NEW ECONOMY COMMISSION

House Bill 6242

Sponsor:  Rep. Ed Clemente

Committee:  New Economy and Quality of Life

Complete to6-14-10

A SUMMARY OF HOUSEBILL 6242 AS INTRODUCED6-8-10

The bill would create the New Economy Commission with the Executive Office of the Governor.

Among other things, the duties of this commission would include developing a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the new economy inMichigan and to promote through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices.  The commission is also charged with developing a strategic vision forMichigan that includes economic development, international issues, outdoor recreation, land use, transit, and green initiatives.  (The full list of duties is described later.)  The term "new economy" is not defined in the bill.

Membership

The commission would have 23 members.  They would include the president of the Michigan Strategic Fund, the director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the director of the State Transportation Department, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  (Each could instead appoint a designee.)  The other members would be appointed by the Governor, as follows:  one member of the State House of Representatives from a list of two or more selected by the Speaker of the House, one member of the State Senate from a list of two or members selected by the Senate Majority Leader, and one member each to represent new economy businesses, cultural institutions, institutions of higher education, regional economic development, small businesses, young professional organizations, leadership organizations, business media, foundations, early state business financing, and municipalities (cities, villages, and townships).  Four other members would be appointed "at large."  Members would serve for four years, although the first set of appointees would serve staggered terms.  Membership would have to be representative of the state "geographically, racially, and with regard to gender."

The Commission would be subject to the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.  It would have to meet at least quarterly and could meet more frequently at the call of the chair (elected by the members) or if requested by at least 10 members.

Duties and Responsibilities

The bill lists the following tasks for the Commission:

** Develop a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the new economy inMichigan and to promote through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices.

** Research and evaluate studies conducted to locate and identify best practices that easily transfer to Michigan.

** Provide recommendations on restructuring economic programs within state government to enhance new economy efforts

** Provide strategies and propose legislation, if necessary, to provide linkage between programs to enhance the new economy.

**Establish metrics to measure the effect of the new economy on other sectors of the economy by developing and conducting extensive statewide research and creating a database from the results.

** Foster education and workforce development in the new economy sector by stimulating efforts to develop career pathways for new industries.

** Research the potential for an online resource directory, including the development and promotion of a web-based resource highlighting the new economy and its member companies and organizations.

** Research the potential for a comprehensive communications program targeting member communities, organizations, stakeholders, and interested parties, including the promotion of networking across the new economy sector.

** Research methods to brandMichigan as a new economy leader.

** Develop a strategic vision forMichigan that includes economic development, international issues, outdoor recreation, land use, transit, and green initiatives.

Reports

The Commission would have to report to the Governor the results of its investigations and studies, and any recommendations for legislation (with drafts), byJuly 1, 2011.  Also, the Commission would have to submit annually, before December 1, a written report of its activities during the previous fiscal year to the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate.  The report would have to include recommendations to the Governor on proposed changes to this new act or any other statute or rule necessary to promote the new economy.

The new act created by the bill would be repealed as ofOctober 1, 2015.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There would be an indeterminate amount of costs to the state as the bill requires reimbursing members for expenses they incur in performing their duties.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.