CASSIS INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT RESIDENTS LIVING ON GRAVEL ROADS State Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced bipartisan legislation in the Michigan Senate today to protect residents by allowing local officials to retain lower speed limits on certain dirt and gravel roads.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES CASSIS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL WINDOW COVERING SAFETY MONTH State Sen. Nancy Cassis resolution to recognize October 2009 as National Window Covering Safety Month was approved today by the Michigan Senate.  [more]

LANDMARK TRANSPARENCY BILLS SIGNED State Sen. Nancy Cassis transparency legislation adding accountability and disclosure to the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) credits was signed into law today by the governor.   [more]

LETTER SENT BY SENATE MAJORITY LEADER BISHOP TO THE GOVERNOR GRANHOLM ON HER CUTS TO EDUCATION   [more]

STATE LAWMAKERS LOVE FILM TAX INCENTIVES, BUT AT WHAT PRICE? Published by Tax Analysts   [more]

ANOTHER HOLLYWOOD STORY From the Wall Street Journal  [more]

THE STATE OF JOBLESSNESS State lawmakers will soon face large budget deficits again, perhaps as much as $100 billion across the U.S. Here's some free budget-balancing advice: Steer clear of the Michigan model.  [more]

TAX SCOFFLAWS MAY GET AMNESTY TO HELP MICH. BUDGET From the New York Times  [more]

CASSIS: REFORM MEDICAID AND REDUCE FRAUD; DONT TAX DOCTORS TO COVER WASTEFUL SPENDING Sen. Nancy Cassis, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, emphasized today that Michigan should not tax doctors to raise new revenues just to cover further wasteful spending by the Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH).   [more]

CASSIS HONORED WITH STAR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD State Sen. Nancy Cassis proudly accepted today the STAR Achievement Award from Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds Ruth Johnson in recognition of her dedication to Michigan families, especially those in financial crisis.   [more]

CASSIS TRANSPARENCY BILLS FINALLY APPROVED BY HOUSE State Sen. Nancy Cassis' reform legislation adding accountability, disclosure and transparency to the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) credits was passed today by the Michigan House.   [more]

CASSIS REFORMS KEY TO RESOLVING K-12 BUDGET AND ELIMINATING MBT SURCHARGE Senate Republicans Thursday passed a 2010 School Aid budget that provides stability for schools and includes significant savings and budget reforms to phase-out the Michigan Business Tax surcharge and give needed relief to job providers.  [more]

KIDS NOT CAMERAS Faced with choosing between funding for our kids and giving unlimited handouts to Hollywood producers, I choose educating our kids.  [more]

CUTS TO FILM INCENTIVE PROGRAM COULD HELP BALANCE STATE BUDGET Cassis said that as lawmakers face tough decisions on balancing the budget, more are willing to re-examine the film program.  [more]

NO TAX HIKE NEEDED TO BALANCE BUDGET, SAVE PROGRAMS Sen. Nancy Cassis, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, emphasized today that Michigan families and job providers cannot afford another round of tax increases as we balance the budget this week.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES CASSIS EARLY LEARNING SUCCESS BILL State Sen. Nancy Cassis legislation to give more schools the tools they need to prevent early learning failure was approved Wednesday by the Michigan Senate.   [more]

CASSIS: WHY ARE SENATE DEMOCRATS OPPOSED TO TRANSPARENCY? State Sen. Nancy Cassis expressed her support of economic development in Michigan, but questioned why 13 Senate Democrats voted against legislation Thursday to open up the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to public scrutiny and legislative accountability.  [more]

SENATE PANEL APPROVES CASSIS BILL REQUIRING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP AN EARLY LEARNING SUCCESS MODEL Legislation to give more schools the tools they need to prevent early learning failure was approved Thursday by the Senate Education Committee.   [more]

CASSIS DECLARES VICTORY ON TRANSPARENCY State Sen. Nancy Cassis declared victory on her legislation adding accountability and transparency to the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, which was passed today by the state Senate.  [more]

CASSIS INTRODUCES FILM CREDIT TRANSPARENCY MEASURE State Sen. Nancy Cassis today introduced legislation in the Michigan Senate to increase transparency and reporting requirements within the states film production credits.  [more]

HOUSE DEMOCRATS IGNORE TRANSPARENCY House Democrats today were ready to blow up an agreement between Senate Republicans and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on transparency, which would help inform the public where tax dollars and state tax credits are going.   [more]

SENATOR CASSIS IN SPINAL COLUMN ONLINE: TAX INCENTIVES UNDER REVIEW FOR FORD PLANT SITE   [more]

SENATOR CASSIS IN SPINAL COLUMN ONLINE: SPINAL COLUMN ONLINE'S "ONE MINUTE QUESTIONS" INTERVIEW   [more]

