Snyder signs legislation increasing funds for Michigan Natural Resources Trust

An additional $49 million will be made available to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Rick Snyder.

"The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has provided a variety of opportunities to Michiganders to experience our state's world-class natural resources," Snyder said. "I'm happy to sign legislation that will help provide the resources needed to continue their work."

Senate Bill 883, sponsored by state Sen. Darwin Booher, provides supplemental appropriations for the FY 2018 budget to increase total spending for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. An additional $49.9 million will go toward acquisition and development projects. The bill is now Public Act of 165 of 2018.

Snyder also signed five additional measures:

- SB 551, sponsored by state Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, establishes an advisory group to provide guidance to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board in determining the amount of money to be made available for annual spending and operations. The advisory group will be comprised of the Governor, State Treasurer, Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House or their designees and a member of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. The bill is now PA 166 of 2018.

- House Bills 5620-5621, sponsored by state Reps. Pamela Hornberger and Sue Allor, respectively, amend the sales and use tax acts to allow a purchaser to request a refund directly from the Michigan Department of Treasury for tax paid on a retail transaction if the purchaser was entitled to an exemption. The bills are now PA 167-168 of 2018.

- HB 5093, sponsored by state Rep. Beau LaFave, amends the MPSERS Act by mandating that employers match 100 percent of the first 3 percent of annual salary contributed by the member. This bill aligns these specific members with the options provided to new hires who have chosen to participate in the Defined Contribution plan. The bill is now PA 169 of 2018.

- HB 5235, sponsored by state Rep. Steve Marino, allows an employer with a monthly pay period to be in compliance with the law if the employer paid an employee all wages earned during the pay period within 15 days after the end of the monthly pay period. The bill is now PA 170 of 2018.

For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.

Published: Wed, Jun 06, 2018