Upton Seeks To Prevent Change In MSA Definition

money-safe-262-24
money-safe-262-24

The federal Office of Management and Budget this week closed its public comment period on a possible change in the definition of a metropolitan statistical area, but Congressman Fred Upton was sure to send a letter to the agency’s director asking for the change not to be made. He tells us the OMB defines a metropolitan statistical area as an area with at least 50,000 people. It’s considering changing that to 100,000 people. That would dissolve the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA. Upton says having MSA designation is a major benefit because the federal government tracks economic data in MSAs.

“These census track studies actually influence everything from advertising dollars to health reimbursement dollars for our hospitals to highway funds,” Upton said. “It’s a whole number of different things where federal agencies have utilized this MSA information.”

Upton says if the area loses its MSA designation, it could see a real loss of spending that will go someplace else. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners this week sent a letter to the OMB opposing the rule change, and also signing Upton’s letter were Representatives Peter Meijer, Tim Walberg, John Moolenaar, and Dan Kildee. If the change is made, Upton says the regions in Michigan losing MSA Status will be Battle Creek, Bay City, Jackson, Midland, Monroe, and Niles-Benton Harbor.