Rep. Sean McCanns' Site Feed

McCann To Introduce Bill Expanding Penalties for Child Neglect

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:27:43 -0400

LANSING - State Representative Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) will introduce legislation that would set new penalties for people who neglect a child in their care if that child suffers harm as a result from being neglected. The bill, drafted in light of a tragedy in Kalamazoo in which three children, left alone, died in an apartment fire, would expand on existing child neglect laws that currently only protect children who are harmed after being left unattended in a vehicle.

“Whether a child is left alone in a car, apartment or any other location, they aren’t prepared to help themselves if a disaster strikes,” McCann said. “What is important is not where the tragedy happened, but that an adult responsible for their safety has let them down. This law would protect children no matter where they are.”

Under existing Michigan law, when a responsible adult is convicted of leaving a child, 6-years-old or younger, in a vehicle for a period of time that results in injury or death, the adult can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and be fined up to $10,000. After the tragedy in Kalamazoo, McCann learned that law doesn’t protect children left alone at home.

“Parents and guardians are trusted to make sure the children in their care are always safe from harm,” McCann said. “No one disputes that some terrible accidents happen, but leaving a child alone isn’t an accident. As a parent myself, I believe we have to do all we can to protect children. I look forward to working with legislators across the aisle to bring this protection to all kids in our state.”

Rep. Sean McCann speaks in support of SB 108

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:04:08 -0400

Rep. Sean McCann speaks in support of SB 108. This bill designates a portion of I-94 in Kalamazoo County as “Officer Eric Zapata Memorial Highway”.

Update from the Capitol

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:38:48 -0400

Welcome once again to my e-newsletter. I use these regular updates to keep you informed of the work I’m doing for you at the Capitol and here at home. I hope you find these updates helpful. It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve as your state representative.

Spring Listening Tour Announcement

I will be holding a series of events across the 60th District as part of my Spring Listening Tour. I want to hear from you about the issues facing our community you care about the most. I look forward to hearing your opinions on school funding, paying for college, changes to Michigan’s income tax code, road repair funding and other important matters. Please join me at my first event:

Thursday, April 4, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Eastwood Community Room
1211 Woodrow Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Legislative Update

Michigan 2020 Plan to Make College More Accessible

The Michigan 2020 plan, which would make it easier for more of Michigan’s young people to attend college, was recently introduced in both chambers of the legislature. The plan is based on the successful Kalamazoo Promise, which has helped so many students in our area reach their full potential by enabling them to earn the degrees necessary for economic success.

The importance of a college degree is critical, especially in this economic climate. It is well-known, and recently proven by a study by The Pew Charitable Trust, that college graduates have a lower unemployment rate than those with only a high school diploma. I am very proud to support the Michigan 2020 Plan and extend the opportunity for a college education to all deserving students in Michigan.

Bill Would Evaluate Corporate Tax Credits on the Basis of Job Creation

I recently introduced House Bill 4474, which would direct the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency to evaluate all potential legislation involving tax breaks for corporations. The agency would be directed to give each proposed change to the tax code a letter grade from “A” to “F.” The grades would be assigned to the proposal according to the rate of return per job created by the tax break.

Tax breaks can be useful tools if they help to create jobs for Michiganians. I believe Michigan taxpayers deserve to know if changes to Michigan’s tax code are worth it. My bill creates a simple, non-partisan, transparent “A-F” grading system for state tax credits that will tell the public how much it costs them when the state gives assistance in order to help create jobs.

Opposing the State Takeover of Local Schools

I recently voted against House Bill 4369, which would allow the governor-appointed Education Achievement Authority (EAA) to take over up to 50 troubled schools across the state. The EAA would then be allowed to turn over day-to-day operation of those schools to a for-profit or non-profit charter school corporation.

Since the EAA has been operating 15 schools in Detroit only since the start of the 2012-2013 school year, this educational experiment has not yet achieved proven results which warrant its expansion state-wide. I can’t support the rapid expansion of a system when we don’t even know if it works.

I am troubled that the schools under the EAA authority aren’t held to the same level of accountability as any other public school in Michigan. For example, the appointed members of the EAA board cannot be recalled if they do a poor job. An amendment was offered to put the EAA under the authority of the elected state Board of Education, but it was rejected. Another rejected amendment would require schools in the EAA system to hold monthly public meetings akin to local school board meetings.

I support school reform and I want to see our state’s most challenged schools perform better, but we have to approach education reform in a thoughtful way. The EAA is an unproven system that cannot be held accountable to voters, and that is why I voted no.

New Agency Aims to Protect Consumers, Support Insurance and Financial Industry

The new Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services opened on March 18. The agency, led by director Kevin Clinton, is charged with protecting consumers and providing oversight to banks, brokerages, mortgage lenders and insurance companies. The new agency replaces the previous Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation while adding new oversight responsibilities.

The insurance and financial sector employs more than 150,000 Michigan residents and generates $9 billion in payroll annually.

