Introduction
On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This law provides $787 billion of federally-financed economic stimulus funding through a combination of spending programs and reductions in business and individual taxes.
On Thursday, March 12, 2009, the Republican-led Michigan State Senate created the Senate Federal Stimulus Oversight subcommittee to appropriate our state’s portion of the monies. I was recommended to the subcommittee by Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi (Ishpeming) and appointed by Senate Republican Leader Mike Bishop (Rochester).
I am and will remain compelled to participate in the process to ensure the stimulus investment be managed according to federal rules and with all fairness, transparency, and expedience.
Both the House and Senate returned from spring recess on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. No further action has been taken on stimulus, or recovery, legislation; however, officials at the state Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) have finalized their plans for recovery funds that would bring thousands of jobs to Michigan as well as meet the energy goals set forth by the Obama administration.
Once submitted to the legislature, the energy plans must be approved by May 12, 2009, in order for DELEG to capture the recovery dollars for Michigan or lose those funds to another state.
IN THE WEEK AHEAD:
- The Federal Stimulus Oversight Subcommittee is expected to meet.
