County lobbyist reports wins in Lansing, flags unfunded mandates and MEDC uncertainty
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Summary
Graham Filler of McKelvey & Associates told commissioners the recently enacted state budget included wins for Kalamazoo County, credited local outreach, and warned that unfunded mandates — including MS4 stormwater compliance and proposed MDHHS procurement changes for PIHPs — could place heavy costs on local governments.
Graham Filler of McKelvey & Associates, the county’s Lansing lobbyist, updated the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 about the recently enacted state budget and ongoing policy matters that could affect county operations.
Filler said Kalamazoo County’s outreach and legislative relationships helped protect the county’s revenue‑sharing interests during a difficult budget process and that some relief for prosecutors and other county priorities were included in the final package. He encouraged commissioners to continue outreach, including a proposed “Kalamazoo Day” at the state capital to press future appropriations requests.
Unfunded mandates and agency reviews
Filler highlighted three policy risks for the county:
- MS4 stormwater compliance. Commissioners and the lobbyist described MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) requirements as an unfunded mandate that is already imposing costs on townships, drain commissioners and municipalities. Commissioners reported small jurisdictions paying thousands for engineering and permit costs to meet new requirements.
- MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) review. Filler said parts of the legislature are skeptical of the MEDC and its grant programs; he has been meeting with MEDC on projects (including a prospective local expansion by Dura‑Shiloh) and advised commissioners to prepare appropriations and advocacy strategies for 2026 appropriations that could range from $1 million to $10 million for targeted projects.
- MDHHS/PIHP procurement and litigation. Commissioners flagged possible changes to how the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services structures PIHP procurement and privatization of some behavioral health functions; Filler said litigation and procurement questions are ongoing and that the county will need to monitor potential impacts to local mental‑health funding and delegated authorities.
Why it matters
Filler said local outreach produced tangible results in the state budget and urged continued commissioner involvement. Commissioners repeatedly described MS4 compliance and other unfunded requirements as a pressing local concern that could strain municipal budgets and require legislative solutions.
Speakers
- Graham Filler — Lobbyist, McKelvey & Associates (presented) - Vice Chair Pro Tem Christian Hepler — Kalamazoo County (asked follow‑up on MS4 and funding concerns) - Various commissioners — raised concerns about training mandates for public safety and local cost burdens
Next steps
Filler said he will follow up with administration on several items, meet with EGLE (the state environmental agency) to discuss MS4 enforcement and convene county partners for coalition building on unfunded mandates; commissioners asked staff to keep MS4, MEDC grant status and PIHP litigation on the tracking list.
Speakers (attributed)
- Graham Filler — McKelvey & Associates (lobbyist) - Vice Chair Pro Tem Christian Hepler — Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
