Legislative Advocacy
Budgets Bills Signed with Record Vetoes: This past Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed all 16 budget bills, avoiding the need to shut down any state departments with the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1. In signing the bills, the Governor issued 147 line-item vetoes in the state budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. While her utilizing vetoes was not a surprise, the number of vetoes she issued was. In total, the Governor vetoed nearly one billion dollars in spending, including $375 million in one-time funds for infrastructure improvements. The following day, the State Administrative Board approved the transfer of $576 million within the budgets for individual departments, shifting funds to areas where the Governor requested additional funding. In this process, the community colleges budget, Senate Bill 134, was one of only two budget bills that were signed with no line item vetoes or administrative transfers.
There is still a great deal of negotiation ahead for state policymakers, and we expect Governor Whitmer to make a strong push to fund MI Reconnect still in the FY 2019 - 2020 fiscal year. Although the Governor and legislative leaders met this past Thursday, there remains strong disagreement over whether and when to pass any supplemental spending bills.
MNJTP Hearing: On Tuesday, October 8, at 9:00am, the House Education Committee will hold a second hearing and likely vote on House Bill 4184 (Farrington), which would raise the cap on Michigan New Jobs Training Program contracts from $50 million to $75 million. Many thanks to those of you who have contacted your Representatives to express support for HB 4184.
HELPFUL LINKS
Michigan Legislature’s website (bill tracking and committee meetings)
Michigan House of Representatives
Community College Legal Authority (Michigan Constitution)
For the map of the community college districts, click here.