Jackson council asks state delegation to explain sudden cuts to $645M in projects, passes resolution unanimously
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Summary
Council unanimously adopted a resolution urging state lawmakers to restore roughly $645 million in previously approved projects after the Michigan House Appropriations Committee disapproved those funds without prior notice; the council asked the local delegation to report back before the next meeting.
Jackson City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Dec. 16 condemning the Michigan House Appropriations Committee's unilateral decision, on or about Dec. 10, to disapprove approximately $645 million in previously authorized state projects without prior notice to affected local governments and partners.
Council member Forgrave read the resolution into the record and called on the state legislative delegation to update the council "at or before the next city council meeting" about when they learned of the action and what steps they took to prevent it. The resolution directs the city clerk to transmit copies to the governor, the speaker of the Michigan House, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the Michigan Senate majority leader and the city’s state delegation.
A council member noted that the state senate had sent a bill back to the House that would restore $634 million, leaving an $11 million discrepancy that was not immediately explained at the meeting. The council's action asks for transparency and immediate remedial steps to prevent disruption to local planning, services and ongoing projects.
What happens next: The clerk will send the resolution to state leaders and the city will expect an update from its legislative delegation at or before the next council meeting.
