Senate Armed Forces Committee Hearing on Afghanistan

Senate Armed Forces Committee asking questions on Afghanistan. I have no comment, or judgement at the moment and am just watching to better understand some of the problems we are facing in foreign policy and application of military strength to achieve our national objectives. You can read more about about the Senate Armed Service Committee.

The Need for Criminal Just Reform Continues: Supporting and Enhancing Policing Through Better Values

Criminal Justice is an important aspect of our lives and people want to trust that system to do the right thing in all circumstances. Sometimes justice becomes perverted by things such as close personal association, financial gain, racism/bigotry, and local politics. A free pass for bad behavior not only damages people but is essentially against our most American principles. 

I've seen it...and I have seen it a couple of times! People make up stories for financial gain by exploiting racial and religious differences and some of the local law enforcement members engage in intimidating behaviors outside of legitimate legal concerns to support their friends and associates. These are crimes and shouldn't be given a wink and nod by anyone; politicians, officials, judges or anyone else. 

O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern
 impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat,
across the wilderness
America, America, God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in law

While these behaviors might seem like they are one off it appears as part of a learned pattern that has  through socialization and prior lack of accountability become "ok". One must wonder how many other victims and how much other corruptions are within the system (There are lots of incentives for this group to engage in these behaviors.)?  At present those other victims have very little value to the local judges and politicians (This is where we see inappropriate bias comingle with other poor values. Institutional trust is based in institutional integrity.)  

Its immoral to turn a blind eye. Others within the community have their own complaints about behaviors of some of these officers and the group in general. No one cares because they are the "super cools" who belong to the right social groups and are protected from being held to account for these behaviors (They aren't cool. They are just a large group of bullies that local judges give a free pass to because of political, racial/religious, and social connections). 

“The American Dream is that dream
 of a land in which life should be
 better and richer and fuller for everyone,
with opportunity for each
according to ability or achievement. 

Any legitimate system must consider the needs of all of societal stakeholders (We are teetering between two types of systems; depending on who you ask. I just happen to be unlucky enough to see the same problem through a couple of different vantage points.). I believe our justice system tries to provide a sense of justice but sometimes there are pockets of warped behavior that are unconstitutional and against the very spirit or our nation.  These warped systems continue on and on because they are unchallenged and those that should be holding them accountable feel its an uphill battle; protecting and serving your citizens and the future of the country isn't a wasted exercise.

Why would I continue to persist regardless of the personal risks to myself? Because I have a value system (...and I'm constantly in debate about what that means in the wider world around me). I have belief in our essential American principles and I don't believe laws should apply subjectively to race, religion, gender, disability, etc... I am not a perfect person but I have a long line of ancestors that supported this country (including myself) and that shouldn't be swept away because of corruption and poor values. 

In 2019 I wrote about whether I might run for politics and what I believe in '9 Important National Issues If I Someday Run for Politics'. What I can say is that I won't sweep under the carpet bad behavior simply because I have a distorted belief in what these laws mean and why people fought for them. In other words, I won't sell out our essential values simply because its "convenient". We have a greater responsibility to our kids (yes my kids too) and to our grand kids to build the best society we can for as many people as we can (I'm not sure how or why that gets distorted. Its been the same issue since the beginning of civilization.)

Our local judges, officials and politicians have a responsibility to stand up for their needs of their people; not just the ones that look like them or vote for them. No idea if I will ever run but I will continue to stand by my principles regardless of the values of those around me (I would find it honorable to be thrown out, targeted, or smeared for standing up for American values. No "Free Pass" for Hate in MI.). I suspect I will continue to put myself in harms way simply by standing for basic American principles and speaking the truth regardless of its popularity rating (What leaders should be doing...and I'm not even sure if I have what it takes to be a leader nor if anyone would actually follow.).

I am a supporter of the good work police do and I want to them to be more effective through long-term strategies that strengthen their communities. That includes ensuring that they are effective in upholding the law in alignment with the Constitution and good moral conscious as well as having the best tools and training needed to catch criminals and bad guys/gals. See Restoring Trust, Dysfunctional Values, Investigating Crimes in Michigan, Refined Personality and Law, Stoic Concept of Justice, 

Aristotle has a couple of interesting sayings on the importance of justice to society....

