• 213 members of the House of Representatives “termed-out.” Combine this with the current 110 serving, and it totals 323 different members of the State House.
• 35 members of the Senate “termed-out.” Combine this with the 38 members currently serving, and that’s 72 different members of the Senate.
• Two Governors (John Engler and Jennifer Granholm), two Lt. Governors (Dick Posthumus and John Cherry), two Attorney Generals (Jennifer Granholm and Mike Cox) and two Secretaries of State (Candice Miller and Terri Lynn Land).

That’s 403 office-holders since 1998.

During the same 10-year time span, the MACPA has faced dozens of issues on behalf of Michigan’s CPA profession – some on offense and some on defense – including:

• Simple Majority Firm Ownership
• 150 Hours
• Privity
• Post Sarbanes-Oxley Reform (mandatory peer review, whistle-blower protection, etc.)
• License Mobility
• Service Tax
• Audit Partner/Firm Rotation Requirement
• Tax-Preparer Licensure/Registration
• Professional Liability Issues

The November 2010 election will be the most significant yet for Michigan. Estimates place the number of new faces coming to Lansing in January of 2011 as high as 100.

• All 38 members of the Senate are up for election; 29 members are “termed-out” and cannot return to office.
• All 110 members of the House of Representatives are up for election; 33 members are “termed-out” and cannot return to the House. Additionally, a large number of House members (both those termed-out and those allowed to re-run for the House) will likely vacate their House seats for a run at the Senate.
• The Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State are up for election.

During these next several years, Michigan’s CPA profession will continue to confront numerous issues, including, but probably not limited to, the following:

• Continued proposals to create a regulatory or licensure structure for commercial tax preparers
• Emergence of efforts to expand Michigan Sales & Use Tax to include certain services
• Expansion of professional liability

2010 is also a census year. As a result, the State House, State Senate and U.S. Congressional district lines will be re-drawn in 2011 and applied during the 2012 election. What does this mean? The redistricting process is essentially “controlled” by the political party in power, therefore impacting elections for the next decade.

The MACPA’s ability to effectively advocate on behalf of the state’s CPA profession is largely based on the relationships developed with office-holders. To ensure a continuation of the MACPA’s success in advancing the profession’s legislative agenda and protecting the integrity of the CPA designation, we must have member involvement during this crucial time.

How?

Grassroots Initiatives: Throughout the year, MACPA facilitates meetings between legislators and constituents, giving member CPAs an opportunity to sit down with their State Representative or Senator and discuss issues related to the profession and other general business topics. When the MACPA Government Relations team calls and asks for your participation, say “yes."

Political Action Committee (PAC): Utilizing voluntary donations from MACPA members, the Association distributes campaign contributions to various elected officials who have demonstrated support of initiatives that protect and advance the integrity of the CPA designation. PAC contributions also help us gain significant access to these lawmakers when a concern may arise that could negatively affect the profession. The MACPA PAC is tentatively budgeted to expend nearly $150,000 between now and next November…and the PAC needs your help. Contribute online now at www.michcpa.org/pac.

State Keyperson Program: Politically-inclined MACPA members with close personal or professional relationships with state and federal lawmakers are essential to the advocacy process. Acting on behalf of the Association, Keyperson volunteers are integral in communicating with and providing technical assistance to government officials. Members interested in becoming a State Keyperson may volunteer online or by contacting the MACPA Government Relations Department at 248. 267.3730.

The MACPA’s success in the government relations and regulatory affairs arena is completely contingent on member participation. For more information, visit www.michcpa.org/gov or call 248.267.3700.



Top