Lansing Update: February 16, 2007

In this issue of Lansing Update:

1. Budget in Stalemate as GOP Rejects Executive Order
2. Legislation Introduced to Allow Second Parent Adoptions
3. Next Week’s Committee Hearings of Interest

Budget in Stalemate as GOP Rejects Executive Order

Senate Republicans appear ready for a standoff with Governor Granholm after the Senate Appropriations Committee this week voted on a party line vote to reject the administration’s executive order that sought to balance the 2006–07 budget. While Republicans say they will have a plan of their own within two weeks, Granholm’s executive order is officially dead as both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees must approve an executive in order for it to take effect.

According to Republicans [Link no longer available —Ed.] in the upper chamber, the $166.9 million executive order relied too heavily on new taxes and not enough on departmental and program cuts. Local Catholic agencies in Michigan would have been impacted by the cuts, and may still be with Republicans calling for more, as programs such as Youth in Transition, Teen parent counseling and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) were slashed by the executive order.

Both appropriations committees had to act on the executive order, 2007-1, by 16 February since an executive order cutting the budget must be approved or rejected within 10 days of its being issued. The Democratic-controlled House Appropriations Committee approved the order the same day the Republican-controlled Senate Appropriations Committee rejected it.

Under statute, Governor Granholm must notify the legislature within 30 days of when she would next issue an executive order cut.

Legislation Introduced to Allow Second Parent Adoptions

Legislation was introduced this week that would amend the state’s Probate Code to allow two unmarried persons to jointly adopt a child in Michigan.

Conference staff released the following statement regarding the measure:

“Public policy in Michigan regarding adoption must be crafted within the framework of marriage and the traditional family structure. While recognizing those married couples unable to bring children into their lives, the Michigan Catholic Conference believes the presence of a married mother and father is the optimal setting for the education and growth of children.”

House Bill 4259 has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary, and is expected to receive a hearing on 2 May.

Next Week’s Committee Hearings of Interest

House of Representatives

Tax Policy

Wednesday 21 February 10:30 a.m.: Presentation of the Governor’s Tax Restructuring Proposal

Appropriations—School Aid and Education

Wednesday 21 February 9:00 a.m.: Department of Education and School Aid Budget for FY 2006–2007 and 2007–2008

Appropriations—Corrections

Tuesday 20 February 10:30 a.m.: Public Testimony on Local Programs and Services

Senate

Health Policy

Wednesday 21 February 3:00 p.m.: SB 132 (Cherry) Health; immunizations; requirement that children entering sixth grade receive human papillomavirus vaccination and that department consult with Michigan advisory committee on immunizations; provide for.

Wednesday 21 February 3:00 p.m.: SB 133 (Stamas) Education; attendance; sixth grade pupils to receive human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization or information; require.

Judiciary

Tuesday 20 February 12:30 p.m.: Presentation by the Department of Corrections