LANSING – Governor Rick Snyder has signed the Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget with essentially no changes from what passed the Legislature. The omnibus budget (HB 5313 , PA 252) provides $37.38 billion gross, $8.59 billion General Fund.
Among the highlights is $194.8 million for Detroit as part of its bankruptcy settlement; $46.6 million for 100 troopers and 31 motor carrier officers in the Department of State Police and 25 conservation officers in the Department of Natural Resources; and $15.7 million for the Healthy Kids Dental Program expansion.
Snyder did veto funds for a pedestrian crossing study and for a high-speed rail crossing pilot program. He said both programs were unnecessary given that the Legislature had not approved additional road funding and the latter particularly because current crossings meet federal standards.
Snyder also declared several provisions in the budget unenforceable, including a requirement that the Department of Transportation send bills to local governments for their portions of construction projects within two years of the final payment to the contractor.
The Legislature also could not force, through the budget, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to reimburse farmers for livestock lost to predation by wolves, coyotes or cougars, nor could it require the department to keep purse money for thoroughbred racing in escrow until a track applies for a license, he said.
He also rejected as unenforceable language setting aside $30,000 for travel expenses for the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children.
“This budget strikes the right balance by making critical investments to fuel Michigan’s comeback while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” Snyder said in a statement. “Working with our partners in the Legislature, we continue to emphasize job growth, education, transportation, stronger communities, increased public and mental health and safety, and environmental and natural resources protection. These are protections and improvements that affect every member of our state.”
Democrats attacked the budget for not reversing recent tax changes and not increasing some funding.
“Snyder’s budget continues to hit the wrong people with increased taxes like Michigan’s middle-class families and seniors, while at the same time underfunding our schools and failing to fix our roads,” Lon Johnson, Michigan Democratic Party chair, said in a statement. “Meanwhile, Snyder’s political allies continue to get all the perks, including taxpayer handouts and no-bid contracts. Our state needs leaders who will work to build an economy that works for everyone, not just special interests and the wealthy.”
Johnson particularly attacked increased funding for Real Alternatives, a Pennsylvania-based group that helps faith-based organizations qualify for state funding and has a record of opposing abortion rights. “It’s troubling that Republican Gov. Snyder has extended a no-bid contract that funnels taxpayer money to religious groups, based on their opposition to providing basic healthcare services to Michigan women,” he said.
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