State Rep. Bronna Kahle, of Adrian, today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s veto of Senate Bill 294. The plan would have exempted outside viewing areas, such as athletic field press boxes, from unnecessary heating requirements – saving school districts in Lenawee County and across the state from increased construction costs and delays.

“I’m disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto this important pro-schools plan.

“Rather than approve a common-sense solution aimed at helping schools and local communities save money by eliminating needless, burdensome regulations, the governor has instead sided with more government bureaucracy and unfunded mandates.

“Her veto will undoubtedly hurt our state’s students and schools in multiple ways. Installing permanent heating systems into seasonal buildings used periodically through the fall and spring athletic seasons skyrockets construction costs by tens of thousands of dollars – taxpayer money that could be better utilized elsewhere.

“School districts that opt to appeal the restrictions, like Madison and Hudson, face even greater costs and experience construction project delays, costing even more hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, this money could be going toward our students in the classroom.

“I will continue working with Sen. Zorn, as I have with SB 294 and HB 4548, to advance common-sense solutions for our communities that put students first.”