Rep. Sarah Lightner of Springport – a member of the House Appropriations Committee – issued the following statement after Gov. Whitmer signed supplemental budget measures restoring funding for essential services:

“It’s been a long journey, but after months of hard work I am glad to say the Legislature and governor have come together to restore funding for the essential services people rely on every day. Public safety, health care and education will all benefit from this agreement.

“I am particularly pleased a measure I fought for – restoring payments in lieu of taxes from the state to local communities related to public lands – is included in this solution. This alone will provide more than $27 million statewide for communities to provide local services.

“I am optimistic this agreement is a sign of good things to come for all Michigan residents. As always, I am ready, willing and able to work with anyone who will put aside partisan politics and do what is best for our state’s families and taxpayers.”

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