Peggy Haw Jury 2005-2006 MACPA Chair of the Board

The laws under which a CPA’s professional livelihood exists are created by the 148 state legislators in Lansing and enforced by multiple state agencies. Positive relationships and open channels of communication at this level are imperative to the effective protection and advancement of the integrity of the CPA designation. Case in point: the recent adoption of accounting reform legislation (see Accountancy Reform Enacted). 

The MACPA Legislative Advisory Group and other member volunteers played a critical role in the passage of this significant accountancy reform. Our top priority was ensuring the ultimate results embodied the interests of the CPA profession and of the public. Key provisions of this initiative drastically increase the enforcement of unlicensed practice laws, require peer review as a condition of licensure, provide whistleblower protection for CPAs and help to align Michigan with other licensing jurisdictions.

The next step is for the State of Michigan to amend the administrative rules regulating CPAs to align them with the new laws. Again, through our established relationships and lines of communications, the MACPA will be at the table. Just like we were in recent years with the successful passage of the major tort-reform initiative, Privity, and enacting LLP and LLC laws, to name a few.

It’s important for members to realize that not all of the results of our government affairs efforts are so visible and tangible. Sometimes, as a result of the work by our legislative team – our Legislative Advisory Group, government relations staff, lobbyist, grassroots involvement and our Political Action Committee – it’s the things that don’t happen that are important.

Imagine…

… a situation in Michigan where provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, such as scope of services restrictions, are no longer limited to publicly held companies. Imagine the impact on both firms and private companies in Michigan if you could no longer provide any other services to audit clients. No such regulation has even been introduced in Michigan, in part due to the fact that MACPA’s legislative team ensures the profession has a seat at the table when the discussions turn to accounting reform.

… a situation in Michigan where the state sales tax is expanded to include professional services. Given the state’s budget scenarios over recent years, this idea has been contemplated on countless occasions. No such proposal has gotten “traction” in Michigan – and as you know, it is the MACPA legislative team ensures the profession has a seat at the table when discussions turn to tax reform.

Legislation was introduced in Michigan this session to return to the old “reasonable foreseeability” standard in regards to professional liability for CPAs. This legislation didn’t make it very far, thanks to the MACPA legislative team who works to represent you at the table when discussions turn to professional liability.

Your involvement and support of our advocacy is critical – both to uphold the integrity of our profession and to protect the public interest. While this message isn’t meant to be a PAC appeal, your contributions do help strengthen our “voice” for appropriate legislation in Lansing by putting our money behind our words.

Any time you have a question or concern about our advocacy efforts, or if you want to get more involved, please feel free to e-mail me or CEO Peggy Dzierzawski.

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