State Rep. Beth Griffin, of Mattawan, today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s comments on the progress of ongoing budget negotiations:

“Despite summer-long negotiations between the House, Senate, and the governor, the governor has refused to budge on her 45-cent gas tax increase and consider funding options from the budget approved by the House in June. Due to that stubbornness, it is disingenuous for her to say the Legislature is unwilling to negotiate. She has made little to no effort to understand the effect her tax increase would have on Michiganders.

“I have heard from constituents across the district about how badly a 45-cent gas tax increase would affect them and their own budgets. Already struggling farmers would have even higher daily expenses just to operate their farms. Everyday people, especially those in rural areas, would have to pay hundreds of dollars more for gas each year and may not be able to afford to get to work. Communities closer to the border could lose people and jobs to neighboring states, and will certainly lose out on any existing revenue from gas sales as people head to neighboring states to purchase it.

“It is our responsibility as elected officials to use the money the government already collects from hard-working taxpayers wisely and not simply throw money at a problem. We need to move forward with a plan that continues to support road repairs while we actually solve the root cause of the problem.

“I’m disappointed it has taken more than two extra months this year to even come close to a signed budget. Our educators have had to start school for the first time in years without a concrete budget and it’s long past time we give them one to support our students. As a former teacher, I know firsthand how difficult it is to plan for the upcoming year with uncertainty hanging over your head. Let’s get this done, and done right.”

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