S.P. 499 - L.D. 1561
Resolve, to Examine the Impact of Federal Devolution Decisions on Municipalities and Other Local Agencies
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, due to decisions at the federal levels increasing governmental responsibilities and duties are being delegated to state and local levels of government; and
Whereas, reductions in the levels of funding for many federal programs have resulted in significantly fewer federal dollars flowing to states and localities just as responsibilities are increasing for those levels of government; and
Whereas, decisions to delegate governmental responsibilities by higher levels of government may ultimately force municipalities and local and regional agencies to accept additional responsibilities and reduced funding with no possibility of passing those new responsibilities on to others; and
Whereas, it is vitally important that an organized effort be put in place to assist municipal and regional agencies to begin to plan for the impact of federal devolution decisions; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Governor's Municipal Advisory Council to examine the impact of federal devolution decisions on municipalities. Resolved: That the Governor's Municipal Advisory Council, established pursuant to Executive Order No. 14 FY 1986-87, and referred to in this resolve as "the council" as part of its deliberations shall examine the direct and indirect impacts of the delegation of federal responsibilities and reduction in federal funding levels on municipalities and regional and local agencies and programs. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget and the Executive Department, State Planning Office shall assist the council in its examination; and be it further
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the council shall report to the Legislature by February 1, 1998 on its findings, recommendations and any necessary implementing legislation; and be it further
Sec. 3. Staff. Resolved: That the State Planning Office shall provide staff support for the council for the purposes provided in this resolve.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective June 9, 1997.
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