Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron – chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee — today issued the following statement on the state budget:

“We reached out to the governor again and again in an attempt to work together on state government’s new budget, but she walked away from negotiations and now is attempting a power grab that will hurt Michigan families and taxpayers.

“The governor campaigned on a promise to fix Michigan roads – yet she just rejected $375 million to boost repairs without tax increases or cuts to essential services. She is clinging to her widely rejected proposal to raise gas taxes by 45 cents per gallon, even though we already know that’s a burden Michigan drivers don’t want and can’t afford.

“The governor is trying to go around the legislators elected to be the voice of the people in state government and change how we invest taxpayer dollars. She’s more interested in playing politics than working with the Legislature, and the people of Michigan deserve better.

“I will continue to work in the best interests of Michigan taxpayers and their families, and I hope the governor will put her political games aside and join me.”

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