December 2008

In the months and weeks leading up to the November 4^th elections we witnessed a dramatic slow down in legislative activity both on the federal and state levels, as everyone focused on the presidential race and their own election and re-election bids back home.  Now that the elections are over, the MACP Board of Directors and MACP Legislative Committee are preparing for a flurry of new activity.

On that note, I had the opportunity to attend this year’s IACP conference in San Diego.  It was a pleasure to participate as your representative, in the SACOP regional meeting as well as the IACP Legislative Committee meeting.  Both meetings were very informative and offered the potential for some good news for law enforcement.  IACP has been meeting regularly with the Obama transition team and has had some very encouraging conversations regarding the future of Byrne, JAG and COPS grants.  All indications are that the President-Elect and his team are favorably disposed to the idea of increased funding for those areas.  We will continue to monitor developments as the new President and new Congress take office.

Closer to home, I am sure that we all will be closely watching what happens with the Detroit Three auto makers as they struggle with the realities of our beleaguered economy and the potential impact on our individual communities should the auto industry fail.  At the same time, we await the Governor’s Executive Order to see exactly where she will make cuts to take up the projected shortfall in the state’s general fund budget.  In that regard we have joined with the Michigan Municipal League to deliver the message to the Governor that we cannot and should not sustain any further cuts in statutory revenue sharing.

Looking ahead to February, it’s time to start making your plans for this year’s Mid-Winter Training Conference in Grand Rapids.  Tom, Jamie and the MACP Education Committee have been working hard at putting together another outstanding conference filled with timely information, excellent training and the opportunity for networking with our colleagues from around the State of Michigan.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the MACP Board of Directors to wish you, your families and your staff a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season, as well as a joyous and prosperous New Year. 

Quick Links
Last updated: December 20, 2008

• MACP Membership Application
  
• Preferred Vendor Form
  
• Advertising Rate Sheet