This week, the Senate adopted a resolution requiring transparency for earmarks during the budget negotiation process. Its adoption was part of the overall budget negotiations for the FY26 budget.
Key Points:
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- Senate Resolution 74 was introduced by Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), chair of the Appropriations Committee.
- It requires public disclosure of enhancement grants prior to passage.
- The information to be disclosed includes information on the legislative sponsor and intended recipient, along with the purpose and benefit to the public.
- Additionally, it requires a non-profit recipient to have been operating in Michigan for the prior 36 months, to have a physical office in the state for the previous 12 months, and to have a board of directors.
- It also outlines rules regarding conflicts of interest.
In January, the House adopted a similar resolution:
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- House Resolution 14 was introduced by Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), chair of the Appropriations Committee.
- It requires that every spending item requested by legislators be listed on a public website ahead of a vote.
- Additionally, it bans earmarks for for-profit businesses and increases standards for non-profit recipients.
The House passed HB 4420, introduced by Representative Tom Kunse (R-Clare) in June to codify HR 14. It was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
