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Rep. Hoitenga votes for tactical state spending over steep tax increases
RELEASE|September 24, 2019

Legislator: Budget plan tailored to what Michigan, residents can afford

State Rep. Michele Hoitenga, of Manton, today voted in favor of a new Michigan state budget investing more in roads and bridges, public health and safety, and strengthening communities – without raising taxes.

The approval votes are the latest in the Legislature’s work to have a state budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, as required by the Michigan Constitution. Last week, the Legislature approved record-high investment in Michigan students as part of the same overall budget.

The plans now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for review. The governor declined to participate in budget negotiations after her demands for a 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase were rejected. The budget the Legislature is sending to her costs taxpayers significantly less than the plan she proposed in March.

“These plans respect hard-working taxpayers in Northern Michigan,” Hoitenga said. “They put increased investment into our future – including our roads and schools – while caring for our most vulnerable citizens. The governor’s tax-and-spend plan for roads and other priority items was wildly unpopular, so we listened to the people we represent and respected their wishes.”

Hoitenga highlighted a legislative budget that places a priority on:

• Roads. Another $400 million is invested in road and bridge repairs, continuing the Legislature’s commitment to improving roads without tax increases or cuts to essential services. Michigan’s Department of Transportation budget will top $5 billion and provide more money for road repairs than ever before.

• Economic growth. Investments continue and increase in programs such as Going Pro to train more workers for good-paying, high demand careers so they can support themselves and their families – continuing Michigan’s economic comeback. This builds upon the previously approved schools budget providing significant increases in career and technical education. The new budget also makes a $4 million investment in the Food & Agriculture Investment Grant program supporting innovation and job creation.

• Better care for residents in rural areas. Reversing previous cuts made to rural hospitals to ensure people in every corner of the state have access to the dependable health services they need. A $3 million boost is planned for the Rural Hospital Pool and funds for all critical access hospitals – located in rural areas with 25 beds or less that provide 24-hour emergency services – will also increase. This includes Spectrum Health Hospital in Reed City.

The schools budget approved last week includes a record $15.2 billion for Michigan students, increasing the foundation allowance by more than $300 million – up to $240 more per student. Additional support is provided for special education, early literacy, school safety and several other programs.

 

 

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