Governor Granholm released the state’s 2008 budget this week in the face of a $3 billion shortfall. The proposed budget:
- Reduces spending with over $300 million in proposed cuts,
- Includes changes to Michigan’s criminal justice system and sentencing guidelines,
- Includes a new Michigan Business Tax, to replace the SBT, and a new two-cent tax on services, and
- Invests in programs and services like alternative energy, education, health care, worker training, and public safety.
The proposed budget has a small increase for general fund support for the DEQ, but a drop in federal revenue results in an overall 16% cut from 2007 level funding.
The administration continues to place at-risk the health of the Great Lakes by diverting funds earmarked for underground storage tank cleanups.
For more details, visit: http://www.michigan.gov/budget
Senate
In Committee:
Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs will meet on Wednesday (2/14) at 1:00 pm to take up:
SB 115 – A bill to provide for phased transfer of powers and duties to a joint planning commission for land use planning.
Transportation will meet on Tuesday (2/13) at 12:30 pm for an organizational meeting and a presentation by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Appropriations: Agriculture will meet on Thursday (2/15) at 2:00 pm to discuss the Michigan Department of Agriculture Budget and get an overview on the Budget from agency personnel.
House
In Committee:
Energy and Technology will meet on Wednesday (2/14) at 9:00 am for a presentation by LS Power and New Covert Energy regarding New Base Load Power Plants.
Great Lakes and Environment will meet on Wednesday (2/14) at 12:00 pm to approve the day, time and location of regular scheduled meetings, and to have a presentation by Ken DeBeaussaert, Office of the Great Lakes.
Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources will meet on Tuesday (2/13) at 10:30 am for a fiscal overview and presentation on funding issues facing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Transportation will meet on Thursday (2/15) at 10:30 am for a presentation by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
