TO: Department Directors and Autonomous Agency Heads
FROM: Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
DATE: October 27, 2004
SUBJECT:Restrictions on Non-Essential Travel
Due to continuing state budget constraints, I am issuing this Executive Directive, which has as its objective continued across-the-board expenditure controls 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, continuing efforts to reduce costs and curtail spending remain essential. Accordingly, I direct:
I. MORATORIUM ON OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
A. For the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, 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 law enforcement purposes.
2. The travel is necessary to protect the health or safety of Michigan citizens or visitors or to assist other states in similar circumstances.
3. The travel is necessary to produce budgetary savings or to increase state revenues, including protecting existing federal funds or securing additional federal funds.
4. The travel is necessary to comply with federal requirements.
5. The travel is necessary to secure specialized training for staff that is not available in Michigan.
6. 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. If state funded, out-of-state travel is necessary but does not meet one or more of the conditions in Section I.A, the State Budget Director may grant an exception to allow the travel.
C. Upon mutual agreement between an officer or employee and a department director or autonomous agency head, the officer or employee may travel on state business at personal expense, without state reimbursement.
II. RESTRICTIONS ON IN-STATE TRAVEL
A. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, departments and agencies shall make all reasonable efforts to limit in-state travel funded with state funds unless the travel is necessary for 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 2004-2005.
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 2004-2005, except legislative travel authorized under Section 225 of The Insurance Code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.225, subject to available appropriations.
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 that is reasonable given time considerations and should take advantage of ride sharing or lower cost travel alternatives when feasible. Travel paid with state funds should be limited to the minimum number of people necessary to serve Michigan taxpayers.
B. This Directive is effective immediately and remains effective through September 30, 2005.
Your assistance and fiscally responsible action, and the continued hard work of state employees in this time of continuing fiscal constraints, are greatly appreciated.
______________________________
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR
