TO: Department Directors and Autonomous Agency Heads
FROM: Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
DATE: October 28, 2003
SUBJECT: Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel
Based upon a close review of recent economic and state fiscal indicators, it is clear that prompt steps must be taken to further reduce the rate of state government expenditures. I will soon be invoking constitutional and statutory provisions to reduce state expenditures, but decisions on where to curtail spending will not be easy because state government already has many service needs that are unmet or less than fully met. If approved by the Legislature, additional major program expenditure reductions will be ordered.
In addition, I am issuing this Executive Directive, which has as its objective across-the-board expenditure reductions by agencies within the Executive Branch of state government. While recognizing that resources are already scarce, and that greater efficiencies in the administrative operations of state departments and agencies have already been achieved, further cost avoidance and curtailment of spending are essential. Accordingly, I direct:
I. MORATORIUM ON OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
A. For the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, a moratorium is imposed on all out-of-state travel financed by state funds. An exception to the moratorium is permitted if one or more of the following apply:
1. The travel is required by legal mandate or court order or for non-discretionary law enforcement activities.
2. The travel is necessary to protect the health or safety of Michigan citizens or visitors.
3. The travel is necessary to produce budgetary savings or increased state revenues, including the prevention of the loss of federal funds or securing additional federal funds.
4. The travel is financed entirely by federal or non-state funds.
B. Department directors and heads of autonomous agencies are responsible for determining situations where additional exceptions to the moratorium on out-of-state travel are warranted and securing authorization from the State Budget Director to proceed with travel.
C. Upon mutual agreement between an officer or employee and a department or agency, individuals may travel on state business at personal expense, without reimbursement.
II. RESTRICTIONS ON IN-STATE TRAVEL
A. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, departments and agencies shall take all reasonable efforts to limit in-state travel funded with state funds unless the travel is critical to the effective and efficient operation of state government.
III. REIMBURSEMENT OF JUDICIAL TRAVEL
A. Department directors and autonomous agency heads shall prepare interaccount billings to charge the State Court Administrative Office or the appropriate court for any travel by a justice, judge, or judicial staff financed from any appropriations for an Executive Branch department or agency. Copies of the billings shall be submitted to State Budget Director for compilation of a state-wide report.
B. This section applies to all travel funded by Executive Branch appropriations in Fiscal Year 2003-2004.
IV. REIMBURSEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE TRAVEL
A. Department directors and autonomous agency heads shall prepare interaccount billings to charge to the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives, as appropriate, for any travel by a legislator or legislative staff financed from any appropriations for an Executive Branch department or agency. Copies of the billings shall be submitted to State Budget Director for compilation of a state-wide report.
B. This section applies to all travel funded by Executive Branch appropriations in Fiscal Year 2003-2004.
V. TELECONFERENCING, VIDEO CONFERENCING, AND WEB-BASED CONFERENCING AS ALTERNATIVES TO TRAVEL
A. Departments and agencies shall encourage the use of teleconferencing, video conferencing, or web-based conferencing as an alternative to travel, when financially prudent. The current budget situation demands that only the most essential travel occur. Whenever teleconferencing, video conferencing, and/or web-based conferencing is a cost-effective alternative to travel, it should be utilized.
VI. MISCELLANEOUS
A. All travel paid with state funds should be conducted in the most cost-effective manner possible (For example, use of ride sharing, or lower-cost travel alternatives when available). Travel paid with state funds should be limited to the minimum number of people necessary to serve Michigan taxpayers.
B. Executive Directive 2003-9 is rescinded.
C. This Directive is effective immediately and remains effective through September 30, 2004.
Your assistance and fiscally responsible action, and the continued hard work of state employees in these difficult times are greatly appreciated.
______________________________
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor
