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Senate adopts supplemental appropriations bill after dozens of floor amendments fail
Summary
Senate Bill 55, a supplemental appropriations and adjustments bill, passed the Michigan Senate 19-17 (1 excused) after floor debate and multiple rejected amendments addressing topics from sanctuary communities to road and local funding.
Senate Bill 55, a supplemental appropriations measure described on the floor as making adjustments and supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, passed the Michigan Senate on March 17 by a recorded vote of 19 aye, 17 no, with one senator excused.
Why it matters: SB 55 was considered as a close-the-books supplemental appropriations bill. During floor consideration senators offered many amendments seeking to alter spending priorities or add policy riders — from restricting funds to so-called sanctuary localities to restoring road or school funding, and proposed funding for special elections and local emergency services.
Major amendments and floor themes
Senator Bellino offered Amendment No. 1 seeking to bar taxpayer funds from localities described in the amendment as willfully violating U.S. law (characterized by the sponsor as applying to “sanctuary” jurisdictions). Senator Irwin and others objected to the amendment’s framing and coverage; the amendment was rejected by recorded vote (not adopted).
Senator Nesbitt offered an amendment (Amendment No. 2) that would have required state employees to work in person at least four days a week; supporters framed it as restoring in-person collaboration, while opponents favored workplace flexibility. The amendment failed to gain sufficient votes (not adopted).
Other amendments included allocations for special elections (Hough/Hough/Hough-related proposals), local road repairs, a proposed clawback for local assistance tied to litigation outcomes (McBroom), and a proposal tied to procurement or investment concerns related to battery plants and Chinese ownership (Hauck/Hauck-related). Most of these amendments were debated and then defeated on recorded votes as announced by the secretary in the transcript.
Sponsor remarks and argumentation
Senator Bolino, the sponsor on several floor amendments during the legislative day, characterized some proposals as necessary to prevent state funds going to localities that choose a political stance contrary to federal law. Democratic senators argued those provisions were politically targeted and would harm local governments and services.
Several senators argued for immediate investments in roads, children's tax credits, or school safety; those amendments were brought forward and debated but did not receive the votes required for adoption.
Final passage and procedure
After the amendment process, the question of final passage was taken. The secretary announced the recorded vote as 19 aye, 17 no, and 1 excused. With a majority of members present having voted, the bill was declared passed.
What the record does and does not show
The transcript preserves each amendment’s sponsor, remarks, and the secretary’s announced vote totals and outcomes. It does not contain enrolled bill language or the full fiscal breakdown of enacted appropriations; those details will appear in the enrolled bill and fiscal documents posted by the Legislature and the Department of Treasury.
