Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron – chair of the House Appropriations Committee — today issued the following statement after legislative approval of Michigan’s next state government budget:

“This budget proves we can invest more in the top priorities of Michigan families – roads, education, safer drinking water, improved access to health care and more – without raising taxes.

“Thanks to the Legislature’s responsible decision-making, we are presenting Gov. Whitmer with a budget ahead of the constitutional deadline despite her unwillingness to participate in negotiations. This budget includes many of her priorities and she should sign it into law. I want to thank the Appropriations Committee members and other legislators – both Republican and Democrat – who worked so hard to put this budget together on behalf of Michigan taxpayers and families.

“Michigan isn’t Washington D.C. The government here in our great state should run effectively and efficiently, and it should be held accountable to hard-working taxpayers. Our state government should remain fully open and operational as the new budget year begins, delivering the wide variety of services our families and friends depend on every single day.”