SENATE COMMITTEE MOVES CASSIS BILLS TO EXTEND MEGA CREDITS WITH INCREASED TRANSPARENCY The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Nancy Cassis, approved key legislation Wednesday to add more accountability and transparency to the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) while expanding the number of tax credits the authority may approve in 2009.  [more]

EDITORIAL: SENATE SHOULD OK NEW FORECLOSURE BILL An editorial from the Oakland Press  [more]

INCENTIVES MAY NOT BE BOON WE NEED An editorial from the Oakland Press  [more]

CHARGING SALES TAX ON E-COMMERCE IS FAIR A neditorial from the Oakland Press  [more]

SEN. CASSIS TELLS HOUSE PANEL ABOUT THE NEED FOR OVERSIGHT AND TRANSPARENCY FOR MICHIGANS BUSINESS TAX INCENTIVES State Sen. Nancy Cassis emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the business tax incentive process during her testimony Tuesday before the House New Economy and Quality of Life Committee.  [more]

CASSIS WANTS 'REAL' JOB CREATION NUMBERS According to Cassis, the Legislature should regain control of the state's tax credit program run through the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) and make sure the job creation numbers it is receiving can be trusted.  [more]

PROGRESS MADE ON MEDC MONEY With upwards of 60 projects sitting in the pipeline, progress was reported today to pump more money into the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which ran out of tax credit funds this week.  [more]

GRANHOLM: TAX INCENTIVES TO RUN OUT FOR BUSINESSES   [more]

MEGA RUNS OUT OF CREDITS Cassis said today that she finds it rather ironic that in six months, the MEDC has had the appetite to give out all of the credits available this year.   [more]

SEN. CASSIS WANTS OVERSIGHT AND TRANSPARENCY FOR MICHIGANS BUSINESS TAX INCENTIVES State Sen. Nancy Cassis emphasized the need for accountability, transparency and measurement of effectiveness in the tax incentive process during a Wednesday meeting with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) President Greg Main and his staff.   [more]

CASSIS SPONSORS MEASURE TO ENSURE MICHIGAN RECEIVES VITAL FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING State Sen. Nancy Cassis sponsored a resolution Wednesday to help ensure Michigan receives critical transportation funds. She is imploring the governor to convince President Obama to grant the state a two-year waiver from federal matching requirements for bridge and highway projects.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS HONORS DESTINATION IMAGINATION CREATIVITY TEAM FROM DOLSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Photo Advisory  [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS REGULATORY EFFICIENCY PACKAGE WILL HELP JOB PROVIDERS Senate Republicans led the effort to pass a series of bills today that will make Michigan more competitive and user friendly for job providers, said state Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WOULD DEVELOP AN EARLY LEARNING SUCCESS MODEL Legislation was recently introduced by Senator Nancy Cassis in the Michigan Senate to give more schools the tools they need to prevent early learning failure.   [more]

CASSIS SPONSORS BILL TO PROTECT SEVERANCE PAYMENTS TO LAID-OFF AUTO WORKERS State Sen. Nancy Cassis today introduced legislation to allow laid-off Michigan automobile manufacturing workers to deduct the first $100,000 of a severance payment from their state income taxes.   [more]

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO TAKE UP JOBS-CREATING BILLS TO BOOST BATTLE CREEK ECONOMY Senate Finance Committee hearing on legislation which would help Duncan Aviation create 100 jobs in Battle Creek through sales and use tax exemptions for the aviation industry, similar to 26 other states.  [more]

CASSIS RECOGNIZES NOVI HIGH SCHOOL WITH SPECIAL STATE TRIBUTE tate Sen. Nancy Cassis presented a special state tribute Thursday evening to the teachers, students and administrators of Novi High School in honor of the school earning the 2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS WELCOMES MILFORD AMERICAN LEGION TO THE CAPITOL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SENATES 15TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE State Sen. Nancy Cassis welcomed American Legion Post 216 from Milford to the Capitol Thursday to participate in the Michigan Senates 15th Annual Memorial Day Service, honoring Michigan soldiers who gave their lives to protect our country.  [more]

SENATE PANEL TOLD THAT STATES WITH LOW TAXES AND LOW SPENDING HAVE THE HIGHEST ECONOMIC GROWTH The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday heard from representatives of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) about the groups findings that states with low taxes and spending experience higher economic growth rates than states that tax and spend more.   [more]

CASSIS: TOUGH CUTS IN GOVERNORS EXECUTIVE ORDER ILLUSTRATE THE NEED TO REFORM THE FILM CREDITS "We must set priorities in how the state spends scarce and diminishing taxpayer money. Everything should be on the table, including the states refundable tax credits that act as grants. We owe that much to all the Michigan businesses facing hardship and residents out of work or facing termination.  [more]

