it without hesitation. Energy choice will continue to be an option for districts based on this legislation.

Union Release Time – Reportable Time for MPSERS?
We highlighted Senate Bill 279 in our last eblast and can now confirm that the legislation did not make the cut for priority issues during the lame duck session. Again, this is another issue to watch for in the future but for now, the bill failed to pass.

Pre-Labor Day Start
As a follow up on legislation that would end the ban on starting school before Labor Day, Senate Bill 567 is also a discussion that will have to wait for another day. This seems to be discussed annually and although it wasn’t resolved prior to the end of the lame duck session, it’s expected to again be on the list for the new legislative session beginning in 2017.

Well, that “wraps up” the final days of this legislative session! We look forward to seeing you at the January 17-18, 2017 MSBO Financial Strategies Conference in East Lansing where we will have a comprehensive Legislative Update that will recap these and other educational related topics and provide you with a glimpse of what to expect in the coming legislative session! Get registered TODAY!

David and Bob