State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom today introduced a proposal that would restore necessary funding for the state’s network of county welfare programs charged with ensuring the wellbeing of children in the foster and juvenile justice systems. This funding was stripped from the state budget through line-item veto by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

When signing budget bills for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, Gov. Whitmer cut nearly $1 billion in state programs affecting a wide cross-section of Michigan residents, including students, seniors, veterans and at-risk populations. Among the 147 vetoes was a $4.2 million line-item to reimburse counties for costs associated with serving the needs of children in the county child welfare system. VanWoerkom’s plan would restore the funds necessary to administer the program.

“The governor’s cuts threaten to jeopardize the wellbeing of children in our care,” VanWoerkom said. “Our child welfare system has already been plagued by government missteps, threatening the safety of at-risk children. The governor has provided no good reason to voluntarily impede the work of this important system by cutting support. I am glad to bring forward a plan to restore this funding.”