Among the tasks of the new agency are:

Expanding the former agency’s mission to include job creation through partnerships with the insurance and financial sectors
Allowing for the development of effective partnerships to address issues of insurance availability and affordability, including no-fault auto insurance and health care reform
Enabling direct advocacy and education of legislative proposals affecting the insurance and financial sectors
Enabling direct control of all aspects of programs designed to focus on consumer protection, education and outreach and senior issues.

Community Events

Thursday, April 4
My Spring Listening Tour
6-7:30 p.m.
Eastwood Community Room
1211 Woodrow Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Friday, April 5
Art Hop
Various locations
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo

Friday and Saturday, April 5 - 6
Battle of the Glassblowers
Friday 5-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-6 p.m.
I will be judging “Fastest Goblet” at 12:00 noon on Saturday
West Michigan Glass Art Center

Office Hours

Please visit me during my in-district office hours, which will be held on April 12, April 19 and April 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. at 315 N. Burdick St. in Kalamazoo. I look forward to talking with you about issues and concerns facing state government and to hear how I can be of service to you.

If you can’t make it to my office hours, please feel free to contact me toll-free by phone at (888) 833-6636 or by email at seanmccann@house.mi.gov.

Reps. Singh, McCann, Kandrevas Say Republicans Should Stay Out of University Negotiations

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:09:02 -0500

LANSING - State Representatives Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) and Andrew Kandrevas (D-Southgate) demanded today that Republican legislators step back and quit interfering with Michigan universities who are engaging in contract negotiations with their employees. The representatives all serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education which is currently hearing testimony from school officials.

“University administrators are in an ideal position to bargain with their employee groups during this time. The meddling of Republican leaders could be costing Michigan taxpayers an opportunity for real reforms and millions of dollars of cost savings,” said Singh, who is Democratic vice chairman of the subcommittee.

“The so-called ‘right-to- work’ law does not go into effect until the end of March, and schools and businesses have every right to negotiate or renegotiate any contract in their own time-frame,” said McCann. “Republicans legislators have no place inserting themselves into negotiations as universities try to get the best contract that will serve their employees and save taxpayer dollars.”

Republicans have complained about universities negotiating contracts ahead of this new law, which takes effect at the end of March. Several universities have stopped negotiations because Republican legislators have threatened to cut state funding for universities that ratify contracts ahead of the law’s implementation. They took issue with the contract reached legitimately between Wayne State University and its employees, which follows best practices by including a review process for tenured professors who may be having problems and long-term savings of more than $9 million in health care costs. Other schools, most notably Western Michigan University and Ferris State University, have backed away from their contract negotiations after Republicans threatened in the media that they would look at funding reductions for schools that negotiate contracts before the new law takes effect.

“House Republicans are practicing the worst kind of intimidation and, frankly, their actions have no place in a democracy and go against the freedoms that our country is built on,” said Kandrevas. “Republican legislators need to get out of the way and let our universities negotiate for best practices and taxpayer savings so that they can offer our students a world-class, affordable education.”

Rep. McCann's Statement on the Senate's Re-Introduction of the Michigan 2020 Plan:

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:40:00 -0500

“We cannot deny the importance of a college degree, especially in this economic climate. It is well known, and recently proven by a study by The Pew Charitable Trust, that college graduates have a lower unemployment rate than those with only a high school diploma. As a representative from Kalamazoo, I am very proud to support Sen. Whitmer’s re-introduction of the Michigan 2020 Plan. This plan was modeled after the Kalamazoo Promise, a program that has been extremely beneficial to the residents in my district. The Michigan 2020 Plan will help Michigan students reach their full potential by allowing them the chance to earn the degrees necessary for economic success. I am intimately aware of the positive impact the Kalamazoo Promise has had on Kalamazoo public school students, and I know the Michigan 2020 Plan will have a similar impact on students throughout Michigan.”

McCann Introduces Bills for Government Transparency, Closing Tax Loophole

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:53:52 -0500

LANSING — State Representative Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) has introduced two proposals that would make it easier for citizens to track their representative’s and senator’s attendance and voting records in the Legislature and end more than $12 million annually in tax loopholes for major oil companies such as BP and Exxon.

“Michigan’s voters deserve to know that the people they sent to Lansing are doing the job they were elected to do,” McCann said. “My proposal would make it easy for people to follow how their legislators vote and whether they even show up for session. Citizens entrust us to represent them, and they should be able to easily determine whether we’re holding up our end of the bargain.”

McCann’s other proposal would close tax loopholes for big oil companies. Ending the loopholes would bring in an additional $12 million annually. Those funds could be used to fix Michigan’s roads, rather than making Michigan’s families bear the expense. Specifically, the measure would eliminate the 1.5 percent “electronic transfer credit” from the state.

“While the need to repair Michigan’s roads and bridges is unquestionable, it’s not yet been determined how to pay for the $1 billion-plus project,” McCann said. “The governor has suggested that Michigan families pick up the tab through higher gasoline taxes and registration fees. But before we ask middle-class families to pay more, we should make sure that big corporations are paying their fair share.”

