Yesterday afternoon the Senate passed the general government budget including the 4.8% increase as recommended by the Appropriations committee.

The Senate budget does NOT include the language we oppose in the House budget with additional posting requirements. It does, however, contain language requiring local units to disclose from which country they buy their American flags. The Senate passed version is available on the legilative website and begins at the bottom of page 117.

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.

Budget negotiations will be happening in earnest throughout the month of May, and the legislature’s and Governor’s goal is to complete budgets by June 1 as they have the last few years.

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