Appropriations: department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy; appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024; provide for. Creates appropriation act.
Impact
The implications of SB 199 on state laws are significant, albeit primarily focused on funding rather than broad legislative changes. It provides the necessary financial resources for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to continue its functions, which include pollution control, energy resource management, and other environmental stewardship activities. However, the effectively minimal funding may raise concerns about the adequacy of resources to address environmental issues, especially in a state rich in natural resources like the Great Lakes. This could necessitate future discussions about increasing appropriations for meaningful environmental initiatives.
Summary
Senate Bill 199, also known as the House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 199, focuses on making appropriations for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The bill essentially allocates a total of $100 to support the operations and activities of this department, which reflects a specific financial commitment to environmental management and protection within the state of Michigan. The gross appropriation is a nominal amount, highlighting potential budgetary constraints or specific targeted funding strategies for the upcoming fiscal year.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding SB 199 seems to be practical, focusing on realistic appropriations for a critical department. However, the small dollar amount raises questions among lawmakers about whether it is sufficient to meet the department’s needs for the year. Some legislators support the bill as a way to ensure the state continues funding essential environmental functions even as budgeting constraints are evident. Conversely, critics might argue that such a limited appropriation demonstrates a lack of serious commitment to environmental protection efforts.
Contention
Notably, the voting outcome for SB 199 was overwhelmingly negative, with a roll call of 1 yea to 37 nays on May 23, 2023, indicating significant opposition among legislators. The primary contention appears to be whether the state is adequately funding departments critical to environmental health, and if such minimal allocations can realistically support ongoing environmental challenges. This raises the question of future appropriations and funding mechanisms necessary to improve the capacity and responsiveness of the state's environmental initiatives.
Appropriations: omnibus; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for fiscal year 2023-2024; provide for, and make supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2022-2023. Creates appropriation act.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.