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2008 Policy Book
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During the first 10 months of the 94th legislative session, more than 2,200 bills have been introduced, with more than 90 bills signed into law by the Governor. Issues of importance to agriculture include:
- Extension of the loan repayment period for sugar beet cooperatives.
- Numerous bills pertaining to renewable energy including net metering and a Renewable Portfolio Standard.
- Preemption of local ordinances pertaining to agricultural fertilizer use.
- Defining the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) in statute and providing incentives for producer participation.
- Funding for agriculture programs.
- Updates to the Michigan Food Law.
- Provisions for hardship exemption from Medicaid Estate Recovery.
- Continued exemption of agriculture from Michigan's Business Tax.
- Clarifications of the Drain Code.
- Provisions for trespass protection in the Michigan Penal Code.
- Clarification of the people's right to hunt and fish in Michigan.
- Elimination of the service tax.
Many of these bills await further consideration by the Legislature and presentation to the Governor. The State's continued economic challenges have forced more cuts in agricultural funding and threatened elimination of fundamental agricultural programs for plant and animal health, consumer protection, environmental stewardship, and statistical analysis. Michigan Farm Bureau remains concerned about the future existence of critical programs that support the $60.1 billion agriculture and food industry in Michigan.
We appreciate the interest and support of the "Friends of Agriculture" during these challenging times.
