Legislation Seeks to Reduce State Administrative Board Powers

Liz Gullett

Legislation Seeks to Reduce State Administrative Board Powers

Nov 01, 2019

Legislation has been introduced that would curb a governor’s ability to transfer funds using the State Administrative Board. Introduced by Representative Ben Frederick (R-Owosso) and House Appropriations Chairman Shane Hernandez (R-Port Huron), the legislation would limit the amount of money the board can redirect in any one line item to $200,000 in one budget year. It would also give the legislature stronger authority on budget transfers. This would take the state back to parameters that were on the Board during the 1970s and 1980s, adjusted for inflation. The proposal comes on the heels of Governor Gretchen Whitmer transferring $625 million in appropriations following a budget impasse with the House and Senate. The bills have been referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.

The State Administrative Board oversees all administrative activities of state departments and agencies, including the approval of contracts and leases. The board’s membership is comprised of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, and the director of the department of transportation.

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