Jansen: HAL programs would be returned to MI Department of State
LANSING—To help streamline state government, the Senate voted Thursday to eliminate the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and keep its programs together by returning them to the Michigan Department of State, said Sen. Mark C. Jansen, sponsor of three of the measures.
“Today the Senate voted to preserve our state’s rich heritage and protect its history,” said Jansen, R-Gaines Township. “These important measures will do just that while saving Michigan taxpayers money. I’m glad to see these vital programs remain under one umbrella.”
The 25-bill, bipartisan package will eliminate HAL as a department and move its programs to the Michigan Department of State.
A resolution sponsored by Sen. Cameron S. Brown that rejects the governor’s Executive Order splitting the programs into six different departments was also approved by the Senate.
Many of these programs were formerly under the Michigan Department of State before the existence of HAL. Elimination of administrative staff, including 23 full-time employees, would amount to nearly $2 million in savings.
The Senate measures will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Posted: Thursday, August 27, 2009
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