Late yesterday afternoon the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the general government budget including the 4.8% increase as recommended by the subcommittee.

The Senate budget does NOT include the language we oppose in the House budget with penalties for settling contracts before right to work went into effect and additional posting requirements.

In addition the Senate boilerplate gives credit for ANY prior consolidation or cooperation. As Senator Pappageorge has repeatedly said in committee, “Consolidation is forever”. Under the language in the bill any prior consolidation/cooperation would mean a community qualifies without having to submit a new project.

The League is very grateful to Senator Pappageorge for his advocacy on behalf of communities. We are asking that you please use this link to contact Senator Pappageorge’s office and say thank you! In addition contact your Senator and ask him/her to protect this increase for EVIP.

We expect the full Senate to report the budgets next week.

Samantha Harkins is the Director of State Affairs for the League. She can be reached at 517-908-0306 and sharkins at mml.org.