CASSIS QUERIES THE STATE FILM OFFICE DIRECTOR ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FILM CREDITS The Michigan Film Office director was questioned about the effectiveness of the state film incentives and the tardiness of the offices report during her testimony Thursday before the Senate Finance Committee.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS HAILS NEW ALLEN PARK STUDIO COMPLEX State Sen. Nancy Cassis, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, is encouraged that Allen Park is about to be home to a $146 million complex where hundreds of Michigan workers could be on the job in the film industry.  [more]

FILM CREDIT REFORM BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE Two bipartisan reform measures that were introduced Wednesday in the Michigan Senate would cap the states generous film credits, increase the incentives on permanent infrastructure, revitalize commercial production and free up $100 million to help Michigans struggling small businesses.  [more]

CASSIS ADDRESSES FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS State Sen. Nancy Cassis focused on the importance of science and technology to the future of Michigans economy in her speech today at the FIRST Robotics district competition in Lansing.   [more]

CASSIS RECOGNIZES HENRY FORD WEST BLOOMFIELD HOSPITAL WITH SPECIAL STATE TRIBUTE State Sen. Nancy Cassis proudly presented a special state tribute Saturday evening to Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital in honor of its incredible vision and mission of service to the community.  [more]

SENATOR CASSIS SAYS SHE WOULD RATHER HAVE LANSING SHIFT FOCUS FROM HELPING HOLLYWOOD TO GIVING SMALL BUSINESS A HAND. Senator Cassis in the Detroit Free Press  [more]

SENATE PANEL APPROVES THREE TAX RELIEF BILLS The Senate Finance Committee approved three measures Thursday that will reduce the tax burden on Michigan consumers, homeowners and small businesses. The cornerstone of the three bills is state Sen. Nancy Cassis legislation to provide business tax relief to small and growing businesses.   [more]

SENATE PANEL HEARS TESTIMONY ON CASSIS SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF BILL The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony Thursday on state Sen. Nancy Cassis legislation to reduce the tax burden on small businesses.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE TO HELP BUSINESSES State Sen. Nancy Cassis, chair of the Senate Finance Committee said, Importantly, businesses who made a good-faith effort to pay their taxes should not be penalized because the Department of Treasury did not make forms and instructions available until the end of November. Furthermore, this bill will provide immediate relief and flexibility for virtually every business required to pay the Michigan Business Tax.  [more]

CASSIS WELCOMES MENTOR CONNECTION PARTICIPANTS State Sen. Nancy Cassis welcomed a group of Oakland County youths and their mentors to the state Capitol on Wednesday in celebration of Michigan Mentoring Month.   [more]

SENATE REPUBLICANS CONTINUE FIGHT TO ELIMINATE MBT SURCHARGE Senate Bill 1 would phase out the 21.99 percent MBT surcharge over a two-year period. The measure would cut the surcharge by half to 11 percent in 2009 and eliminate it by 2010.   [more]

SENATE COMMITTEE MOVES MBT SURCHARGE PHASE-OUT AND CASSIS TRANSPARENCY BILLS The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Nancy Cassis, approved key legislation Tuesday designed to ensure a more open government and to reduce the tax burden on job providers by phasing out the business tax surcharge.   [more]

CASSIS RETURNS MORE THAN $213,000 TO STATE State Sen. Nancy Cassis announced that during her terms as a senator, she has been able to save more than $213,000 in her office and committee budgets by being fiscally responsible.   [more]

CASSIS EARLY INTERVENTION LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation to help prevent early learning problems and give students the skills required to succeed in school and life was signed into law today, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the SAVE the Children measure.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS TO MEET WITH MENTOR CONNECTION PARTICIPANTS AT THE STATE CAPITOL State Sen. Nancy Cassis announced today that she and Sen. Gilda Jacobs will host a group of Oakland County youths and their mentors on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in celebration of Michigan Mentoring Month.  [more]

CASSIS REINTRODUCES BILLS PROVIDING SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF AND INCREASING GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY State Sen. Nancy Cassis reintroduced legislation Wednesday in the Senate designed to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and to ensure a more open government.  [more]

CRITICAL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF SIGNED INTO LAW Vital business tax relief for Michigan job providers that will help invigorate the states economy and get people back to work was signed into law Friday by the governor, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the legislation.  [more]

SENATE ADVANCES VITAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION LEGISLATION Legislation to help spur Michigans economy, get people back to work and provide needed tax relief to job providers was approved Friday and is now headed to the governor to the signed, said Sen. Nancy Cassis.   [more]

SENATE PASSES CASSIS BILL TO ASSIST HOMEOWNERS WITH SAVING THEIR HOME FROM FORECLOSURE Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Nancy Cassis that would allow the register of deeds of certain counties to determine and release the dollar amount needed for a homeowner to redeem a home from foreclosure was approved Thursday by the Michigan Senate.  [more]

