Michigan Septic Tank Association | Summer 2025

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From the President

The summer is in full swing, and I hope this newsletter finds you well. I’m sure we’re all busy and playing catch-up every day. The weather this year seems to have been a little more damp than usual with rain almost every day it seems. But as we all know, winter will be here before we know it and the slower times and the stress of slower workloads will be right in our face.

With all that said, fall is right around the corner which means another interesting MSTA meeting. This fall, our meeting will be held at National Vacuum Equipment (NVE) again who, as we all know, provides a great facility and a great lunch. We sure appreciate our partnership with NVE ! This meeting will be on October 11 and hopefully you will be able to join us. The registration will be coming soon and it is free to attend for MSTA Members and a $200 charge for non-MSTA Members.

Yes, I’m sure you all can imagine planning for the MSTA Annual Conference which takes place in February is already in full swing. The dates for our conference are February 10-12, 2026, and will be held at Soaring Eagle Resort in Mount Pleasant. More information about the conference will be emailed soon and on our website in the fall.

If any of you have not had a chance yet, please check out the new MSTA website that is up and running and remember, our new name is the Michigan Septic Trade Association. Any information about meetings, conferences or industry information will be on the website.

Lastly, I hope all of you are having a great summer and enjoying the weather that Michigan brings us and I look forward to seeing many of you in the Fall in Traverse City.

Thank You, Rick Throop

MSTA President

Rick Throop

MSTA President

Meet your 2025 MSTA Board of Directors

President

Rick Throop

Woods-Utica Septic Service

Vice President

Jason Spangle Esch Septic Service

Secretary

Dervin Witmer Dig-It Excavating

Treasurer

Tom Schunk County Wide Septic LLC

Directors

Ryan Carey Sodergren Septic

Casey Fiedler

Michigan Well & Septic Inspections

Lynden Johncock Williams and Bay Pumping Services

Danielle Gerdes Scott’s Excavating

Randy Redmer

Michigan Waste and Environmental Services

Chris Sloan

Sloan’s Septic Tank Service

Nick Routley Routley’s Inc.

Step Up and Lead: Join the Michigan Septic Trade Association Board of Directors

The Michigan Septic Trade Association (MSTA) exists to serve the professionals who keep Michigan’s onsite wastewater systems running cleanly, efficiently, and safely. We advocate for the industry, push for smart regulation, and provide education and resources that elevate everyone involved. But none of this happens without committed leadership behind the scenes—and that’s where you come in.

We’re calling on members who care about the future of this industry to step up and run for a seat on the MSTA Board of Directors.

Why Join the Board?

1. Shape the Future of the Industry

As a board member, you’ll have a real say in the direction of MSTA. Whether it’s legislation, education, or outreach, you’ll help decide what matters most and where we focus our energy and resources.

2. Advocate for What Matters

Policy is written by those who show up. Board members work directly with regulators and lawmakers to ensure our voices are heard and our interests are protected. If you’ve ever thought, “They should do something about this”—this is your chance to be the “they.”

3. Connect With Industry Leaders

Board service puts you in direct contact with a network of respected professionals from all over the state. You’ll gain insight, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities that can strengthen your business and your career.

4. Give Back and Build Respect

Serving on the board is a way to give back to the industry that’s given you a livelihood. It’s also a strong signal to your peers, employees, and clients that you’re committed to excellence and leadership.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need a fancy title or decades of experience. What you do need is:

• A passion for the septic industry

• A willingness to collaborate and communicate

• The time to attend a handful of board meetings a year and contribute meaningfully

• A drive to solve problems and move the industry forward

Ready to Lead?

If you’re ready to do more than just watch from the sidelines, we want you on the team. Nominate yourself or a respected peer today. The only requirement is that you must be the main member of your organization.

Whether you’re looking to make a difference, grow professionally, or both—board service is a powerful step forward. If you are interested or just need more information, email Karlyn Wickham, MSTA Executive Officer, at executiveofficer@msta.biz.

This is your industry. Help lead it. Join the MSTA Board of Directors.

MSTA FALL MEETING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT NATIONAL VACUUM EQUIPMENT IN TRAVERSE CITY

advocate. educate. collaborate. |

The Michigan Septic Tank Association is now…… The Michigan Septic Trade Association

The Michigan Septic Tank Association has changed its name to The Michigan Septic TRADE Association. This change is to allow us the flexibility to pivot the new stated purpose of MSTA into serving any septic trade related fields, such as: Design, Installation, O&M, Advanced Treatment, Pumping and Evaluations, as well as Portables, etc. We will continue to pursue the possibility of providing training and education in areas other than pumping as requirements arise and providing this service to our members as well as drawing prospective members.

