Michigan Legislature’s Budget Management Faces Potential Delay
In a move that could potentially delay the adoption of Michigan’s new budget, Republican state House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) has unveiled plans for a legislative review of spending and regulatory measures. This initiative is poised to strengthen the Legislature’s role in budget oversight but raises concerns about meeting impending fiscal deadlines.
Speaker Hall emphasized the need to enhance the Legislature’s influence over budgetary processes, arguing that previous Michigan governors have overshadowed legislative authority. “We’re reasserting the separation of powers in Michigan, the balance of power, and establishing the legislative branch as a more dominant branch in Michigan’s government,” Hall stated. “It’s been steamrolled by many Michigan governors for too long.”
Details about the new committee and its scope are expected to be disclosed next week, according to a Republican aide. The announcement was made during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s business conference on Mackinac Island, where there is apprehension about the potential delay beyond the July 1 deadline. This date marks the beginning of the fiscal year for schools, local governments, and public colleges and universities.
Despite the looming deadline, Hall regards controlling spending and regulatory measures as paramount. “I don’t think there’s anything more we could do for the people of Michigan than rein in these crazy regulations coming out of the departments, which we’re going to do,” he remarked. Hall also indicated that targeted budget cuts could facilitate a substantial increase in funding for K-through-12 education, even if the budget deadline is missed.
However, Representative Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) expressed concern over this late-stage plan, predicting it could nearly guarantee a delay past the July 1 deadline. “I am very concerned about an on-time budget,” Rheingans commented. “Our schools and our local governments rely on us doing our biggest job, which is passing an on-time budget so that they know how much money they’re going to have for their budgets during their fiscals and their fiscals begin on July 1.”
Although Michigan’s fiscal year officially commences in October, state law mandates the Legislature to finalize the budget by July 1. Importantly, there is no penalty for missing this deadline.
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