House Appropriations Chair Speaks Out Against Further Spending

Liz Gullett

House Appropriations Chair Speaks Out Against Further Spending

Sep 02, 2022

Representative Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the state government should not pursue a budget supplemental this fall. The state coffers have a surplus of funds, due to an increase of state revenue collections, coupled with the additional Federal dollars received throughout the pandemic. After the legislature finalized the state budget over the summer, there remained $7 billion of unspent funds. There has been a lot of talk around the Capitol pointing towards potential supplemental appropriations before the end of the year. However, given the recent development that looks to be up in the air. Ultimately, it will be up to the four legislative leaders and Governor Whitmer if any additional dollars are appropriated.

Chairman Albert did note the state’s Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund has approximately $230 million remaining and he would consider proposals utilizing those resources on a case-by-case basis.

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