Now with one click you can approve or disapprove of key votes by your legislators using the VoteSpotter smart phone app. Visit Votespotter.com and download VoteSpotter today!
Senate Bill 133, Adopt “Omnibus” budget: Passed 23 to 15 in the Senate
The Senate version of the non-education portion of the state government budget for the fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1, 2015. This would appropriate $38.0 billion, compared to $37.4 billion originally appropriated the previous year. Of this, $17.2 billion comes from state tax, fee and other revenue, compared to $17.6 billion the previous year. The rest of this budget is federal money ($20.8 billion, compared to $19.8 billion the previous year). The education portion of the budget is in Senate Bill 134. Altogether, the Senate proposes to spend $53.9 billion next year, vs. $53.2 billion originally appropriated for the current year.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
Senate Bill 134, Adopt “Omnibus” education budget: Passed 25 to 13 in the Senate
The Senate version of the K-12 school aid, community college and university budgets for the fiscal year that begins Oct 1, 2015. This would appropriate $13.97 billion for K-12 public schools, compared to $13.87 billion originally appropriated for the prior year. It also appropriates $1.54 billion for state universities, compared to $1.51 billion the prior year. Community colleges would get $394 million, up from $364 million.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4467, Allow more dangerous prisoners at Baldwin private prison: Passed 57 to 53 in the House
To allow more dangerous adult prisoners to be held at a privately owned and managed prison whose previous contract with the state to house juvenile prisoners was revoked by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2005. Since then the prison has contracted with other states to house their prisoners, although it is closed now.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4069, Revise criminal defendant “youthful trainee status”: Passed 38 to 0 in the Senate
To make 21 to 23 year old offenders eligible for criminal defendant “youthful trainee status,” which provides a mechanism for not including the offense on a youth’s permanent record. The bill would also establish various conditions for this status, including a full time school, work or community service requirement and more.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4135, Revise criminal defendant “youthful trainee status”: Passed 38 to 0 in the Senate
To require (rather than just "allow") that if a young criminal assigned to “youthful trainee status” (which provides a mechanism for not including an offense on the youth’s permanent record) is convicted for a serious felony listed in the bill while in this program, the “trainee” status must be revoked.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4432, Ban “two for one” or “all you can drink” sales at bars: Passed 106 to 4 in the House
To prohibit bars and restaurants from offering “all you can drink” for a fixed price or “two for the price of one” promotions and sales. This would not be prohibited at a private function.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
House Bill 4333, Prohibit MEGA corporate subsidy deal modifications: Passed 105 to 5 in the House
To prohibit state economic development officials from amending or modifying a corporate tax break and subsidy deal granted to certain businesses and developers under a Michigan Economic Growth Authority law repealed in 2011. The bill was introduced after it was revealed that these agreements have generated an unfunded liability of nearly $10 billion for the state, and that officials continue to amend the deals in ways that may increase this.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"
SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit https://www.michiganvotes.org.
Get insightful commentary and the most reliable research on Michigan issues sent straight to your inbox.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.