Our slogan is: Advocate. Educate. Collaborate.

Advocate refers to our ongoing focus on changing legislation or laws that may affect our members, and our promise is to be a voice in our state and within the legislature through monitoring, lobbying and testimony to continue to pursue the best interests and success of our members.

Educate covers the aspect of our organizational focus to train and record continuing education credits and trends for our members.

Collaborate is the activity that we will always foster in all meetings and activities to facilitate strong ties within our membership and to encourage us all to be public health professionals within our communities, business ethics, practices and culture.

The abbreviation for the Michigan Septic Trade Association will still be MSTA. When writing checks to the association you can still use MSTA or change your accounts payable system to Michigan Septic Trade Association.

Below is a sneak peek at the new website

Location: Soaring Eagle Resort, Mt. Pleasant MI

Date: February 10-12, 2026

2026 MSTA Annual Conference Registration Form

Location: Soaring Eagle Resort, Mt. Pleasant MI

Date: February 10-12, 2026

USE THIS FORM FOR CHECK PAYMENT ONLY. OTHERWISE REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW. MSTA.BIZ

COMPANY NAME:

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________

CITY: ________________________________________ STATE: _______ ZIP: ___________

EMAIL ADDRESS: ______________________ (required) PH # : _____________________ (required)

REGISTRATION FEES

Member price: (circle one)

$175 per person* before January 1

$205 per person* after January 1

Non-Member price: (circle one)

$450 per person* before January 1

$480 per person* after January 1

I will be attending the following days:

 Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

* includes all meals and 1 banquet ticket for Annual Banquet on Wednesday night

Additional People attending from same company:

NAME: _____________________________________________ (circle) Tues, Wed, Thurs

NAME: _____________________________________________ (circle) Tues, Wed, Thurs

NAME: ____________________________________________ (circle) Tues, Wed, Thurs $________________

NAME: _____________________________________________ (circle) Tues, Wed, Thurs

NAME: _____________________________________________ (circle) Tues, Wed, Thurs $________________

Each person registered gets 1 banquet ticket. If you would like additional banquet tickets for guests, enter the number of additional tickets you would like to purchase at $40 each.

Each person registered gets 1 banquet ticket. If you would like additional banquet tickets for guests, enter the number of additional tickets you would like to purchase at $40 each.

Additional Tickets ______________ X $40 each

Additional Tickets ______________ X $40 each $________________

TOTAL FEE

FEE

Make check payable to: MSTA and send to 1181 LaCosta Drive DeWitt, MI 4882 0

Make check payable to: MSTA and send to 1181 LaCosta Drive DeWitt, MI 4882 0

LOCATION

Michigan Septic Trade Association

2026 Annual Conference

Vendor and Sponsor Packet

Soaring Eagle Resort, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

DATE OF CONFERENCE

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at noon – Thursday, February 12, 2026 at noon

TIMELINE

Exhibit Set Up: Tuesday, February 10 8am – 11am.

Show Hours: Tuesday, Feb 10 11am – 6pm and Wednesday, Feb 11 8am – 6pm

Exhibit Tear Down: Wednesday after banquet or Thursday, Feb 12 8am – Noon

REGISTRATION

To register, go to www.msta.biz. Payment can be in the form of a check or credit card.

QUESTIONS?

For questions, email Karlyn Wickham at executiveofficer@msta.biz or call 989-808-8648.

PRICING

Sponsorships Conference ……………………………………………………………………………………………….$2,500

Meet and Greet Reception (Tuesday, Feb 10)……………………………………….……$1,500 Banquet Dinner (Wednesday, Feb 11)………………………………………………………..$1,500

Exhibit Booth(s)

6’ skirted table and 2 chairs within a 10’ wide X 8’ deep space with electric included. Cost of booth includes all meals for 1 person and admission to all presentations. The annual auction takes place at the Banquet on Wednesday night. There is a booth discount for those bringing an item for the auction with a value of $100 or more.

