from Rep. Paul Opsommer
With the elections over, most political headlines are focusing on 2011 and the policy agenda of a new administration. However, the 2010 legislative session has not finished, and I have had many constituent questions regarding what a “lame duck” session means.
In a nutshell, “lame duck” refers to session days that occur late in the year when some politicians have lost their elections but not their right to vote. Others may be leaving due to term limits. With more than 50% out of office for one reason or another, this year’s lame duck will in actuality be a very large flock.
While sometimes a lame duck can be productive when there has not been a large amount of turnover, this lame duck is shaping up to be one where very little can get accomplished. With only a few session days remaining it is unlikely that last minute consensus can be reached on major policy issues, especially if they are controversial.
I do feel strongly however that we can pass needed policy in less contentious areas, such as how to help homeowners. It is still the mortgage meltdown that was a root cause for many of our current economic difficulties, and it is hard to see how we can regain a vibrant economy without also returning to a vibrant housing market. While state law will not be able to address all housing issues, too many in Lansing have been willing to wait for the federal government to ride to the rescue. This is unacceptable when you consider that
– The Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit, designed to protect homeowners, has not been changed or adjusted for inflation since 1976.
– Michigan law makes it difficult for those whose homes have been foreclosed on to determine how much money they need when exercising their right of first refusal.
– Michigan law has remained silent on additional property transfer fees that fleece homeowners of their hard earned equity when they sell their homes.
– Michigan law has done little to address a broken property tax tribunal system that does not allow homeowners to hear their cases in a timely manner.
The Michigan legislature may not be able to address all of the issues that are affecting the housing market. But pointing fingers outside makes little sense for those who refuse to take the bull by the horns in areas where they can make a difference and are instead sitting on their hands. This upcoming lame duck session should therefore still be viewed as an opportunity to get that job done.