Government Affairs Committee

Co-chairs Update

2006 Wrap-Up and 2007 Looking Ahead

And now back to our regular programming! Have you seen enough of the political ads? Another mid-term election year has drawn to a close in Michigan and across the country. The face of politics has changed dramatically; for the first time in our nation’s history the United States House of Representatives will have a female Speaker, Hon. Nancy Pelosi (D) of California. Since the GOP has lost control of both the House and Senate, the last two years of our President’s term will be very challenging. In our State House the Democrats now have control after a 12 year lapse and Governor Granholm comfortably overcame Dick DeVos after record campaign spending.

Why, as a member of BOMA, should you be concerned about what is happening in Lansing or Washington? Because, these officials have the power to pass laws that will greatly affect your bottom line for years to come. In the past year, your Government Affairs Committee, with the assistance of our Lobbyists, Scofes and Associates Consulting, have led the fight to protect our interests on such important issues as;

1. Single Business Tax- The repeal of the Single Business Tax (2 years ahead of schedule)
2. Forced Access- Squashed the attempt by the Communications Industry to gain unfettered access to private property.
3. Asbestos- The drafting of legislation to limit Asbestos Liability for both Property Owners and Property Managers.
4. WPW Challenges- The defeat of attempts by state lawmakers to reverse the property tax protection intended by Proposal A.
5. PA 141- The continuing fight for a truly competitive electric energy market.

2007 will be a challenging year, as our elected officials will work diligently to replace the financial void that will be left when the SBT ends in December 2007. Property Owners will be a primary focus, with possible increases in Personal Property Tax, Real Estate Taxes, and imposition of a new Service Tax. We must continue our diligence in finding ways to reduce our buildings’ operating expenses and in preventing the development of unfriendly business practices that increase the cost of doing business in this great state!

The Legislature introduces hundreds of bills each year, and many of them have some impact on commercial real estate, purposeful or unintended. While individually you may not have the time and resources to monitor the actions in government, your Government Affairs Committee, the BOMA Staff, and our Lobbyists remain vigilant on those issues affecting our industry. This level of effort and attention requires your constant support to continue. The work in Lansing is not without some financial sacrifice. Political figures who share and defend our common interests need our financial support. This is done through our Political Action Committee (PAC), a joint effort with BOMA Grand Rapids. PAC contributions can only be collected from individuals, not corporations. We will be offering several ways to contribute over the upcoming year, and we invite you to participate at every opportunity and get your co-workers and colleagues involved. Unlike voting, you can contribute early and often!

The Government Affairs Committee stays informed and helps to protect your interests. Please do what you can to support us in 2007. Make a personal donation to the PAC, a corporate donation to the GAC, buy a raffle ticket, donate an item to the PAC/GAC auction, or get involved. We need you to stay engaged and help us to continue serving the commercial real estate industry.

Thank you for all of your support and we will see you at the next BOMA gathering!

2006/2007 Government Affairs Committee Chairs

—Rick W. Golding, RPA, FMA is Property Manager for the Southfield Town Center for Blackstone Property Management. He can be reached at rgolding@breapm.com

—John M. Sier, Esq. is a Principal at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors and can be reached at john.sier@kitch.com