Michigan Senate Bill SCR0005

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Passed: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/19/23
• Passed: 1/26/23

Caption

A concurrent resolution to waive the legislative notice requirement for increases in rates of compensation for certain employees in the state classified service.

Impact

The resolution responds to agreements reached between the state and various employee unions to adjust compensation for certain classifications. On two occasions in 2022, the Civil Service Commission approved these compensation increases, but timing issues prevented them from being transmitted as part of the budget. By waiving the notice requirement, SCR0005 allows for these approved increases to be enacted without delay, influencing the pay structure of employees represented by the affected unions.

Summary

SCR0005 is a concurrent resolution aimed at waiving the legislative notice requirement associated with increases in rates of compensation for specific employees within the state classified service of Michigan. Under the current provisions laid out in the Constitution of the State of Michigan, such increases may only take effect at the beginning of a fiscal year and require prior notice to the governor, who must include them in the state budget. This resolution proposes to amend this requirement, enabling increases to be effective outside of the stipulated time frame if approved by a majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SCR0005 appears to be mostly supportive, especially among those directly impacted by the compensation adjustments. Supporters argue that it provides timely relief to public employees whose compensation would otherwise be stalled due to procedural constraints. However, there may also be underlying concerns about how waiving this requirement could set a precedent for future legislative actions that might bypass regular scrutiny and transparency mechanisms.

Contention

While there are not strong points of contention explicitly highlighted in the discussion surrounding SCR0005, it raises broader questions regarding transparency and accountability in legislative processes. Critics may argue that regularly waiving notice requirements could undermine the intended checks and balances within the legislative system. The balance between ensuring prompt increases in employee compensation and maintaining transparency in government operations remains a critical consideration.