State Rep. Sarah Lightner of Springport today introduced legislation to restore important funding to local communities in the wake of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget vetoes.

Lightner’s proposal deals with what’s known as “payment in lieu of taxes” from the state to local communities. These payments replace revenue lost on tax-exempt land owned by the state, including public-owned property controlled by the Department of Natural Resources.

Lightner’s measure would restore more than $27 million vetoed by the governor statewide – including money relied upon in Jackson, Eaton and Lenawee counties.

“The governor’s reckless actions would force local communities to bear the cost of state-owned land within their geographical boundaries,” Lightner said. “She’s trying to use every resident in the state as a pawn in her political battles – all designed to pressure the Legislature into approving her proposed 45-cent per gallon gas tax hike. These scare tactics are not going to work.

“The governor’s political games need to stop. If she won’t correct her own mistakes, the Legislature will step in and undo the damage done by these vetoes.”

Lightner’s proposal is part of a broad legislative effort to reverse many of the Whitmer vetoes when she signed legislation for the budget year that began Oct. 1.

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