CHANGES NEEDED TO STATE'S BUSINESS TAX An editorial from the Grand Rapids Press Editorial  [more]

GIVE MICHIGAN FIRMS RELIEF FROM PAYING TAXES ON TAXES. Senator Cassis in the Detroit News  [more]

SENATE PASSES CASSIS TRANSPARENCY BILLS Legislation benefiting taxpayers, businesses and lawmakers by helping ensure a more open government passed out of the Michigan Senate today with broad bipartisan support, said the bills sponsor, Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

GIVE BUSINESSES RELIEF FROM 22 PERCENT TAX SURCHARGE An editorial from the Detroit News  [more]

SENATE SPEEDS SURCHARGE'S EXIT Senator Cassis in the Detroit News  [more]

BILL TO SHORTEN BUSINESS TAX SURCHARGE PASSES SENATE Senator Cassis in the Detroit News  [more]

CASSIS DISCLOSURE LEGISLATION PASSES OUT OF SENATE FINANCE The Michigan Senate Finance Committee today approved three bills helping ensure a more open government, said the bills’ sponsor and Committee Chair Nancy Cassis.  [more]

SENATE PASSES CRITICAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION LEGISLATION Two bills designed to rejuvenate Michigan’s economy by getting people back to work, providing needed tax relief, restraining spending and retaining jobs have passed the Senate, said Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

GOP WANTS TO REVAMP MICH. BUSINESS TAX Senator Cassis in the Detroit News  [more]

CASSIS PRESENTS SENATE TRIBUTE TO MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME OF AMERICA State Sen. Nancy Cassis on Wednesday presented a Senate tribute commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, located in Novi.   [more]

KEY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MBT PASS OUT OF SENATE FINANCE Two bills that amend the Michigan Business Tax Act to save the state tens of millions of dollars and help remove barriers to growth and employment passed out of the Michigan Senate Finance Committee today, said Committee Chair Nancy Cassis.  [more]

CASSIS BILL REMOVES TAX REFUNDABILITY "This measure is part of an economic revitalization plan that would make the MBT a more fair and balanced tax,” said Cassis, R-Novi. “We must do all we can to ensure broad-based tax relief and stop picking winners and losers."  [more]

CASSIS SPONSORS INCOME TAX CHECK-OFF BILLS The Senate Finance Committee has approved legislation amending the state income tax act to provide check-offs on the income tax form for voluntary, optional contributions to the state School Aid Fund, the Michigan Higher Education Fund, and the state's General Fund. A fourth bill creates the Michigan Higher Education Fund, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, who sponsored the measures.  [more]

CASSIS RECOGNIZES PROVIDENCE PARK HOSPITAL WITH SPECIAL STATE TRIBUTE State Sen. Nancy Cassis proudly presented a special state tribute to Providence Park Hospital at its Grand Opening celebration Friday evening in Novi.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS REACTS TO GOVERNOR’S NEWS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING INVEST MICHIGAN "Once again, state government is picking winners and losers instead of providing relief to all struggling businesses. Is this plan safe? That’s the most important consideration at a time of great economic uncertainty, when pension funds around the United States have suffered some losses. It always makes good sense to ask substantive questions about risk, especially when pensions are involved. We must be prudent and exercise caution on such important financial decisions."  [more]

CASSIS' CONSUMER-PROTECTION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW The governor has signed legislation limiting the restrictions retailers can place on gift cards, said state Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of a bill in the package.  [more]

GOVERNOR SIGNS CASSIS BILL THAT WILL PROVIDE A BOOST TO MICHIGAN’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The governor has signed legislation that will provide relief to the state’s struggling construction industry by fixing a structural problem in the Michigan Business Tax (MBT), said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES CASSIS BILL THAT WILL PROVIDE A BOOST TO MICHIGAN’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The Michigan Senate has unanimously approved legislation that will provide relief to the state’s struggling construction industry by fixing another structural problem in the Michigan Business Tax (MBT), said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES CASSIS BILL THAT WILL PROVIDE TAX RELIEF TO THOUSANDS OF MICHIGAN'S JOB PROVIDERS A House committee has approved legislation that will provide relief to thousands of businesses across the state by fixing a structural problem in the Michigan Business Tax (MBT), said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the measure.  [more]

CASSIS HIGHLIGHTS PRO-JOB CREATION BILLS IN RESPONSE TO MAY UNEMPLOYMENT DATA Senate passed bills awaiting House action  [more]

STATE TAX CREDIT WAY TOO GENEROUS TO MOVIE MAKERS An OpEd from Senator Nancy Cassis that appeared in the Detroit Free Press  [more]

