ACEC has been closely watching the Transportation budget bill (HB 5889) as it worked its way through appropriations this week.

On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee accepted an amendment that would transfer $75 million from the 21st Century Jobs Fund to help meet the required state match for federal transportation funding. The Committee also signed off on an amendment halting all spending for the Detroit River International Crossing until the Legislature gives final approval for the project in June.

Things appeared much different on Thursday, as both of these amendments were reconsidered and rejected. The Committee then passed an amendment to appropriate new funding that would be made available if House Bills 5768 & 5769 were to pass that would increase the tax on gasoline and diesel fuel. The budget bill was eventually voted out of the Appropriations Commitee on a 19-13 vote.

After a 9-hour session, the full House took up the Transportation Budget. Many amendments offered in committee were introduced on the House floor, but none of them passed. The Bill was put up for a vote, but the board was cleared after only receiving 16 yes votes. The Bill will be taken up in 2 weeks after the House members return spring break vacation.

 

For more information Contact: Ron Brenke