“It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered.”

“The weak are always anxious for justice and equality. The strong pay no heed to either.”

Aristotle's Conception of Equity 

We have a greater responsibility beyond politics and beyond the needs of our social groups to do what is the best interest of our nation and the next generation. While many of our political figures on both sides have focused on their particular issues and agendas many times they fail to see the compromise in the middle. They are either all this or all that! (Strategic Thinking) Life isn't so simple and choices are not so black and white but poor decision making impacts everyone. I personal don't want to be involved in politics because the events of the last 4 years have shocked and awed me as an American citizen. However, we get back to the question of, "Who else will do it?" Hopefully someone else because that road is long, treacherous, and toxic; likely why we are now struggling to enhance our economic and social position on the world stage. See Greatest Security Risks Post Afghanistan. 

Infrastructure and Reconciliation Bill (Government and Budgeting)

 Laws and legislature have a big impact on our business environment and they way in which we tackle our problems as a nation. I'm watching the news and trying to make sense out of some of the budgeting debates unfolding in Congress. I'm not going to go deeply into the politics of it all but I will say that the two bills sort of have different viewpoints/perspectives. One bill is focused on infrastructure and the other bill more on human elements. Its not easy to make choices over limited resources and we often must strive to do more with less but we must at some point make a choice. 

If you want to get up to speed quickly you can read CNN reporters Katie Lobosco's and Tami Luhby's article entitled 'Here's what's in the latest version of the bipartisan infrastructure bill'. 

You can also read the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Reconciliation Bill in their full. (Concerned citizens should read and make up their own minds what they like and don't like about each of the bills and whether they are worth funding or not. Government officials should make decisions in a manner that leads to the greatest amount of  net positives above and beyond the cost of the program.)

 

I'm not 100% sure I full understand the reconciliation bill and will spend a little time reviewing in greater depth (That doesn't mean I agree or not it just means I want to understand! Hype politics!😑). However, at this point I do support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in order to help push us to move our economy in the right direction. Our manufacturing moved overseas and our infrastructure began to crumble over the past few decades (Investment on economic fundaments will likely produce adjustment throughout the production chain.). 

Infrastructure investments often have significant high return rates and create the widest reaching impact dollars per dollar. The goal is to create as many net positives as possible and sometimes we have the ability to create additional advantages not initially expected in the individual parts of the plan ( Infrastructure Cross Structure Synergy.  Grading States, (2021) states that their research supports returns an approximate 15 to 45% return rate for key infrastructure projects (Assuming this and other data and studies support a high return rate for these investments it would make sense for both parties to get this one out of the way and then start discussing the other bill. Thinking of it from a practical perspective where both sides sort of win with this bill as separate. The other bill is likely to be a different kind of discussion with lots of variances in beliefs. ).

A couple of comments on the Reconciliation Bill. Its not so much that I agree or disagree as there are lots of different things in the bill that I haven't really be able to think about in terms of its full impact. Some will defiantly help and some wont likely make much of a dent without changing how we view certain pink elephant in the room sort issues (Sometimes the issue is our viewpoint and not the money itself. Changing our perspective to a more universal value system might make bigger changes in performance without actually spending money. See Hawthorn Effect and how positive treatment and focus can create greater performance improvements. High performance groups/society comes from treating people as though they are valuable and can perform versus prompting people by race and religion as to their lower values. Remember this concept I have been talking about as "All American" or "Something a little less". Its not as much a money thing as it is social prompting issue.). Because I haven't yet read the bill in significant page by page depth I can only say I think this bill in its present form may be difficult to sell as a single wrap it all in bill (We can wait and see🕘.).