Rep. McCann: Veterans Can Apply for Critical Home Repair Assistance

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:43:58 -0500

KALAMAZOO — State Representative Sean McCann (Kalamazoo) urges families of veterans who need to make critical home repairs to apply for low-interest loans offered through Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity. The repairs must be needed to address health, life and safety issues, such as making homes wheelchair accessible, repairing structural problems, weatherization, plumbing or electrical upgrades or roof repair or replacement.

“This is a fantastic program that can help a family that has already sacrificed so much for our country,” McCann said. “It’s good to know that there are organizations out there willing to serve those who have already served our country and kept us all safe. Veterans who are in need of home repairs are encouraged to apply for this help.”

To be eligible, a military veteran must have been honorably discharged and his or her family must meet income guidelines that range from a maximum family income of $26,580 for an individual to $50,100 for a family of eight. The veteran doesn’t need to own the home, but it must be his or her primary residence. Participation also depends on a veteran’s ability to pay back the loan, willingness to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and show proof of paid property taxes and homeowners insurance.

“This is a valuable resource for veterans families in our area, and I’m glad to put the word out about this program,” McCann said. “I always want to do what I can to support the men and women who served our country.”

For more information, visit www.habitatkalamazoo.org or call Lorelene McLeary at 269-344-2443 ext. 211.

McCann: Governor's Budget Mostly Disappoints

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:47:11 -0500

LANSING — State Representative Sean McCann (Kalamazoo) said that Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed budget, unveiled today at a joint House-Senate Appropriations committee meeting, contained a few bright spots, but mainly disappoints the hard-working families, students and seniors of Michigan.

The proposed budget embraces President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act by accepting a Medicaid expansion and requesting funds for a health care exchange, but McCann said it fails to bring relief to struggling families whose state taxes increased over the past two years or restore funds taken during earlier cuts to education. Worse, the budget proposes new taxes on the middle class to pay for road repairs.

“I know that many families’ checkbooks have been adversely impacted by the governor’s policies of the past two years, and this budget does nothing to relieve that,” McCann said. “Instead, it proposes greater burdens, including a 14 cent-per-gallon increase in gasoline taxes and as much as an extra $118 per-year, per-vehicle registration fee increase.”

McCann said he was also troubled that the budget calls for no real changes to the revenue sharing the state gives to county and municipal governments. Flat revenue sharing means that locals will still struggle to provide police, fire, and other services to residents.

McCann said he agreed with the budget’s new and overdue emphasis on investment in early childhood education. Unfortunately, the rest of the budget pays lip service to overall to increases in educational funding. It fails to restore the nearly $2 billion in funding that has been cut from K-12 education and additional cuts to community colleges and places of higher education.

“The governor’s proposal continues to improperly raid dollars out of the School Aid Fund to help balance other areas of the budget rather than putting those dollars back in classrooms where they belong,” McCann said. “If we are serious about preparing our kids for the best jobs of tomorrow, we can’t cut corners on school and university funding.”

McCann Reintroduces Proposals to Protect Children, Increase Recycling

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:45:39 -0500

LANSING - State Representative Sean McCann (Kalamazoo) is reintroducing two bills to the Michigan Legislature today that would expand protection against child abuse and increase participation in the state’s beverage container recycling program.

The first proposal would make coaches and school volunteers mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse, just as teachers and counselors currently are.

“Responsible adults who children trust should be legally required to inform authorities when child abuse is suspected,” McCann said. “The sad example of child abuse that occurred at Pennsylvania State University over the span of decades could have been prevented if coaches were required to report suspected abuse. We must protect our children from predators.”

The other proposal would expand Michigan’s deposit recycling program to include all beverages other than milk that are sold in metal, plastic or glass containers of less than one gallon.

“Expanding the law to include these containers will go a long way in reducing pollution, reducing litter and conserving landfill space,” McCann said. “We know that the deposit recycling program has been a success for carbonated beverages. We should build on that success and protect even more of Michigan’s natural beauty.”

Rep. Sean McCann Announces His House Committee Assignments

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:00:12 -0500

LANSING — State Representative Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) will again serve on the House Appropriations Committee. He has been assigned to the Appropriations Subcommittees on Higher Education, Michigan State Police and Supplementals. McCann will serve as the minority vice chairman of the Michigan State Police and Supplementals subcommittees. He has also been named a member of the Michigan Capitol Committee.

“I’m ready to get to work on these important committees,” McCann said. “Setting the state budget is a critical task, as it determines how taxpayer dollars are spent. I will work hard to make sure that every dollar paid to the state by Michigan families goes to good use, and that their resources aren’t squandered.”

Now in his second term in the Michigan House of Representatives, McCann had lengthy experience in finance and governmental budgeting before arriving in Lansing. He served on the Kalamazoo City Commission for 10 years and was the director of financial development for the Greater Kalamazoo Area American Red Cross for nearly eight years. The Michigan Capitol Committee is charged with overseeing the maintenance of the Capitol building and grounds.

“The people of Michigan look to the Legislature to make wise decisions on important matters such as education funding and public safety,” McCann said. “I will always keep the needs of Michigan families in mind as we determine spending on higher education, the state police and other vital services.”