Advocacy Update

Written by Forrest Wall, CAE, Staff Vice President and Industry Relations

Wanted: Locations To Place Campaign Signage
Candidates for elected office are always seeking high visibility locations for political signs. Our industry is in a unique position to fulfill this need given the prime locations of property owned by members. As a part of our grassroots political relations program, AAM is asking for your assistance by letting us know where you have property that you would be willing to allow candidate signage to be placed.

AAM is developing a master list of such locations to act as a conduit between the industry and politicians.

You will not be solicited directly by the candidates, as the Association will be the intermediary, and you will have final approval before signage is placed. This initiative gives our organization another opportunity to develop relationships with legislators beyond campaign contributions. For more information contact me at 248-862-1004, or e-mail me potential locations via forrestw@builders.org.

 Action on Apartment Inspection Reform Legislation Proceeds
As many of you are aware, Senate Bill 1168, sponsored by Senator David Robertson (R-26th District) at the request of AAM, addresses numerous problems apartment owners are currently encountering with local inspection programs. The bill calls for limits on inspection and registration fees, extension of inspection timeframes, and application of the law to townships. On September 10, AAM participated in a meeting with Senator Robertson and representatives of the Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA), the Michigan Municipal League (MML), and the Michigan Townships Association (MTA). AAM Officer Allen Amber of Amber Properties, along with myself, presented AAM’s position on the amendments proposed in the bill, and heard the concerns of local government presented by MML and MTA staff. As of this writing, a hearing on SB 1168 before the Senate Local Government & Elections Committee was being scheduled for late September. Stay tuned …

Fall Protection Transition Period Extended to December 15, 2012
MIOSHA has extended the transitional enforcement policy for the new residential fall protection rule from a deadline of September 15, 2012 to December 15, 2012. This is the fourth extension of this policy in an effort to allow the residential construction industry adequate time to comply. Under the new rule, employees engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems or a personal fall arrest system unless there is an approved alternative fall protection measure. In order to receive approval for an alternative, the employer must demonstrate that the standard fall protection measures are infeasible or create a greater hazard.

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