Booth cost w/ auction item………………………………………………………………………………$ 700 Booth cost without auction item ………………………………………………………………………$ 800

Additional person at booth ………………………………………………………………………………$ 200

THERE IS A $100 DISCOUNT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO EXHIBIT AND SPONSOR

SepticSmart Education Materials

There are challenges across the country due to improperly maintained or failing septic systems for many homeowners, local environmental groups, county health departments and local governments. EPA’s SepticSmart program aims to provide materials and resources to increase homeowner education on septic systems and promote awareness in caring for them.

SepticSmart education materials are targeted at homeowners but for use by anyone! These online resources may be downloaded, printed and shared as needed. Many of the materials are available in both English and Spanish and in some cases may be personalized by a business or local government.

Along with helpful hints and videos, there are mailers and brochures that can be customized with your company name. Simply customize, print and send to your customers or potential customers. These are professional looking that will make you look like you paid a lot of money for, but they are FREE.

For more information and educational materials, go to the Michigan Septic Trade Association’s website at www.msta.biz. Click on RESOURCES, then SEPTICSMART.

Get Ready For SepticSmart Week!

Legislative Report by Bill Lievense, Capitol Group Consultants LLC

Senator Seeks To Reboot Septic Code Legislation

MSTA representatives have attended multiple stakeholder meetings with the sponsor of last session’s septic code legislation, Senator Singh. Mr. Singh intends to reintroduce last year’s legislation later this year with updates from the work group. One key item MSTA is insisting on is representation on the proposed Technical Advisory Committee which will be working on rules to implement any new law that is enacted. Even though prospects are slim for a new septic code passing this session with a Republican controlled House of Representatives, MSTA remains engaged to ensure our interests are represented in any new draft legislation that may be considered now or in the future.

EGLE Budget Clears Senate With Placeholder For Septic Tank Map & Database

Governor Whitmer proposed a $7 million appropriation in her EGLE budge recommendation to fund a septic tank map and database. The placeholder is a $100 allocation that could be increased as the FY 25/26 budget moves through the legislative approval process.

Budget Negotiations Continue

Budget negotiations continue as the statutory deadline of July 1st has passed without any progress. Failure to mee the statutory deadline has no consequences, but a budget must be passed prior to the end of the state’s fiscal year on September 30, 2025 or the government will shut down under Michigan’s constitution. Republicans want to tie a long-term road funding plan to any new budget. Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has passed a $3.1 billion plan which would not increase taxes but rely on redirecting existing revenue including large economic development grants to businesses and eliminating the current Michigan Business Tax credits issued to various businesses. In contrast, Governor Whitmer has called for a $3 billion road funding plan that includes a new tax on marijuana, all taxes at the pump going to roads, redirecting $500 million in current spending and a mix of new tax and fee hikes---including an increase in the state’s Corporate Income Tax rate from 6% to 8%. In contrast, The business community has come out strongly against any proposed increase in the Michigan Corporate Income Tax (CIT). Also, concern has been expressed about the mass redirection of economic development incentive funds to the roads.

Revised Earned Sick Time & Minium Wage Laws Now In Effect For Large Employers/Effective October 1st for Small Employers of 10 Or Less

Recently enacted amendments to Michigan’s Minimum Wage and Earned Sick Time Act are in effect as of February 21, 2025 for large employers. Small employers of 10 or fewer employees have until October 1, 2025 to comply.

For further information, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, a webinar recording and required posters please go to: www.michigan.gov/leo, click on the search icon at the top right and enter “earned sick time act” in the search box. Then click enter for the search and you will see several items. The first item is the link to the Earned Sick Time web page.

Senate Democrats Reintroduce “Polluter Pay” Bill Package

Senate Democrats have reintroduced a package (SB 385, SB 391, SB 392, SB 393) of “polluter pay” bills that failed to pass in the last legislative session. The bills significantly amend Michigan’s Part 201 cleanup program and standards.

Hazardous Waste, TENORM & Solid Waste Tipping Fee Bills Clear Committee

A package of bills (SB 246 & SB 247) has been reintroduced that would require the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to prepare, adopt, and update every five years a comprehensive State Hazardous and Limited Activity Radioactive Material (LARM) Waste Management Plan. Until the plan was adopted, the bill would issue a moratorium on new licenses for the operation or expansion of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, and the moratorium would continue if a new or expanded facility would cause the total licensed capacity to exceed the current Plan’s limits. The bill also would prohibit further disposal in the State of specific concentrations of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM), which are natural radioactive materials whose concentrations have been increased by human activity. It would increase fees and surcharges for the disposal of specific hazardous waste and establish several funds for deposit of these fees for use in affected communities. SB 247 establishes a new host community fee for sites of hazardous injection wells. SB 246 increases the current solid waste tipping fee for solid waste from 36 cents to $1.20 per ton. The bills were reported out of the Senate Energy & Environment Committee on June 12th. Similar bills seeking to further regulate hazardous waste (HB 4389 & HB 4393) have been introduced in the House.