CASSIS INTRODUCES BILL TO ASSIST HOMEOWNERS WITH SAVING THEIR HOME FROM FORECLOSURE State Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow the county register of deeds to determine and release the dollar amount needed for a homeowner to redeem a home from foreclosure.  [more]

MICHIGAN FILM CREDIT OFFERS LITTLE HOPE OF REWARD, PENALIZES SMALL BUSINESSES An OpEd by Senator Nancy Cassis  [more]

CASSIS PROPOSES SIGNIFICANT SOLUTION TO COBO HALL IMPASSE Bill would offer $50 million for convention center renovation or expansion  [more]

MEDIA ADVISORY: SENATE MBT IMPACT ASSESSMENT SUBCOMMITTEE TO HEAR FROM OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS The MBT replaced the widely despised Single Business Tax last year. Since the inception of the new tax, the Senate Finance Committee has heard copious testimony that the tax is unduly harming small businesses.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS JOINS COLLEAGUES TO MAKE MICHIGAN SMOKE FREE "While I respect that some would advocate for the protection of a minority—smokers—over the well-being and health of the majority, it’s important to recognize the statistics and anecdotal feedback from restaurants around the state. Evidence reveals that while initially there may be a short downturn due to smokers who don’t patronize their favorite establishment, it is only temporary; these folks do come back."  [more]

CREATING WINNERS AND LOSERS … SOUND TAX POLICY? From the Detroit News  [more]

PHOTO ADVISORY: CASSIS WELCOMES ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENTS FROM TURKEY State Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, welcomed to the state Capitol on Thursday students from three different cities on the Aegean coast of Turkey. The students are from Rotary District 2440 and were guests of Cassis as part of a Rotary exchange program.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES CASSIS BILL PROVIDING SMALL BUSINESSES CRUCIAL TAX RELIEF The state Senate passed legislation Tuesday that will provide critical tax relief to the backbone of Michigan’s economy, thousands of small businesses that have seen their tax liability skyrocket under the Michigan Business Tax, said the sponsor of the measure, Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

WILL MOVIES MAKE MONEY FOR MICHIGAN? Incentives offered come with heavy price tag for state  [more]

CASSIS AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE CRUCIAL TAX INFORMATION TO LAWMAKERS The Michigan Senate on Wednesday passed an amendment sponsored by Sen. Nancy Cassis requiring the Michigan Department of Treasury to disclose vital tax information to help develop and evaluate tax policy.  [more]

CASSIS INTRODUCES BILL TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced bi-partisan legislation today in the Michigan Senate to help stimulate the economy by providing significant tax relief for small businesses.  [more]

PHOTO ADVISORY: SEN. CASSIS WELCOMES BRIGHTON HONOR STUDENT AS JOB SHADOW State Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, welcomed Brighton resident Ronnie Catykowski, an honor student and senior class president at Detroit Catholic Central High School, as her job shadow at the state Capitol on Thursday.  [more]

SENATE APPROVES CASSIS' SAVE THE CHILDREN PROGRAM The state Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill to help prevent early learning problems and give students the skills they need to succeed in school and life, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the SAVE the Children legislation.  [more]

CASSIS AND EDUCATION EXPERTS SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF CASSIS BILL AT EDUCATION COMMITTEE State Sen. Nancy Cassis testified before the Senate Committee on Education on Senate Bill 1039, her proposal to help prevent early learning failure and give students the skills they need to succeed in school and life. The committee unanimously approved the bill.  [more]

CASSIS' SAVE THE CHILDREN PROGRAM APPROVED BY EDUCATION COMMITTEE The Senate Committee on Education today unanimously approved a bill to help prevent early learning failure and give students the skills they need to succeed in school and life, said committee member Sen. Nancy Cassis, who sponsored the SAVE the Children legislation and testified before the panel.  [more]

CASSIS RECEIVES COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD State Sen. Nancy Cassis received the Community Service Award today from the West Bloomfield Optimist Club for being an outstanding member of the community.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS QUELLS RUMORS ABOUT FREEZING THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT "Let me clear up any concerns: As chair of Senate Finance, I have absolutely no intent of holding a hearing on Senate Bill 662. Some people seem to have forgotten that I am the author of the Earned Income Tax Credit law. I understand its vital importance."  [more]

CASSIS BILL WILL PROVIDE RELIEF TO HOMEOWNERS Legislation introduced in the state Senate on Thursday will provide relief to homeowners struggling in the current housing market by increasing the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $1,200 to $1,500, said bill sponsor Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

CASSIS ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1 MILLION TAX CREDIT FOR WIXOM COMPANY State Sen. Nancy Cassis announced today that a Wixom company received nearly a $1 million tax credit from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority.  [more]

CASSIS BILL RELIEVES BUSINESSES BURDENED WITH SERVICE TAX The Senate today approved legislation that provides relief for businesses burdened with expenses related to complying with the abolished service tax.  [more]

