LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – <\/strong><\/span> Gov. Rick Snyder Friday signed a supplemental investment plan of more than $500 million that was a result of increased revenue collections and lapsed funding from state agencies. <\/p>\n \u201cThere are a number of critically important investments that were agreed upon,\u201d said Gov. Snyder. \u201cI am extremely pleased we now have ongoing revenue for cleaning up contaminated sites across our state, and I am also excited about another healthy deposit into the state\u2019s rainy-day fund which puts the balance at more than $1.1 billion.\u201d<\/p>\n A total of $69 million in ongoing revenue from online sales tax will be used to clean up the more than 3,000 contaminated sites across Michigan, providing a reliable and alternative solution to the solid waste tipping fees originally proposed by the governor. <\/p>\n A total of $100 million is being added to the rainy-day fund, an action that will be applauded by rating agencies and help the continued improvement of Michigan\u2019s credit rating. Another $43.1 million will go to eliminate unfunded liabilities for the military and judiciary retirement systems, meaning that those two state-managed retirement systems will now be fully funded at 100 percent.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what working together is all about,\u201d added Snyder. \u201cI proposed an idea for finding a long-term solution to cleaning up contaminated sites, and the Legislature had some of their own ideas, and we came together to solve the problem. It\u2019s not about a debate over who\u2019s idea is best, it\u2019s about working together to get solutions to problems, and that\u2019s exactly what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n A total of $20 million is provided in the supplemental budget to continue to respond to and address PFAS contamination, with money designated for water system remediation, contaminant mapping, and laboratory staff. Michigan has been proactive in responding to this environmental threat and this funding will help the state stay ahead of what has become a national issue. The supplemental budget also includes $8 million for the Brandon Road lock and dam project, aimed at keeping Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan and the entire great lakes water system.<\/p>\n To address findings from a recent audit by the Office of Auditor General, $20 million is provided for additional staff to reduce caseload ratios within Child Protective Services at the Department of Health and Human Services, helping to ensure that improved care is provided for one of Michigan\u2019s most vulnerable populations. <\/p>\n The funding will also help to provide needed technology enhancements and address other issues identified in the audit. DHHS will also receive more than $7 million to continue a coordinated response to Hepatitis A.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of every dollar is a Michigan resident, community or project that effects the health and welfare of our great state,\u201d said State Budget Director John Walsh. \u201cThis is more than just numbers and decimal points and dollar signs, this is about making a positive difference in people\u2019s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n The state\u2019s commitment to funding the new construction at the Soo Locks is included at $52 million, something that is long overdue and vital to protecting jobs and our economy. The federal government has committed to partnering with the state to fund this important infrastructure project. The supplemental budget also includes $4.5 million to support the Mackinac Straits tunnel project, with funding designated for mapping radar, project oversight, legal services, and environmental threat mitigation.<\/p>\n More than $100 million from added online sales tax revenue will go to fund Michigan roads, which puts the state two years ahead of schedule when it comes to reaching the established goal of an additional $1.2 billion for transportation. An additional $25 million for school safety grants was also agreed upon, helping to provided for added security measures at school buildings across the state. Another $18 million is provided in education funding for at-risk youth, as well as $1.5 million for First Robotics.<\/p>\n Other highlights of the supplemental budget include $20 million for the expansion of broadband to rural areas, and another $20 million focused on economic development in Detroit to help continue the city\u2019s resurgence which has become one of the greatest comeback stories in American history.<\/p>\n Gov. Snyder vetoed section 759(33) in the Department of Talent and Economic Development for Michigan Enhancement Grants as the language does not state a public purpose for the funds allocated in that subsection.<\/p>\n Senate Bills 601 and 149 have been filed with the Office of the Great Seal. <\/p>\n For more information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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