State management: funds; cap on the disaster and contingency fund; remove. Amends sec. 18 of 1976 PA 390 (MCL 30.418).
Impact
The proposed changes are expected to enhance Michigan's preparedness for disasters by ensuring that sufficient resources are consistently allocated to the emergency management system. This could potentially streamline operations during crises by making funds readily available for necessary expenses such as overtime and travel costs incurred by state employees during disaster-related activities. Additionally, it clearly outlines provisions for the use of federal reimbursement funds, ensuring clarity in the state's financial management following federally declared disasters.
Summary
Senate Bill 1047 aims to amend the existing Emergency Management Act of Michigan by modifying provisions related to the disaster and emergency contingency fund. The bill seeks to establish a designated fund that shall be administered by the state's emergency management director, with a required annual appropriation ranging between $2,500,000 and $10,000,000. Notably, unspent funds at the fiscal year's end will not revert to the general fund but instead will carry over, ensuring sustained availability for future expenditures related to disaster management.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SB1047 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among those prioritizing robust disaster preparedness and response. Stakeholders in the emergency management community view the bill as a positive step toward ensuring that vital resources are allocated promptly, without the delays associated with typical budgetary processes. However, concerns may arise from budget management advocates who may be apprehensive about the implications of maintaining a large balance in the contingency fund without comprehensive oversight.
Contention
Despite overall support, there could be notable points of contention regarding the scale of funding and the impact on the state's budget. Discussions may focus on the balance between ensuring sufficient emergency resources and the challenge of managing a sizable fund within the broader context of state financial priorities. Some legislators might question how this fund interacts with other emergency management initiatives and whether it distorts budget allocation across other critical services and programs.
State management: funds; cap and distribution of funds in the disaster and contingency fund; modify, and create new fund. Amends title & secs. 18 & 19 of 1976 PA 390 (MCL 30.418 & 30.419) & adds sec. 18a.
State management: funds; money in the disaster and emergency contingency fund; modify the required minimum and maximum amount of. Amends sec. 18 of 1976 PA 390 (MCL 30.418).
State management: funds; accounting of expenditures in the disaster and emergency contingency fund; provide for. Amends title & secs. 18 & 19 of 1976 PA 390 (MCL 30.418 & 30.419) & adds sec. 18a. TIE BAR WITH: SB 1047'24
State management: funds; the Michigan safeguarding tomorrow revolving loan fund; create. Amends title of 1976 PA 390 (MCL 30.401 - 30.421) & adds sec. 11b.
Transportation: funds; local agency infrastructure disaster relief fund and board; create. Amends secs. 10 & 11 of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.660 & 247.661) & adds sec. 11k.
Disaster or emergency response and recovery costs, authority to spend funds from the state disaster relief fund, and uses of the state disaster relief fund.
Concerning state of disaster emergencies, appointing the incident commander by the adjutant general for weather-related disasters, establishing coordinating duties of the division of emergency management and establishing the disaster contingency fund for use by the state finance council to match federal grants and funds to respond to such weather-related disaster.