LANSING, Mich., April 18, 2023 — The Michigan Legislature has entered budget season, and with it, committees and subcommittees have started to propose their budgets. The Appropriations Subcommittee Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) was the first to report its recommended 2023-24 budgets to the full Appropriations Committee. State Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) is the chair of the LARA/DIFS subcommittee.
“Putting together an effective state budget is a balancing act, and as chair of the LARA/ DIFS subcommittee, I am proud to say that we have started off by making a strong precedent this year with our budget report,” Skaggs said. “My colleagues and I proposed a breadth of smart investments that will have positive, tangible effects for Michigan residents. Included in our recommendations are funds to help combat climate change, to ensure resources for those who depend on insulin, and to offset costs to help recruit and retain child care workers. We also set forth investments for Michigan’s cannabis reference lab and to increase funding for Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grants. All in all, these proposed investments aim to make for a stronger and more stable Michigan.”
Highlights of the LARA/DIFS budget recommendation include:
- Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development Program: $11.7 million ongoing, $24.5 million one-time.
- Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Grants: almost $206 million, which is an increase of $57 million from fiscal year 2023.
- Childcare Licensing Bureau, Funding for Increased Burden of Fingerprinting: $3.3 million ($3.1 million ongoing, $200,000 one-time).
- Cannabis Regulatory Agency State Reference Lab: $4.4 million ($2.8 million one-time for construction and $1.6 million ongoing to run the lab, all restricted funds).
- $500,000 for insulin availability study program.