2009 Senate Bill 418 / Public Act 144

Increase energy business subsidies

Introduced in the Senate

March 31, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Jason Allen (R-37)

To authorize a $60 million spending increase over three years for government grants and subsidies to energy technology projects undertaken by for-profit companies selected by certain state officials and appointees. This refers to so-called “centers of energy excellence” subsidies from the “<a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5047">21st Century Jobs Fund</a>” fund that are used for matching federal or international grants.

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism

May 14, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Sept. 25, 2009

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To authorize a $30 million spending increase (from $45 million to $75 million over several years) for government grants and subsidies to energy technology projects undertaken by for-profit companies selected by certain state officials and appointees. This refers to so-called “centers of energy excellence” subsidies from the “<a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5047">21st Century Jobs Fund</a>” fund that are used for matching federal or international grants.

Received in the House

Sept. 25, 2009

Referred to the Committee on New Economy and Quality of Life

Oct. 7, 2009

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Nov. 4, 2009

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To require members of the board of the Michigan Strategic Fund (which selects particular companies to be beneficiaries of targeted state tax breaks and subsidies) to disclose their own personal financial investment decisions made during the past five years.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To require the Michigan Strategic Fund board to consider the effect that giving some companies these subsidies may have on other other businesses in the same industry (and presumably not give them the money if that effect was negative).

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 90 to 15 (details)

To authorize a $30 million spending increase (from $45 million to $75 million over several years) for government grants and subsidies to energy technology projects undertaken by for-profit companies selected by certain state officials and appointees. This refers to so-called “centers of energy excellence” subsidies from the “<a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-5047">21st Century Jobs Fund</a>” fund that are used for matching federal or international grants.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Nov. 13, 2009