House Rules Committee Gets Regulatory Reform Report

A report from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs was presented to the House Rules Committee. The report outlined changes to cut regulatory structures for permitting and licensing rules. The effort is consistent with the Governor’s call for regulatory reform in her most recent State of the State address.

Bill To Allow Local Stormwater Utilities And Charge A Fee Reintroduced

Legislation (SB 441) was introduced to allow local units of government to set up local stormwater utilities and charge a fee. A similar bill died in the last legislative session.

County Road Association Pushes Road Usage Charge To Replace Motor Fuel Tax

The County Road Association is pushing for the enactment of a Road Usage Charge (RUC) to replace Michigan’s per gallon motor fuel tax. Four states (Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Hawaii) have enacted RUC programs, and fourteen other states have pilot programs. The County Road Association is pushing for a pilot program in Michigan.

Bills Supporting Anaerobic Digesters/Land Spreading Of Digestate Clear House Legislation (HB 4257 and HB 4265) amending Michigan’s solid waste law to support the use of anerobic digestors for management of waste have been passed by the Michigan House of Representatives. Presently, an anaerobic digester means a facility that uses microorganisms to break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing methane and an organic product. The legislation would instead provide that anaerobic digester means a facility used for anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion would then be defined as the use of microorganisms in a controlled environment to break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and another product. Anaerobic digester digestate, or simply, digestate, would mean the product, other than biogas, remaining after the anaerobic digestion is complete, whether or not any liquid portion and any solid portion have been separated. Finally, the bill would modify the definition of disposal area by specifying that a site at which anaerobic digester feedstock or digestate is managed in compliance with section 11568 of NREPA is not a disposal area (in accordance with provisions that would be added by House Bill 4265). See summary of HB 4257 and HB 4265

Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC

(continued on page 14)

advocate. educate. collaborate.

Bills To Expand Michigan’s “Bottle Deposit Law” Introduced

Senator Sean McCann has introduced legislation (SB 416 & SB 417) to put a measure on the 2026 ballot to expand Michigan’s bottle deposit law to non-carbonated beverages and reallocate the distribution of bottle deposit funds. There are specified exemptions for milk and certain other types of containers.

Bills To Amend “Independent Contractor” Definition Reported From Committee Senate Bill 6 would modify the definition of “independent contractor” in Michigan from the federally recognized “economic realities test “to the more liberal three pronged “ABC test.” The bill also includes language that imposes burdensome penalty provisions for any violations and wage transparency provisions for “similarly situated employees.” The bill was favorably reported out of the Senate Labor Committee on a party line vote with an amendment limiting the independent contractor definition change to apply only to the construction industry. Despite the change, business interests remain opposed to the bill as its scope could easily be changed in the future. SB 6 and SB 7 were reported out of the Senate Committee on Labor and are now on the Seante floor. A set of bills (HB 4322, HB 4323, HB 4324) with a similar objective has been introduced in the House.

Democrats Reintroduce Workers Compensation Reform Bills

Senators John Cherry and Mary Cavanaugh have reintroduced legislation (SB 74 & SB 75) to reverse 2011 laws and court precedents in workers compensation cases in favor of employers and support the interests of the trial lawyers.

Identity Theft Package Reported To Senate Floor

SB 359 would enact the “Personal Privacy Data Act” to establish consumers’ rights related to the collection and use of personal data. It also would establish requirements of collectors and processors of personal data. Among other requirements, a collector would have to obtain consent from a consumer before processing the consumer’s personal data and provide a privacy notice concerning the purpose of that data processing. The bill would allow the Attorney General and consumers to initiate civil actions for violations and would create the Data Broker Registry and two funds for administration of the bill’s provisions. The bill was introduced on June 10th, reported out of the Senate Finance, Insurance & Consumer Protection Committee on June 12. SB 360 would require private and State entities that had access to State residents’ personal information to maintain security procedures for the protection of that information. SB 361, SB 362, SB 363 and SB 364 revise references to identity theft protection in other existing Michigan laws.

