NEWS
NATO of Michigan’s lobbyist, Karoub Associates, monitors all relevant legislation, keeps members apprised of happenings, and issues calls to action when advocacy is needed. Bookmark and come back to this page often to stay up-to-date on vital information.
APRIL
24
2024
Film Tax Credit Bills Pass House Committee
By a vote of 10-0, with two members abstaining, the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee approved the bipartisan Multimedia Jobs Tax Credit package on April 23, sending it to the House floor. House Bills 5907-5908 would make transferrable, nonrefundable income tax credits (not refunds)—ranging from 30% to 10%—available to companies that produce qualified productions in Michigan. To earn qualified status, a production must have been created wholly or partially in Michigan.
MARCH
1
2024
Education Scholarship Applications Due May 5
Scholarship applications from employees of NATO of Michigan member theaters are being accepted through May 5. Up to three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to help college, university, or trade school students with education costs. The NATO of Michigan Scholarship Program is 100% funded by NATO of Michigan members. MORE INFORMATION
FEBRUARY
7
2024
House Panel Hears Film Tax Credit Bills
On February 6, the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee held a hearing on the “Multimedia Jobs Tax Credit," which would be beneficial to movie theaters. House Bills 5907-5908 would, among other things, create a transferable income tax credit available to media companies making “qualified productions” in Michigan. NATO of Michigan Executive Director Matt Breslin attended the hearing and submitted a card of support on behalf of the association. LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS
JANUARY
4
2024
Paid Family Leave Bills Introduced in House and Senate
Identical bills aimed at updating family leave policies and coverage were introduced in the Michigan House and Senate in 2023. House Bills 4574-4575 and Senate Bills 332-333 call for establishing a state-level paid insurance program that, among other things, provides up to 15 weeks of paid leave, expands the list of qualifying paid leave events, and requires all employers to contribute to the program. The bills remain in committee.
JANUARY
3
2024
Minimum Wage Increase Effective January 1
Effective January 1, 2024, Michigan's minimum wage increased from $10.10 to $10.33 per hour, as mandated by the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018. The minor minimum wage (85% of the standard minimum wage) increased to $8.78 per hour. The hourly training wage for newly hired emloyees, aged 16-19, for the first 90 calendar days of empoyment remained at $4.25.