FBI Report Indicates Violent Crime Has Risen Michigan and Elsewhere

According to the FBI violent crime such as homicides rose nationally to 21,570 indicating multiple roots of problems that seem to have gotten worse during the Pandemic. In Michigan, "... there were 40,041 violent-crime incidents, and 47,327 offenses reported in Michigan by 630 law enforcement agencies that submitted National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data, and covers 94% of the total population." FBI, NIBRS, 2021)

The FBI has a number of reports on their site you can peruse. Uniform Crime Report Reports FBI You may also want to check out the Uniform Crime Data Explorer as well as Hate Crimes

The problem with violent crimes is the willingness of people to engage in grossly inappropriate anti-social behaviors for self gain. I suspect many of these issues are based in life frustration, indifferent communities, and untreated mental health. 

If you look at the FBI's site you will notice that offender ages are relatively young and lean in the direction of males. Often testosterone is part of the issue. However, socialization and poor role models can't be ruled out as a cofactor. For example, local crime might be oriented more toward social acceptance and feelings of inadequacy then pure testosterone as a stand alone construct. See Age and Crime Research (Its a little older but still valid). 

In Michigan we have an opportunity to understand violent crime and take a more active approach that leads to better solutions and more effective policing/public policy. Communities (local police and citizens) should report those who commit crimes or threaten to engage in crimes. Without proper numbers we don't know really want is going on or how much unreported crime there is (We can only run stats. False reporting should also carry a level of responsibility to ensure the data stays clean.)

Social connection should not be the determinant of justice.  See Michigan Hate Crime Reform.

Michigan Crimes

Chief Economist Joseph Minarik Discusses the Economy and 2022-23 Rate Increase

Joseph Minarik is Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Committee for Economic Development at the Conference Board (CED) and indicates that Federal Reserve are leaning just a touch hawkish (he isn't completely convinced) and many of the problems we are facing are somewhat transitory. He expects fiscal support to eventually taper and there are a number of unknowns that can cause or own problems. We may want to watch the jobs report in September and see what happens when kids go back to school. (The jobs report is only somewhat telling because as people return to work, or flux in service-Delta Covid adjustments we may reach a maximum unemployment rate where it becomes better to invest in technology development to fill the labor shortage gap pushing the economy closer to its own Renaissance when matched with market changes and government focus on innovative development that redraws our supply chains and global "investability". See New Paths American Renaissance Post 9'11 Era )

Global Marketing Mindset

He is right when he states the indicators of economic growth are sort of inconsistent and not easy to trend (At least by traditional economic measures. We shouldn't forget the other non-traditional metrics based in human behavior.). This often happens when nations are in transition from one form of existence to another both in physical structures and in the global mindset ( Global Marketing, Global Leadership, Global Executives and Global Organizational Culture i.e. digitizing in a increasingly connected global world with other environmental pressures that force us to think beyond our time rooted economic, environmental and social assumptions. A more macro view of ourselves that launches new ideas and products.) 

Update Federal Stats

Much will depend on how our national leaders decide issues versus simply the magic economic conditions. Big Data allows decision makers to see how our economy works form a eagle eye perspective that provides greater awareness of the bigger system that hopefully moves decision making away from the small (race/religious issues, short-sighted choices, and hyper policies that aren't based in critical thinking or science.) Congress and law makers have a lot of choices to make within windows in which they are most beneficial and create the biggest impact to stretch those dollars (Remember all business, success, and thriving is making the right choices at the right time. Why I support bi-partisan initiatives and why robust discussion can be beneficial when we learn from each other; assuming we are open to learning.🙉🙊)Its the time for practicality and the lowering of hyper politics to make it through the transition. (See Biggest Risks to US Economy Decision Making and Human Capital)

The Conference Board offers insight into economic opportunities. 

Semi Conductors-The Need for Innovative Clusters Highlighted

 Semiconductors are important not only to Michigan and the automotive industry but also to the nation as a whole. Essential equipment like semiconductors (and others) help ensure the rest of the system is functioning. When they are limited in supply the integrity of the entire production chain becomes questionable. While we may have outsourced much of that and didn't keep our eye on our own national security issues we do have an opportunity to change that trajectory. With cluster development I believe we can put semiconductor experts and leading US/International companies together to start an innovative build; the same can be said for other essential industries (i.e. cluster related in competencies, resources, and skill.) I think my Delta County Michigan Transaction Model for Cluster Development might be of some use. Invest R&D SubFactors MultiCluster DC Shipping. 