Consumer Protection Expansion Legislation Passes Senate

Legislation (SB 134) introduced by Senator Sam Singh to expand the scope of Michigan’s consumer protection act to apply to corporations has passed the Senate The bill would roll back court interpretations of Michigan’s consumer protection law exempting certain commercial activities from coverage. The business committee opposes this legislation which was also introduced in the last legislative session.

Bills To Restrict Foreign Ownership Of Michigan Farmland Pass House

Two bills (HB 4233 and HB 4234) restricting a foreign person or principal of a “foreign country of concern” from ownership of Michigan farmland have passed the House. The bills also require registration of existing foreign land ownership. Additionally, there are provisions in the bills addressing foreign ownership of land within 20 miles of military bases and “key facilities” -----which under Michigan law includes a “chemical manufacturing facility.” The bills have been assigned to the Senate Operations Committee.

Republicans Introduce Bill Package To Repeal Energy Law Provisions On Renewable Energy & Energy Siting House Republicans have introduced a package of six bills (SB 322 to SB 327) to amend the 2023 energy law to revise the definition of renewable energy and restore local control over the siting of renewable energy projects. The bills were referred to the Senate Operations Committee where the Senate Democrat majority sends bills to die.

Nuclear Energy Bill Package Includes Hydrogen Education Initiative

A package of bills (HB 4124, HB 4125, HB 4126, HB 4127, HB 4128, HB 4129) to incentivize the development of nuclear energy in Michigan through a research & development tax credit for nuclear reactor technology, establish a nuclear and hydrogen education grant program, incentivize post-secondary graduates to work at Michigan nuclear facilities and provide a tax credit for sellers of electricity produced using nuclear energy has cleared both the House Energy and House Rules Committee and been reported to the House floor. HB 4124 would provide a tax credit for small modular reactor research & development expenses. HB 4025 would create a nuclear and hydrogen education grant program. HB 4126 creates a fund for a nuclear and hydrogen education grant program. HB 4127 provides a definition of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. HB 4128 provided a tax credit for advanced small modular-generated power. HB 4129 creates employment incentives for nuclear and hydrogen graduate attraction and retention.

Clean Carbon Utilization & Storage Bills Introduced

A package of bills (SB394, SB 395, SB 396) has been introduced to establish a regulatory mechanism for permitting and regulating the siting of carbon sequestration wells in Michigan and provide for delegation of authority from USEPA to Michigan for the program. The bills have been introduced and up for a first hearing before the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.

House And Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Bills Advance

Two bills (HB 4424 and HB 4425) have been introduced in the Michigan House to provide a tax credit of $1.50 per gallon for “sustainable aviation fuel.” The bills have strong bipartisan sponsors. HB 4424 provides for the tax credit. HB 4425 provides definitions of sustainable aviation fuel and other requirements. See summary. The bills were up for hearing before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on June Two companion bills in the Senate (SB 235 and SB 236) would allow up to $2 per gallon. The bills were reported out of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Agriculture on June 11th and passed the Senate on June 25th

Bills Introduced to Provide Incentives For Production of Biodiesel

A package of bills (HB 4721, HB 4722) have been introduced to provide incentives for the production and sale of biodiesel. Under the bills, a retail dealer may claim a credit against their income tax equal to the sum of the following:

(a) $0.02 per gallon of biodiesel blend of at least 6.0% biodiesel but not more than 9.0% biodiesel that the retail dealer sells and dispenses through metered pumps at the retail dealer’s motor fuel site during the tax year.

(b) $0.05 per gallon of biodiesel blend of at least 10% biodiesel but not more than 19% biodiesel that the retail dealer sells and dispenses through metered pumps at the retail dealer’s motor fuel site during the tax year.

(c) $0.07 per gallon of biodiesel blend of at least 20% biodiesel that the retail dealer sells and dispenses through metered pumps at the retail dealer’s motor fuel site during the tax year.

A $16 million cap is imposed on the annual amount of the credit. Under HB 4722, a producer of biodiesel in the state may claim a $0.02 per gallon credit up to a cap of 2 million.

Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC

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advocate. educate. collaborate.

Introduce your customers to simple septic financing

The Septic Replacement Loan Program

The Septic Replacement Loan Program , created in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Michigan Saves, provides low-interest financing to Michigan homeowners for the replacement of failing or nearfailing septic systems and connections to municipal sewer.

