As we move through these budgets today, I want to first say that I appreciate the work and the conversations that have gone on with the chairman and all the different subcommittee members. This is a step in the process, but it is only a first step. While there are many promises in these budgets, there are still big priorities that are missing from our state and still a lack of federal dollars that need to be spent in a relatively short amount of time to help us end this pandemic and actually get through our next budget cycle. None of this process is over until we all get into a room, find a way to work together, and come to an agreement. So while I appreciate the work, there are many “no” votes today on our side of the aisle. But I appreciate the statement of priorities and I appreciate the work toward the long-term goal of getting us all in the room together to finish this process and make sure that we all get what’s best for the people of Michigan.
I would say that we’ve done this process now three times, maybe four, maybe five, depending on what you’re counting, and I think the best products have come when we have all sat down and come together. So I will renew my calls for real negotiations in this process and ask that at the end of the day, that that’s where we end up, because again today the people don’t care if Republicans or Democrats win, they care about them winning and their families are what we should be concerned about. We should be worried about what happens in their house, not our house.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 86, entitled
A bill to make appropriations for the department of licensing and regulatory affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022; to provide for certain conditions on appropriations; to establish certain fees in connection with certain appropriations; and to provide for the expenditure of the appropriations.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
Senator Bayer offered the following amendments:
1. Amend page 11, line 16, after “saves” by striking out “750,000” and inserting “5,000,000” and adjusting the subtotals, totals, and section 201 accordingly.
2. Amend page 33, line 5, after “$” by striking out “750,000.00” and inserting “5,000,000.00”.
Senator Chang requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The amendments were not adopted, a majority of the members serving not voting therefor, as follows: