As Michigan public schools prepare their 2025-2026 budgets, they should be aware of the short-term borrowing options available to cover their projected operating cash-flow shortfalls....more
As Michigan public schools prepare their 2024-2025 budgets, schools should be aware of the short-term borrowing options available to cover their projected operating cash-flow shortfalls....more
Michigan’s new Prevailing Wage for State Projects Act (the “Act”) became effective on February 13, 2024, and is substantially similar to a prior statutory prevailing wage requirement which was repealed in 2018.
The Act...more
On February 13, 2024, Public Act 214 of 2023 (“PA 214”) takes effect, amending Michigan's Open Meetings Act to give some public bodies greater freedom in holding electronic meetings....more
As Michigan public schools navigate the preparation of their 2023-2024 budgets, we wanted to again provide you with a reminder of the short-term borrowing options available to cover projected operating cash-flow shortfalls....more
In today's world of technology and communications, communities are increasingly reaching their residents and marketing their services through social media. It has become common for cities, villages, and nearly all forms of...more
Cities with a population of 15,500 or more now may specially assess for police and fire services under a new law, Public Act 228 of 2022, that becomes effective on March 28, 2023, that amends Act 33, Public Acts of...more
This practice guide discusses generally the Michigan sales tax obligations of Michigan public schools under the Michigan General Sales Tax Act, Act 167, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended (MCL §205.51 et.seq.) The Act...more
On June 15, 2022, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation amending Act 57, Public Acts of Michigan, 1988 (“Act 57"), to authorize an emergency services authority, established under Act 57 by municipalities to...more
On February 4, 2022, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel opined that the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA") requires public bodies to afford an individual with a disability a reasonable accommodation to participate...more
The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that "substantial compliance" with the Open Meetings Act's public notice requirements is insufficient to shield public officials from civil liability for intentional public notice...more
As Michigan public schools navigate the preparation of their 2021-2022 budgets, we wanted to again provide you with a reminder of the short-term borrowing options available to cover projected operating cash-flow shortfalls....more
On March 30, 2021, the authority for Michigan public bodies to hold electronic "virtual" meetings for any reason under the Michigan Open Meetings Act ("OMA") expired. Thus, starting on March 31, 2021, and continuing until...more
On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ("ARPA"), which contains $1.9 trillion in overall national spending to support relief and economic recovery efforts. ARPA provides a total of...more
On December 23, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Senate Bill 1246, extending the authority for public bodies to conduct electronic "virtual" meetings for any reason through March 31, 2021. The law, now...more
The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the constitutionality of the statutory deadline - imposed by the Michigan Election Law - requiring that absentee voter ("AV") ballots be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be...more
School district board members, administrators and employees are required to abide by the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. The Act prohibits the contribution of public funds or resources to a campaign for a candidate or ballot...more
As Michigan school districts navigate their 2020-2021 budgets, with looming cuts to school aid and other consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to remind you of the available operating cash-flow borrowing options....more
On April 14, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-48 (the "Order"), extending the ability of public bodies to conduct remote public meetings through May 12, 2020. The Order rescinds Executive Order...more
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted, authorizing up to $2 trillion in economic relief for distressed sectors of the American economy. Title IV, subtitle A of...more
In a recent press release, the Governor has encouraged businesses to donate essential medical supplies and personal protection equipment to local health care providers to be used in their COVID-19 efforts. The release listed...more
On March 17, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-15 (the "Order"), suspending "strict compliance" with Section 3 of the Open Meetings Act, 1976 PA 267 (the "Act"), until April 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m....more
Many Michigan school districts experience periodic operating cash-flow shortfalls during a school year, which often make it necessary for these schools to borrow on a short-term basis to cover the shortfalls. These shortfalls...more
As we head into another election season, we thought it would be helpful to provide you with an update of the current election and campaign finance laws applicable to school district ballot proposals. The May 2019 election...more
Issuers or obligated persons (together, an "Issuer") of municipal securities will be required to add two new events to the list of reportable material events in their continuing disclosure undertakings entered into after...more