The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent David H. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Observe - Committee Hearing and Legislation Session
On Thursday July 9, 2009, I traveled to downtown Grand Rapids and attended the Kent County Board of Commissioners meeting. I was invited by Harold Voorhees, a well-respected county commissioner.
The meeting convened in City Hall on the third floor. There were many businessmen and women present as well as a reporter for the Grand Rapids Press. Also representing their departments were heads of Michigan’s government services.
Commissioner Voorhees gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. When this was done the board opened the microphone for public comment. Two gentlemen spoke on the need for more money to be granted to their respective organizations. The commissioners then approved the previous month's minutes as well as passing a resolution which gave the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) extra money to compensate for surpassing its budget.
I learned that when DHS goes over its budget, the state and county must give the department extra money. In June 2009 the Kent County DHS office projected that it would exceed its budget by $1,369,100. Michigan law requires the county to pay half of the bill while the state pays the rest. DHS receives no penalty, but instead promises to try to cut spending. With this mandate in place, the commissioners approved of an additional $684,550 to cover eligible DHS costs.
After becoming aware of the way the state operates DHS, I was upset. Under the current system, DHS has no motivation to stay within its budget. DHS is the only state department to receive extra money upon overspending its budget.
The meeting concluded with miscellaneous items and reports. Commissioner Voorhees announced that Network 180 will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new building. Other announcements included times and places for other committees and subcommittees.
I learned a lot from coming to this meeting. Everything was very orderly and official. Because no big, controversial issues were on the agenda, the commissioners agreed with each other. I was amazed at the number of local residents who attended the meeting. It was encouraging to see that some people do maintain an interest in local government issues.
