Time to make decisions
In a decision-making meeting, multiple proposals are on the table. Many of these proposals have been discussed among state members for weeks. First, the state members form a good understanding of the subject. They receive information from experts, go on work visits, and speak with residents. Then, the state members debate the proposal with the deputies and each other. Ultimately, in the state meeting, the state members make a decision. This is how Provincial States work.
Integration plan RegioExpres approved
The amended integration plan for RegioExpres was on the agenda as a voting item. This means there was no need for discussion: it was clear whether factions wanted to vote for or against. A majority voted in favor of the plans for the extra express train between Arnhem and Doetinchem. To enable this to run, double track will be created between Didam and Doetinchem De Huet. Stations and level crossings will be adjusted, and there should be less nuisance for residents.
Money World Food Center to projects in Ede
In December 2023, PS decided to stop the subsidy for the World Food Center Experience in Ede. A portion of the funds has not yet been spent. That money can now go elsewhere. The states decided that it should go to other projects in the Ede region, especially in the areas of housing, culture, recreation, and economy. The province will work with the municipality of Ede, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs this year to find suitable projects. The projects that receive funding must be fully completed by 2030.
Accountability for results
With the annual accounts, the provincial government accounts to PS. They show what has been executed from the plans for 2024, where the income came from, and where the money has been spent. PS made that money available. Therefore, they monitor the provinces expenditures. The annual accounts were unanimously adopted. This means that all present state members voted in favor.
Supervision generates energy
The Audit Office East Netherlands made recommendations to PS regarding the supervision of companies energy-saving obligations. A proposal was on the agenda in the state meeting to adopt these recommendations. With an amendment, state members can adjust a proposal on points before they decide on the proposal. Two amendments led to a change:
- ‘Supervision provides energy and clarity’ (BBB and other factions) ensures that if a company cannot save enough energy, it must be clear why that is not possible. Because that shows what the problems are.
- ‘Continuity without mandatory earmarking’ (BBB and other factions) ensures that there will not be a separate provincial fund for energy supervision each year. This kind of supervision is part of the ‘basic package’ of environmental services: they carry out this task.
A safer road network Eerbeek-Loenen
Together with the municipality of Apeldoorn and the municipality of Brummen, the province of Gelderland is working on improving livability, accessibility, and traffic safety on the Eerbeek-Loenen road network. This is the implementation of provincial policy. Therefore, the college of Deputies can make decisions about this. Since they find it important to know how PS feels about it, the subject was on the agenda of exploratory and evaluative meetings.
This time, the states did not make a decision about the road network. Nevertheless, the subject was briefly on the agenda of the state meeting. This way, state members could submit motions. A motion is a call to the college to take action. Two motions received support from a majority:
- ‘Safe over the Canal route Dieren’ (BBB and other factions) asks the deputies to engage in conversation with the municipality of Rheden about appropriate measures on this traffic route. For example, a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour. And to jointly look for a way to fund those measures.
- ‘Safe crossing’ within the Course note road network Eerbeek-Loenen’ (BBB and other factions) calls on the provincial government to create new safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists in various places in Loenen, Eerbeek, Brummen, and Rheden.
What else happened on State Day
- Question hour. Factions use the Question Hour to ask short and politically relevant questions that require some urgency. Questions were raised about withheld information (GroenLinks), protection of biodiversity (BBB), and the impact of aviation plans (GroenLinks).
- More decisions. The states agreed to the reappointment of Saskia van der Haagen as a board member of the Audit Office East Netherlands, recommendations for accessibility, the draft budget of the Audit Office East Netherlands, and the handling of complaints.
- New face in the State Hall. Arjen van der Vlies has been installed as a state member for the BBB faction. He temporarily replaces Marcel Roerdink.
- 1st time at the podium. For Dirk-Wim in ’t Hof, his contribution in the state meeting was also his ‘maiden speech’. It was his first time speaking in a decision-making meeting of the Provincial States.
- More motions and amendments. This message contains all adopted motions and amendments. But several others were submitted. You can find these documents, as well as all other documents from the state meeting, at gelderland.nl/Statenlive.