At Governor Snyder's request, on Friday, November 18, 2011, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an advisory ruling as to the new amendments to the Michigan Income Tax Act, which go into effect on January 1, 2012:

• The Supreme Court ruled that reducing or eliminating the exemption for public pension incomes (MCL 206.30) does not impair the accrued financial benefits of a pension plan of the state or political subdivisions and does not impair a contractual obligation; and, therefore, does not violate the Michigan or U.S. Constitution.

• The Supreme Court ruled that determining eligibility for income tax exemptions on the basis of date of birth (MCL 206.30(9)) does not violate the Michigan or U.S. Constitution.

BUT,

• The Supreme Court ruled that determining eligibility for income tax exemptions and deductions on the basis of total household resources (MCL 206.30(7) and (9)) does create a graduated income tax and, therefore, does violate the Michigan Constitution.

The Supreme Court held that the unconstitutional portion of the Income Tax Act can be severed, leaving the rest of the amendments intact and in effect as of January 1.

Click here for the complete Supreme Court Opinion.

Save the date for Ingham County Land Bank's Annual Holiday Open House, scheduled for December 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at 934 Clark Street, Lansing. This is within the Northtown Neighborhood Organization. The renovated building is now home to the Kincaid-Henry offices and the NEO Center (also known as the Center for New Enterprise Opportunity). The NEO Center is a membership-based co-working space and incubation program for new businesses.

This tax foreclosed property was renovated and redeveloped by way of accelerated Brownfield Tax Increment Finance reimbursements through the Land Bank and the Ingham County Brownfield Authority.

The Michigan Municipal League (MML) is, once again, offering training in core topics to newly elected officials, and has opened registration to "seasoned" officials, as well. The topics include:

• Introduction to MML Services
• Overview of Basic Local Government
• Roles and Responsibilities of Elected Officials
• Open Meetings Act (OMA)
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

There will also be a panel discussion and time for questions. This training is being offered at locations across the State - Marlette (November 15), Lansing (November 16), Boyne City (November 29), Ferrysburg (December 6), Ann Arbor (December 7), and Mt. Pleasant (December 8). Click here to register.

Disability Network/Lakeshore presented its first-ever Ability Award to Allegan County Transportation Director Dan Wedge at a reception and ceremony held October 25 in Holland, Michigan.

Dan was hired 12 years ago to initiate a public transportation system for Allegan County. Within 6 months, he had vehicles on the road. Today, Allegan County Transportation is a $3.5 million, 28-vehicle system that provides transportation for the disabled, seniors, and all others who have a barrier to owning or using personal transportation.

Beyond his responsibilities with Allegan County Transportation, Dan also currently serves as the State of Michigan's delegate for Community Transportation Association of America, and is active on two committees of the Michigan Public Transit Association. In addition, Dan has a long history of service with the Allegan County Fair and Allegan Fire District boards.

The Ability Award honors the legacy of Ruth Stegeman, the founding director of Disability Network/Lakeshore, who worked toward inclusive communities that engage all citizens, including those with disabilities. The criteria for selection of the Award include leadership, advocacy, empowerment, and community engagement.