Government/White House will now be investigating the semiconductor supply chain to discover any issues that might be slowing down production and its wider supply network; vertical and horizontal (i.e.MI auto). What might be helpful is to draw a map of that supply chain and then create multiple linkages (alternative transaction chains) around bottlenecks to better ensure adaptability if any aspect of the chain goes out (perhaps a 2 week maximum revamp time matched with at least 2 weeks of back supply in storage/warehouse. Any number is ok...as long as it covers the revamp time.).

 Furthermore, a certain amount of essential materials could be produce in the "Americas" (US CAN MX, South America) in a regional effort to protect production capacity (Maybe MX could help us with the border crisis a little if we make a good faith effort to draw back some of the low cost labor manufacturing from Asia to there. Remember we want to price out our competitors in all of the pricing brackets. New innovative products lead the market but then become part of low cost manufacturing as novelty wears off. Generating revenue throughout more U.S. based companies during the product life cycle can be helpful in maximizing tax advantages. Maybe? 🤔). Where we are over reliant on outside/foreign resources (We should have a balance.) we might consider thinking about developing alternative designs to create multiple paths in technology development lines that could open up new possibilities to unknown technologies in the future. We are in the process of innovating our nation and thus should consider new ways of doing business and maintaining national competitive position. Global Supply Chain, Systems Thinking, System Think Strategy, Does US Need Shorter Supply Chain?, Cross Structure Synergy Physical/Virtual

While it may not seem like it COVID taught us to deal with our outsourced capacity in order to diversify our sources and be able to ramp up American businesses when needed (better now then in 10 years where our available national resources options are more limited)

Gov. Whitmer and Legislature Come Together on Bipartisan Budget that Puts Michiganders First Without Raising Taxes

 Some interesting stuff below in terms of the State's ability to figure out its next step. I'm in favor of bi-partisan legislature when a wide group of stakeholders will benefit. While sometimes its necessary debate/argue key points much of what has been provided here makes sense. There is something called the the Michigan Infrastructure Council below. The more we know of what is going on in the state the more we are informed of the decision making process and its best outcomes. 

THE MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL (Website)

• About Splash

  The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is comprised of nine appointed voting members who are representative of one or more of the following: (1) asset management experts from the public and private sectors with knowledge of and expertise in the areas of planning, design, construction, management, operations and maintenance for drinking water, wastewater, storm water, transportation, energy, and communications, (2) financial and procurement experts from the public or private sector, and (3) experts in regional asset management planning across jurisdictions and infrastructure sectors. All voting members serve 3-year terms. Five of the voting positions are appointed by the Governor, one by the Senate Majority Leader, one by the Speaker of the House, one by the Senate Minority Leader, and one by the House Minority Leader.

  The MIC is also comprised of nine non-voting members representing state agencies, the Water Asset Management Council (WAMC), the Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC), and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Gov. Whitmer and Legislature Come Together on Bipartisan Budget that Puts Michiganders First Without Raising Taxes (Website)

Budgets includes $500 million deposit into rainy day fund, grows workforce development programs, expands childcare, builds up bridges and water infrastructure 

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrates bipartisan budget agreement as the legislature moves budget bills for Fiscal Year 2022, which begins on October 1. She plans to sign the bipartisan budget into law before the end of the month. The budget provides strong investments for the state's economy, enhances childcare for Michigan's working families, invests in education and the skills needed for Michigan's workforce, protects our health, prioritizes cleaning up our water and environment, and rebuilds our infrastructure and crumbling bridges. 

The General Fund budget will total $11.8 billion, and when combined with the already signed School Aid Budget of $17.0 billion ($2 billion from federal sources), the full budget will provide $26.8 billion in state spending. With federal funding and other restricted revenues included, the full budget will total just under $70 billion. In July, Gov. Whitmer signed the School Aid budget, providing historic investments in K-12 education and increasing access to preschool, marking the end of a 27-year journey to close the funding gap between school districts.      

