A new plan introduced by state Rep. Matthew Bierlein will provide needed information to cities, villages, townships and counties as they seek to understand how certain policies under consideration at the state level would impact their bottom line.

Bierlein’s House Bill 6255 requires the House Fiscal Agency and the Senate Fiscal Agency to include estimates and analyses of direct and indirect costs local governments would likely incur with bills or related state department or agency rules and regulations.

“Our local communities and those who lead them are sometimes caught off guard with financial impact when they’re faced with new state rules and responsibilities,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “Requiring these fiscal agencies at the state level to consult directly with local government representatives ensures that cost estimates are there and they reflect real-world, on-the-ground experience rather than assumptions made in Lansing. This transparency gives legislators better information before voting on an issue and helps local governments plan for the impact of state policy decisions. That’s what our communities deserve.”

Prior to serving in the Legislature, Bierlein served as a Tuscola County commissioner from 2013 to 2019, acting as vice-chair of the board and co-chair of the finance committee. He noted that his new plan does not change any policy, program or funding formula. It merely will provide additional clarity for new ones going forward as they work their way through the legislative process.

The local cost estimates will be derived through consultations with representatives of affected local governments who have direct and in-depth knowledge of costs that would be involved with providing required services.

HB 6255 was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.