Advocacy Issues

Key Michigan Issues:

Annually, the BOMA Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) reviews and discusses major issues facing our membership in the state legislature. This process culminates in the GAC targeting issue areas for action. The types and levels of action are determined by the BOMA GAC and include, at a minimum, monitoring and lobbying by BOMA lobbyist Michigan Legislative Consultants.

The GAC has determined the following issues will have the greatest impact on BOMA members and require immediate attention.

View all current MICHIGAN LEGISLATION & POSITIONS

Tax Reform, MBT —BOMA of Metropolitan Detroit strongly supports a state tax policy that provides tax relief for a wide range of taxpayers including job providers, especially since Michigan still ranks above the national average in tax burden on business and individuals.

BOMA supports a broad-based business tax employing a low-rate business income tax that treats real estate consistent with other businesses and fosters a positive business climate to promote positive growth in Michigan. BOMA believes the MBT negatively effects the value of commercial real estate and therefore ultimately lowers tax revenues to local governmental units as well as hampers efforts to attract out-of-state investors. BOMA does support mitigating the ill effects of the MBT on commercial real estate by an elimination of the 21.99% surcharge;providing for an unlimited carry forward of negative Adjusted Gross Receipts; allowing for Common Area Maintenance to be deducted from Gross Receipts; including Real Estate in the definition of “purchases for other firms”; extending the 10 year Investment Tax Credit and; exempting foreclosures from MBT.

Green Building/Sustainability—BOMA supports sustainability and “green” building practices by utilizing proven technologies and operational procedures and by promoting environmental stewardship. We have long-recognized the social and economic burden that results from wasteful consumption particularly in the area of carbon-based utility costs. We take proactive positions on the use and management of natural resources, the proper treatment of hazardous waste and environmental risks, the promotion of air quality (indoor and outdoor), the implementation of “green” purchasing practices and in targeting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2007 BOMA members launched the Market Transformation Energy Plan & 7 Point Challenge that is focused on the reduction in energy consumption in commercial buildings by 30 percent by 2012. In addition, the EPA recently (March 2008) recognized BOMA International as the 2008 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy management through its BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP).

Energy—BOMA supports development of a long term state wide energy strategy that promotes a reliable and renewable energy supply and affordable rates for residential, industrial and commercial customers, as well as efforts to reduce the cost of business in Michigan which will lead to long term economic vitality.

BOMA supports efforts to base rates for all users on actual cost of service and the elimination of rate subsidization creating artificially high rates for commercial and industrial customers.

BOMA supports recent legislative and administration efforts to develop a long term energy plan that considers all sources of energy including renewable and further supports an energy plan that also considers cost effectiveness, availability, security, and reliability.
Further, BOMA strongly supports the intent of PA 141 that allows and provides for open competition in the electric marketplace. Such competition is important to lowering electric costs and encouraging investment in the state’s electric infrastructure. BOMA opposes efforts to pass legislation rescinding electric deregulation passed under PA 141 and creating barriers to true electric competition.

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Key Federal Issues:
Click on underlined hyperlinks to read BOMA's detailed position papers

Leasehold Improvements Tax — Limiting leasehold improvements to be depreciated at a rate of 1/39th per year until the improvement goes “out of service” runs counter both to common sense and the reality of the marketplace. It is a hidden and inequitable tax on the commercial real estate industry. Federal and state tax codes should be amended to more closely reflect the reality of the marketplace.

Insurance/Terrorism — BOMA urges state and federal governments to play a role in ensuring that commercial property owners can continue to obtain coverage for damage from acts of terrorism, at reasonable and affordable rates. It is further encouraged that proactive security measures are taken on a statewide basis to protect our workplaces and workforces.

Forced Access/Telecommunications — Legislation and regulation, at the federal, state, and local levels, must preserve the viability of a free and effective marketplace that respects private property. Forced building entry privileges for telecommunications service providers (TSPs) are unnecessary, unmanageable, and unconstitutional. We encourage Michigan lawmakers to stand up for the private property rights of building owners and oppose the intrusion of the telecommunications industry onto building owners for their own profitable interests.

National Energy Policy - Real estate owners and managers should take an active role in implementing responsible consumption practices that are environmentally and economically sustainable utilizing proven technologies and procedures.

For detailed information on BOMA issues and positions, please contact us or visit the BOMA International site. We also encourage you to take part in our monthly meetings and monitor our advocacy issues and events through the website.

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LEGISLATIVE ACTION