"I am thrilled that the legislature and I were able to come together to agree on a bipartisan budget. Our collaboration is a testament to what's possible when we work together and put our families, communities, and small businesses first," said Governor Whitmer. "The budget will make the biggest-ever one-time deposit into our rainy day fund, repair or replace nearly 100 bridges, expand childcare to 105,000 kids at low or no-cost, replace lead service lines, permanently raise pay for direct care workers, and do so, so much more. I look forward to continuing in the spirit of collaboration to spend the billions in federal dollars we have available to us from the American Rescue Plan and the billions more we are expected to receive from the bipartisan federal infrastructure bill. When we come together, we are capable of making incredible progress and I am proud that we got this done."    

"I am proud of this budget and the collaboration with the legislature to create a spending plan centered on transformational investments that will drive Michigan's continued recovery," said State Budget Director David Massaron. "This budget is going to help Michigan emerge as an even stronger state and it provides the type of investments that will foster real and lasting improvements to support Michigan's families and businesses."    

The budget will provide a series of investments to help Michigan's economy, including lowering the costs and expanding the access of childcare for working families. The funding plan includes: 

• $108.1 million that makes 105,000 more children eligible for child care by increasing income eligibility to 185 percent of the federal poverty level through fiscal year 2023, then 160 percent ongoing in the following fiscal years. 
• $13 million to waive parent copays for childcare through fiscal year 2022. 
• $158 million for an ongoing 30 percent rate increase for childcare providers, with an additional $222 million for a temporary rate increase. 
• $117.4 million to pay for enrollment in childcare through fiscal year 2023. 
• $36.5 million over 3 years to expand the number of childcare spaces for infants and toddlers.   
• $700.7 million for stabilization grants and another $100 million for startup grants for childcare providers, including technical assistance and facility improvements. 
• $30 million for a one-time $1,000 bonus for childcare staff. 
• $100 million for community revitalization and placemaking grants to support economic development in local communities. 

"This relief is coming not a moment too soon - today's budget will be a lifeline to the child care providers who were struggling to make ends meet even before the pandemic," said Annemarie Valdez, President of First Steps Kent. "These funds will make it possible to stabilize not only the child care industry, but will help bring Michigan parents back into the workforce, which will in turn alleviate pressures on our economy overall. Thanks to the Governor and State legislators for negotiating a deal that puts families first."   

The budget will also provide direct support for education and skills training to help address the skills gap and provide Michigan employers with the talent needed to move the economy forward. Investments will include: 

• $55 million for the Reconnect program to provide a tuition-free pathway to an in-demand industry certificate or associate degree for Michigan adults age 25 and older to help Michiganders get the skills they need to compete for a good-paying, in-demand job.  
• $25 million for the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program that pays for frontline workers to attend local community college tuition-free. 
• $40 million for the Going Pro program to expand employer-based training grants that result in industry-recognized credentials and certificates to help raise wages for workers and help employers fill job openings. 
• $6 million for wraparound supports for Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners to remove barriers to degree completion. 
• $8 million for pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship training programs that will expand Michigan's talent pool in the construction and building trades.  
• $1 million for Focus: HOPE to support workforce development, youth development, and community empowerment and advocacy programs. 
• Increased base funding of 1 percent for operations at universities and community colleges, with a one-time 4% increase in funds to help keep tuition costs down.   

"Michigan is ready to work, and we have good-paying jobs in the skilled trades that need to be filled,' said Cheryl Sanford, CEO of the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute. "This budget's use of resources to help provide apprenticeship readiness programming helps close that skills gap, connects those in hardship with access to opportunity, and ultimately builds financial sustainability for working families across Michigan." 

"The resources provided in this budget for Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are vital for Michigan's community colleges and their role in moving our state forward," said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., President of Lansing Community College. 

The budget will also make strong investments in the state's infrastructure to provide additional resources necessary to make needed repairs and replacements, including: 

• $196 million for local bridge bundling to repair or replace nearly 100 crumbling bridges in serious and critical condition.  
• $14.3 million to help local governments prepare for climate change and extreme weather, including flooding and coastal erosion.  
• $19 million for dam repairs and replacements to mitigate flooding and hazards caused by dam malfunction. 
• $3 million for the Michigan Infrastructure Council. 