CASSIS BILL TO PROVIDE CRUCIAL TAX INFORMATION TO LAWMAKERS Under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Nancy Cassis the Michigan Department of Treasury would be required to disclose the most accurate and up-to-date tax information to help develop and evaluate tax policy.  [more]

GOVERNOR SIGNS CASSIS' "GOOD BUILDERS" BILLS INTO LAW Legislation was signed into law that will protect and advance the professionalism, ethics and integrity of the residential building industry while giving consumers greater confidence and security in those they hire, said one of the sponsors of the four-bill package, state Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

SENATE PASSES BIPARTISAN "GOOD BUILDERS" LEGISLATION The Senate today unanimously passed bills sponsored by Sens. Nancy Cassis and Ray Basham that will protect and advance the professionalism, ethics and integrity of the residential building industry while giving consumers greater confidence and security in those they hire.  [more]

GOP LAWMAKERS PROTECT PREPARED BUSINESSES Republican state lawmakers Sen. Nancy Cassis, Sen. Roger Kahn and Rep. Kim Meltzer today unveiled legislation that provides relief for businesses burdened with expenses related to complying with the abolished service tax.  [more]

CASSIS OFFERS BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION URGING DISCONTINUATION OF THE PROPOSED NEW STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS State Sen. Nancy Cassis offered a resolution Thursday urging the developers of the proposed new state police headquarters, known as the Triangle Project, to discontinue the project in light of Michigan's struggling economy and limited revenue.  [more]

CASSIS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE GRANT APPROVAL FOR NOVI TO ACQUIRE LAND State Sen. Nancy Cassis announced today that the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund approved a grant for Novi to acquire land adjacent to a trailway as part of an environmental preservation initiative.  [more]

CASSIS CO-SPONSORS BILL TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF PERTINENT MORTGAGE FACTS State Sen. Nancy Cassis co-sponsored legislation Wednesday requiring mortgage lenders to provide borrowers with a one-page summary of relevant facts pertinent to a mortgage contract.  [more]

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON HOUSE PLAN TO CREATE MBT SURCHARGE AND REPEAL THE SERVICE TAX The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony Thursday on the urgent need to repeal the use tax on services and how a proposed new state surcharge on the Michigan Business Tax would hurt small businesses.  [more]

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE PASSES CASSIS BILL TO REPEAL SERVICE TAX AFTER BUSINESS OWNERS AND LEADERS TESTIFY OF ITS DEVASTATING EFFECTS A diverse array of Michigan businesses have spoken in strong and clear terms: to stem further ravaging job losses, the exodus of companies from the state and continuing overall economic decline, the expanded use tax on services must be repealed, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi.  [more]

CASSIS HONORED AS LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR State Sen. Nancy Cassis received the Legislator of the Year award today from the Independent Accountants Association of Michigan for her work on behalf of small businesses across the state.  [more]

CASSIS VICTORIOUS IN RESTORING EARLY INTERVENTION TO K-12 BUDGET, HELPING ENSURE EARLY LEARNING SUCCESS Due to the hard work of state Sen. Nancy Cassis, the recently passed School Aid budget includes a provision that will help ensure early learning success for Michigan students without costing the state more money.  [more]

CASSIS RECEIVES AWARD FOR HER WORK ON THE MICHIGAN BUSINESS TAX State Sen. Nancy Cassis was awarded the Public Service Award from the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) today for her work on the Michigan Business Tax, which was enacted this summer as a replacement for the widely despised Single Business Tax.  [more]

CASSIS LEGISLATION WILL REPEAL NEW SERVICE TAX State Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced legislation today that would repeal the economically devastating expansion of the use tax on services. Senate Bill 838 has bipartisan support and is co-sponsored by Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland. Other co-sponsors include Sens. Kahn, Sanborn, Gilbert, Pappageorge, Richardville, Brown, Allen, Barcia, and Van Woerkom.  [more]

LEGISLATION ADDRESSING MORTGAGE INDUSTRY TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE Reform package requires registration of mortgage loan officers  [more]

SEN. CASSIS DEMANDS THAT THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE ALLOW A VOTE ON CONTINUATION BUDGET Last week, the state Senate passed a continuation budget to prevent a state government shutdown. Today, Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, offered the following statement on inaction by the state House and the governor:  [more]

CASSIS FIGHTS TO REINSTATE PROGRAM TO SAVE VALUABLE EDUCATION DOLLARS State Sen. Nancy Cassis fought successfully in the Senate on Thursday to reinstate a program that will help ensure early education achievement for Michigan students without costing the state more money.  [more]

SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BILL PROVIDING FUNDS TO IMPROVE LOCAL TRAILS The state Senate today unanimously passed legislation granting nearly $700,000 to Milford Township and the village of Milford to fund the development of a trail through two local parks, announced Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS INTRODUCES BILL REQUIRING BUDGET STABILIZATION FUND BALANCE TO TRIGGER THE STATE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT State Sen. Nancy Cassis today introduced a bill requiring that Michigan's Budget Stabilization Fund have a balance of $250 million before the state's new Earned Income Tax Credit would go into effect.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS INTRODUCES PREVAILING WAGE BILL AS PART OF LARGER REFORM EFFORTS State Sen. Nancy Cassis has introduced legislation that will suspend the prevailing wage law in Michigan whenever the state's unemployment rate exceeds the national unemployment rate, citing the measure as another element to an overarching reform initiative.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS HOSTS LOCAL "DAY AT THE CAPITOL" WINNER State Sen. Nancy Cassis on Wednesday welcomed to the Capitol Eeshwar Sundararaju, winner of a "Day at the Capitol" prize for outstanding achievement on a school project.  [more]

HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES CASSIS BILL PROTECTING RESIDENTS WHO LIVE ON GRAVEL ROADS Legislation allowing some dirt and gravel roads to retain their lower speed limits passed out of a House committee without opposition today, said bill sponsor Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF HISTORIC AGREEMENT TO REPLACE THE SBT `The Michigan Business Tax strengthens the backbone of our economy, while leaving more of our taxpayers' hard-earned dollars in their pockets'  [more]

CASSIS' "GOOD BUILDERS" LEGISLATION PASSES OUT OF HOUSE COMMITTEE The House Committee on Commerce today unanimously passed bills sponsored by Sens. Nancy Cassis and Ray Basham that will protect and advance the professionalism, ethics and integrity of the residential building industry while giving consumers greater confidence and security in those they hire. The legislation represents two years of work in a bipartisan effort to make Michigan citizens more secure in hiring builders.  [more]

CASSIS BILL WILL OPEN DEBATE ON MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT FUTURE State Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced legislation on Thursday to open employment to workers without having to join a union as a prerequisite for being hired.  [more]

SEN. CASSIS ANNOUNCES A HISTORIC AGREEMENT ON SBT REPLACEMENT `Today's agreement will help us reach the goals that guided the replacement process since day one'  [more]

SEN. CASSIS ANNOUNCES A HISTORIC AGREEMENT ON SBT REPLACEMENT 'Today's agreement will help us reach the goals that guided the replacement process since day one'  [more]

LOCAL CONTROL AND AN INFORMED PUBLIC GO HAND IN HAND Cassis bill would inform citizens of top public-school-employee salaries  [more]

SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES CASSIS BILL PROTECTING RESIDENTS WHO LIVE ON GRAVEL ROADS Legislation allowing some dirt and gravel roads to retain their lower speed limits unanimously passed the Senate today, said bill sponsor Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

CASSIS BILL PROTECTING RESIDENTS WHO LIVE ON GRAVEL ROADS PASSES OUT OF COMMITTEE The Senate Transportation Committee reported out Senate Bill 117 on Tuesday with the recommendation that it pass, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, sponsor of the legislation. SB 117 will allow dirt and gravel roads in Oakland County that had 25-mph speed limits posted before November 9, 2006 to retain those speed limits.  [more]

SENATE PASSES BIPARTISAN "GOOD BUILDERS" LEGISLATION The Senate today unanimously passed bills sponsored by Sens. Nancy Cassis and Ray Basham that will protect and advance the professionalism, ethics and integrity of the residential building industry while giving consumers greater confidence and security in those they hire.  [more]

FEDERAL COURT UPHOLDS CASSIS LAW ON OUT-OF-STATE WASTE State Sen. Nancy Cassis said today she is pleased with the ruling by the U.S. District Court in Detroit earlier this week upholding a law she sponsored tightening restrictions on out-of-state waste.  [more]

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO HEAR TESTIMONY ON HOUSE PROPOSAL FOR SBT REPLACEMENT The Senate Finance Committee this week will take testimony from the public on the House proposal to replace the Single Business Tax-House Bills 4367, 4369, 4370 and 4371, said the chair of the committee, Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

CASSIS LEGISLATION REQUIRES CHILDREN ENTERING KINDERGARTEN TO BE 5 YEARS OLD BY SEPTEMBER 1 State Sen. Nancy Cassis has introduced Senate Bills 474 and 475, which would require children to be 5 by September 1 of the year they enter kindergarten. Currently a student must be 5 by December 1 to start school.  [more]

IMPROVED BEST PLAN PASSES SENATE Business and Economic Stimulus Tax enjoys broad business support  [more]

SEN. CASSIS SPEAKS AT NOVI GROUNDBREAKING FOR ITC HEADQUARTERS Electric transmission company expected to bring more than 300 jobs to Michigan  [more]

SEN. CASSIS HOSTS WEST BLOOMFIELD TEACHERS AND STUDENTS Students and teachers from Learning Circle Academy in West Bloomfield attended the Senate session today as guests of Sen. Nancy Cassis.  [more]

CASSIS LEGISLATION PROTECTS CONSUMERS PURCHASING GIFT CARDS State Sen. Nancy Cassis introduced legislation today limiting the restrictions retailers can place on gift cards.  [more]

IMPROVED BEST PLAN MOVES CLOSER TO PASSAGE State Sen. Nancy Cassis announced today that improvements have been made to the Business and Economic Stimulus Tax (BEST) plan and it has moved one step closer to jump-starting and diversifying Michigan's economy, making the state more competitive and more attractive to businesses, and providing a long-term solution for economic growth.  [more]

TWO OAKLAND COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $500,000 IN TRANSPORTATION GRANTS The city of South Lyon and the village of Holly have been awarded more than $500,000 in federal Transportation Enhancement funding to construct streetscapes, said state Sen. Nancy Cassis. The projects, which will break ground during the 2007 construction season, are designed to beautify the communities and promote the use of non-motorized trails.  [more]

SENATE COMMITTEE HEARS TROUBLING TESTIMONY FROM OAKLAND COUNTY BUSINESS COMMUNITY ON GOVERNOR'S TAX PLAN Small-business owners, executives and job providers testified before the Senate Finance Committee today and said they think the governor's proposed 2-percent tax on services-a $1.5 billion tax increase-would further damage the state's economy and businesses' ability to hire employees.  [more]

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY THAT THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED $1.5 BILLION TAX HIKE WILL CRIPPLE JOB PROVIDERS AND DEBILITATE THE ECONOMY Small-business owners, executives and job providers testified before the Senate Finance Committee today and said they think the governor's proposed 2 percent tax on services-a $1.5 billion tax increase-could further damage the state's economy and have potentially a devastating effect on their ability to hire employees.  [more]

CASSIS QUESTIONS THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL TO REPEAL CRITICAL EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM Sen. Cassis: Shutting the door of opportunity would be a 'grave mistake.'  [more]

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY THAT THE REPUBLICANS’ BUSINESS TAX REPLACEMENT IS THE BEST OPTION Representatives of business groups testified before the Senate Finance Committee today and said they think the Senate Republicans' proposed business tax replacement is the fairest of all the plans and that they cannot support the governor's 2007 proposal and its accompanying tax increases.  [more]

SENATE FINANCE CHAIR CASSIS: STATE MUST PREVENT TAX FRAUD AND ENSURE ALL TAXES ARE BEING COLLECTED The Senate Finance Committee today heard testimony regarding the state’s progress in collecting millions of dollars in tax revenue, said Sen. Nancy Cassis, committee chair.  [more]

TAX GUIDES AVAILABLE FROM SENATOR CASSIS State Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, announced today that copies of the latest Michigan Taxpayer’s Guide are available.  [more]

STATE NEEDS TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS REASONS TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN TAX COLLECTION Senate Finance Committee Chair Nancy Cassis said today it is vital that Michigan citizens have confidence that all taxes are properly collected according to the law. Otherwise, those who do comply are subsidizing those who are not paying their fair share.  [more]

‘BEST’ PLAN APPROVED BY SENATE PANEL: SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE SENDS ‘BEST’ PLAN TO FULL CHAMBER Sen. Finance Committee sends ‘BEST’ plan to full chamber  [more]

KEEP US SAFE! - BILLS INTRODUCED IN LEGISLATURE TO PROTECT RESIDENTS ON GRAVEL ROADS Sen. Nancy Cassis and state Reps. John Stakoe and Jim Marleau today announced legislation in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature to protect citizens who live on gravel roads by allowing local governments to oversee changes in speed limits. The bills mirror a safety proposal vetoed by the governor last year.  [more]

COME HOME TO MICHIGAN: CASSIS INTRODUCES THE "BEST" ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN After three years of listening to the needs of Michigan families and job providers, Sen. Nancy Cassis has introduced a business and economic development package that positions Michigan as home to new businesses of every size and structure. The bills are known as the Business and Economic Stimulus Tax (BEST).  [more]

CASSIS, BISHOP OPPOSE GOV.’S BONDING VETO A recent gubernatorial veto is a hit on the pocket book of Michigan taxpayers, says Senate Finance Committee Chair Nancy Cassis (R-Novi).  [more]

NANCY CASSIS SWORN IN AS SENATOR FOR 15TH DISTRICT Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, was part of today’s swearing-in ceremony at the state Capitol with Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Clifford Taylor administering the oath of office.  [more]

CASSIS' 'GOOD BUILDER' BILLS REJECTED BY GOVERNOR Bipartisan package would have helped ensure building code compliance  [more]

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