Budget proposals approved by House Appropriations subcommittees

A pair of House Appropriations subcommittees vice-chaired by state Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, this week approved budget proposals that save taxpayer dollars while investing in necessary programs.

Proposals for the Department of Natural Resources and part of the Department of Energy, Great Lakes and the Environment ensure proper environmental protection across the board, by ensuring environmental remediation and associated costs are covered without raising taxes. They also set aside funds to ensure that families hit the hardest by PFAS water pollution are connected to a permanent, clean water source and to continue key research on how PFAS impacts our state’s ecosystems.

“These proposals represent a commitment to best maximize our state’s resources to protect Michigan’s matchless natural resources, while driving value to the programs that matter most to families across Michigan,” Glenn said.

Added transparency within departments was a feature of budget plans for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as well as the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Glenn explained the budgets protect residents’ hard-earned money while moving the state forward in needed areas. A newly-planned anti-fraud unit would investigate incidents of insurance and financial fraud.

“We have seen several damaging data breaches across the country in which people’s personal information has been accessed and their privacy violated,” Glenn said. “We’re also in a state with the nation’s highest car insurance rates and fraud is one reason why those rates are so high. It’s important to position Michigan as a leader on these fronts when it comes to working to combat issues in a technological age. It’s good customer service for our residents as they choose to live, work and raise a family in this state.”

Glenn said the budgets also include a 25 percent spending cut for information and technology services, which have been a source of significant cost overruns in recent years.

The plans – House Bills 4233, 4237, 4239 and 4241 – move to the House Appropriations Committee for review.