"Investing in infrastructure just makes sense for Michigan," said Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasure of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. "I applaud Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for coming together on a budget that will fix our long-crumbling bridges, roads and other critical infrastructure with a plan that will create jobs and put hard working men and women to work all across this state." 

The budget will also fund key initiatives centered on the health of Michigan families, including: 

• $460 million to give a permanent $2.35/hour raise to direct care workers who take care of our most vulnerable in nursing homes and beyond. 
• $7.4 million to expand the Infant Home Visiting program for evidence-based home visiting services to at-risk families with infants born with substance exposure. 
• $19.1 million for the MiChoice program expansion to provide alternatives to nursing home care and allow seniors to stay in their homes (increase of 1,000 slots). 
• $6.7 million for the Sickle Cell Disease Initiative to cover the cost of treatment to around 400 adults and increase outreach and clinical capacity supporting the estimated 4,000 Michigan residents living with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black people. 
• $8.4 million to reduce health disparities and expand the use of community-based navigators to enhance access to health coverage, and improve screening, data sharing and interoperability of existing data systems through the Michigan Health Information Network.  
• $5 million for a pilot program to bring down utility bills for families by improving home weatherization and energy efficiency.  

"Our direct care workers work hard every day, but have especially gone above and beyond over the past year," said Robert Stein, Michigan Assisted Living Association. "We thank Gov. Whitmer for recognizing the value of direct care workers and supporting a wage increase." 

"The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Michigan (SCDAM) thanks Governor Whitmer for her leadership in the fight to address health care disparities," said Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney, CEO/Medical Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter. "ASCDAM sits at the forefront of creating real systematic change in the care of individuals living with sickle cell disease. This much needed increase in funding will be instrumental in helping to improve the quality of life for patients across the state."  

The budget also focuses on the need to invest in our water and environment, including: 

• $10 million to continue the replacement of lead service lines in Benton Harbor to provide access to safe drinking water.  
• $15 million for the Emergency Drinking Water Fund to help the state address drinking water emergencies. 
• $14 million to address PFAS and another $22 million to clean up contaminated sites across the state. 
• $25 million to clean up the Western Lake Erie Basin by reducing phosphorus levels. 
• $10 million for the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund to help eliminate lead poisoning in homes by injecting private capital into lead remediation efforts.  
• $5 million for the State Facility Green Revolving Fund which is a catalyst for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at state facilities, helping reduce the state's carbon footprint and save taxpayer dollars. 

"This first round of funding for clean, efficient energy and safe drinking water includes a number of new, innovative initiatives and is a down payment on the significant costs we will have to pay to clean up contaminated sites across our state and protect our water," said Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director for Michigan League of Conservation Voters. "Safe and clean drinking water is not a partisan issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers and the Governor to ensure protecting our water and our health are priorities in the final budget and in upcoming investments our state will make with federal recovery aid."  

The safety of Michigan residents is also prioritized in this budget, with $7.3 million in increased funding to hire and train new corrections officers for the state's prison system, and more than $800,000 in new funding for wellness initiatives for corrections employees.  

Department of State Police investments include $3.8 million to expand the use of body cameras, $4.5 million for a professional development and training effort, $7.7 million for a trooper recruit school, $2.5 million for breathalyzer test replacements, and a $2 million increase in secondary road patrol grants.   

The budget also provides $16 million for 911 system upgrades and $5 million to support local efforts to expand recruitment, improve training, and provide additional professional development to first responders.  

Funding is also provided to improve and enhance technology systems across state government with $17.5 million in increased funding for the state's information technology investment fund. Another $20 million is provided to protect state information technology systems from advanced persistent cyber threats to help ensure data doesn't get into the wrong hands.  

A two percent increase is provided for statutory revenue sharing payments to cities, villages, townships, and counties, and Constitutional Revenue Sharing is adjusted to reflect higher-than-expected sales tax revenues due to Michigan's strong economic recovery. This is an increase of $71 million to local communities across the state to help fund police, fire and public safety. 

 The budget will also deposit $500 million into the Budget Stabilization Fund, bringing the total fund balance to nearly $1.4 billion, representing the largest rainy day fund balance in state history.