The motion prevailed.
Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:
I agree with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we absolutely need more money in our disaster relief fund and that these monies ought to be available to assist communities in times of crisis, but placing large sums of money—of individual taxpayers’ dollars—into a fund that’s overseen by one person with rulemaking and grant distribution left entirely to their discretion is irresponsible and opens the door to waste, fraud, and abuse. We’ve seen this time and time again, particularly in the disaster space, from questionable contractors and unchecked payouts. While I have significant respect for our men and women who serve and protect us in the Michigan State Police force, it is extremely troubling that this legislation delegates the entire grant application and selection process to a department director whose own staff recently issued a vote of no confidence. Even if he were the most honorable public servant, any law enforcement officer would tell you that their expertise lies in law enforcement, not with disaster response, and specifically not with analyzing the dollars needed by communities following a disaster. It is irresponsible for us to centralize this much unchecked authority in one office without the proper oversight or professional background to ensure funds are spent wisely and effectively. For these reasons, I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting “no.”
Senator Theis asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:
I’m speaking to my amendment. What this does is take away from one single individual who would have significant power with receiving money, deciding how the money is going to be spent, setting up the rules for all of that. It brings the power back into the Legislature to set up the guidelines for the grants, and then still allows the money to flow within the bill the way it’s set up. I ask for a “yes” vote on my amendment.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 382, entitled
A bill to create a financial aid program for certain residents of this state who attend certain postsecondary educational institutions in this state; to provide for the administration of the financial aid program; to provide for the promulgation of rules; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state officers and entities.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: