Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires legislators to request enhancement grant funds by April to be considered in that years' budget in Michigan.

Highlights:

• Requires that enhancement grants included in a bill or conference report passed by the legislature be publicly disclosed by April 1 (Sec. 1365a).

• Requires the sponsoring legislator to provide the enhancement grant information no later than 10 business days before April 1 of the year the grant is considered by the legislature (Sec. 1365a).

• Requires the public disclosure form provided by the sponsoring legislator to include the following information (Sec. 1365a):

• The name of each sponsoring and cosponsoring legislator;

• The intended grant recipient;

• The amount and the purpose of the grant;

• An explanation of how the grant provides a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money;

• Disclosure of previously awarded funding for the grant project; 

• An estimated time frame for completion of the grant project; and

• An attestation that the grant is not intended for a for-profit entity, and is not for the pecuniary interest of the legislator, their staff, or their immediate family.

• Specifies that enhancement grants are only available to government entities, and nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria (Sec. 1365a):

• The nonprofit has operated in Michigan for at least three years;

• It has had a physical office in Michigan for at least one year; and

• It has a board of directors.

• Prohibits the use of an enhancement grant for the payment of a tax lien, delinquent tax, or other obligation owed to the state (Sec. 1365a).

• Requires public disclosure of the amount and status of funding awarded via an enhancement grant to a state agency (Sec. 1365a).

• Defines “enhancement grant” as an appropriation for a contract, grant, loan, or other economic assistance that is not awarded through a formula-driven or competitive process (Sec. 1365a).

Full Bill Text