Detroit Bankruptcy Funding Package Sails Through House

In one of the year’s most overwhelmingly bipartisan actions, the House of Representatives passed an 11-bill package Thursday designed to get the City of Detroit out of bankruptcy and help protect pensioners in the process. Following the last vote, members of the House erupted in applause.

The foundation of the package is $194.8 million from the state’s Budget Stabilization Fund toward the “Grand Bargain” which also includes some $365 million from foundations, $100 million from the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), and additional funds from unions.

The only truly controversial bill in the package was the first one addressed, House Bill 5571, which prohibits the DIA from renewing the 2012 millage approved in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. After several floor speeches in opposition, the measure passed 66-44 with all 59 Republicans joined by 7 Democrats in voting yes.

The other measures varied in ultimate vote totals from 74-36 to a couple passing 105-5, with all votes having both Republicans and Democrats in support.

The Senate will now address the package although the timetable is unknown.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, May 23, 2014 9:45 AM
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