Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron – chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee — today issued the following statement after the chamber approved a supplemental budget plan:

“After more than two months of hard work, we have restored funding for essential services important to citizens in the Thumb and across the state. This plan will help hospitals take care of patients in rural areas, keep sheriff patrols on country roads, and help Michigan’s most vulnerable residents including children with autism and seniors with Alzheimer’s.

“Although they never should have happened in the first place, I am pleased we have come together to reverse the most harmful vetoes enacted at the start of this fiscal year. Moving forward, I am hopeful the governor will join me in a transparent, open and ongoing dialogue to best serve the taxpayers of Michigan throughout the budget process. As part of this process, our agreement ensures more transparency and oversight by limiting the governor’s use of the State Administrative Board.”