1/31/11 - A local legislator has introduced bills that would protect local units of government from unfunded state mandates. State Representative Cindy Denby of Handy Township says the legislation will prevent local governments and school districts from having to enforce unfunded mandates, which cause financial strain and make it more difficult to provide necessary services including public safety. A final report from the Legislative Commission on Statutory Mandates estimates that in 2009, the state under-funded local units of government by as much as $2.9 (B) billion. The package of bills has been referred to committee. It would create a local government mandate panel to ensure compliance with the law, require the state to finance costs incurred by schools and local units of government in carrying out state mandates and expedite cases where local units of government appeal an unfunded mandate. (JM)