Becoming a Michigan Saves authorized septic installation contractor is simple. Give your customers accessible financing to replace their septic systems and invest in the sustained comfort of their homes.

Bill Would Prohibit Construction Of Wind Turbine In Great Lakes Legislation (HB 4709) to ban the construction of wind turbines in the Great Lakes has been introduced by Rep. DeBoer.

Attorney General Moves To Dismiss Lawsuit Aimed At Blocking Action Against Fossil Fuel Industry

Attorney General Dana Nessel solicited proposals from law firms to file a lawsuit against the fossil fuel industry related to adverse climate impacts. The federal Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to proactively block the State of Michigan from filing any lawsuit against the fossil fuel industry. In response, Nessel has filed a motion to dismiss the federal lawsuit since no action has been filed by the state at this time.

Attorney General Challenges Federal Order Keeping Consumers Plant Online

Attorney General is challenging a U.S. Department of Energy order to keep the Consumers Energy coalfired Campbell plant running for an additional few months to ensure sufficient electric generating capacity over the summer. The plant was scheduled to go offline at the end of May, 2025 pursuant to Consumers Energy’s integrated resource plan approved by the MPSC.

MPSC Orders Utility Reliability Improvements Following Audit

The MPSC has issued an order with specific recommendations as a follow up to a third-party audit of the major utilities’ performance.

MPSC Summer Outlook

The MPSC has released its Summer 2025 outlook with lower gasoline prices, higher electric rates and increased demand for natural gas.

DTE Files New Electric Rate Case Seeking $574 Million

Following the issuance of an order in its last rate case (U-21534) on January 23, 2025, DTE Energy filed a new electric rate case (U-21860 on April 4, 2025. The utility is asking for a revenue increase of $574 million.

Consumers Energy Files New Electric Rate Case Seeking $460 Million Increase

On June 2, 2025 Consumers Energy filed a new electric rate case (U-21870) calling for a revenue increase of $436 million.  The company is also requesting recovery of an additional $24.3 million for the distribution deferral through a 12-month surcharge. Consumers also notes in the filing that it plans to pursue recovery of costs for keeping the Campbell plant open as required under a recent Department of Energy order

POLITICAL NOTES:

Several Ballot Initiatives Likely for 2026 Election

Michigan voters are likely to see several initiatives on the 2026 ballot including:

• Initiative for “Ranked Choice” Voting by Rank MI Vote (referendum language approved)

• Proposal to ban political contributions from certain large companies (including major utilities) and those that hold or seek government contracts by Taking Back Our Power

• Expanded bottle deposit bill

• Rollback of recent minimum wage legislative changes for tipped work ers by Voters to Stop Pay Cuts (referendum language approved)

• Proposal to impose a 5% income tax surcharge on those earning $500,00+ ($1M per couple) to fund local education by Invest In MI Kids (referendum language approved)

• Proposal for 60% local tax approval/two-thirds vote for state tax increase more than 0.1%

Byrum Joins 2026 Secretary of State Race

Ingham County clerk Barb Byrum has entered the 2026 race for Secretary of State. Ms. Byrum is a former legislator.

Former Speaker Tom Leonard Joins 2026 Governor’s Race

Former House Speaker Tom Leonard has thrown his hat in the ring for the 2026 governor’s race. He joins current Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. John James and businessman Chris Swan son in the Republican primary race. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, current Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Marni Sawicki and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson are the announced Democrat candidates at this time. The current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.

Projected State Revenues Down/Jobless Rate Rises

The members of the state revenue estimating conference have revised their revenue projections for the 2025-2026 fiscal year estimating a $320 million decline from prior projections. The April jobless rate increased to 5.5% in April which is the second highest in the country after Nevada with 5.6%.

Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC

advocate. educate. collaborate. |

1181 LaCosta Drive DeWitt, MI 48820

www.msta.biz

2025-2026 Education Calendar

2025 MSTA Fall Meeting

Saturday, October 11

National Vacuum Equipment, Traverse City

Online registration coming in late summer

2026 MSTA Annual Conference

Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Thursday, Feb. 12

Soaring Eagle Resort, Mt. Pleasant Online registration for vendors coming soon Online registration for attendees coming in early fall

2026 MSTA Spring Meeting April – Date to be announced

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Michigan Septic Tank Association | Summer 2025 by Mitchell Graphics - Issuu