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Weights & Measures:
After
years of work, MGA was successful in convincing the
Michigan Department of Agriculture to utilize dry-used
tare inspection procedures as outlined in the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133
during routine surveillance activities. In addition, MGA
supported the first update of our state's weights &
measures laws in 20 years. Public Act 208 of 2002
adopts uniform national standards by incorporating by
reference the 2002 edition of NIST handbooks 44 and 130,
except where modified by rule.
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Clerk
Fines for Selling Alcohol to Minors:
MGA was successful in getting legislation passed that will
help retailers curb underage alcohol sales at their
stores. The original legislation was introduced at our
request to hold store cashiers/clerks accountable if they
were found guilty of selling alcohol to minors. Public
Act 725 of 2002 provides that action may not be taken
against a licensee unless action also is taken against the
clerk, agent, or employee who sold or furnished alcohol to
a minor. In addition, the cashier/clerk may be ordered to
pay a civil fine of not more than $100 if a violation
occurs as a result of an undercover sting operation. A
1995 law, also introduced at MGA's request, establishes
penalties for selling alcohol to underage customers.
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New
Driver's License Style:
Several years of meetings with legislators and
administrators led to a MGA victory in 2002 with the
passage of legislation that changes the driver's license
style of those under age 21. Public Act 553 of 2002
requires that a portrait-style (vertical) driver's license
or ID card be issued to anyone under age 21 beginning July
1, 2003. In addition, the dates on which minors turn 18
and 21 years of age will be published on the cards. The
taller ID of an underage shopper will be easier to
distinguish and will make the ID a more effective tool to
help clerks correctly identify minors and reduce illegal
sales of alcohol and tobacco products.
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Implementation of the 2000 Michigan Food Law continues:
MGA was the industry leader in passage and implementation
of this first major update of food laws in 30 years. The
new code better reflects today's modern food industry,
consumer preferences and the latest methods to prevent
foodborne illness. MGA's role in the original 2000
legislation was instrumental in eliminating duplicate
enforcement, clarifying regulations, and reducing punitive
fines. Since Sept. 11, 2001, increasing the security of
our food supply and guarding against bio-terrorism have
kept the issue in the forefront of state and national
attention.
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Resort
Liquor Licenses:
Resort SDD liquor licenses have proven to be an important
economic development and tourism tool in areas that
already have the maximum number of population-based SDD
licenses allowed by law. For years, MGA fought annually
for legislative renewal of 10 additional Resort licenses.
In 2002, we again succeeded in gaining legislative renewal
of a the two-year extension of the Resort license
allocation.
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Reimbursement for EBT Transactions:
The federal food assistance program (formerly Food Stamps)
is now distributed across Michigan via Electronic Benefit
Transfer (EBT). In Michigan, program recipients use a
state-issued Bridge Card to access benefits. MGA
successfully negotiated a transaction fee for retailers to
help alleviate the expense incurred with this new form of
electronic payment. For EBT transactions processed
between August 1, 2002 and July 31, 2003 the handling fee
is 1.5 cents.
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Pharmacy Dispensing Fees:
Working closely with other trade groups, MGA continues its
success in maintaining the Medicaid pharmacy dispensing
fee in the Michigan Department of Community Health's (MDCH)
budget. With growing pressure on the state budget, this
fee is always in jeopardy. MGA will continue its efforts
to secure this important cost reimbursement for its
pharmacy members.
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Support for Lottery Advertising:
MGA was instrumental in reversing legislative threats to
cut Michigan Lottery's advertising budget by more than
50% That effort will continue as program cuts and tax
increases are considered to help balance the overall state
budget. |
