This afternoon, a conference committee of both House and Senate members passed SB 954, which makes appropriations for EVIP/revenue sharing. In the bill, there is an increase of $15 million for the EVIP program, which will bring that total to $225 up from $210 million this year. In addition, the competitive grants saw an increase of $10 million, bringing that total to $15 million – up from $5 million currently. As far as the qualifications for the three categories, the biggest news is that the existing category 3 langauge for pursuing the pension parameters OR compliance with PA 152 as two paths to qualify for the funding was retained for next year. There are some minor changes to the first two categories, including producing a budget projection in your dashboard and updating your consolidation plan with explanations. While we have a long way to go on adequate funding levels for communities, this increase is a welcome change and a step in the right direction. The League is thankful for legislative leaders in both chambers – Senator Pappageorge (R-Troy) and Representative Poleski (R-Jackson) for their help in fighting for increases in this funding. 

Summer Minnick is the Director of State Affairs for the League. She can be reached at (517) 908-0301 or [email protected].