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Rep. Meerman eager to provide funding clarity for schools and local governments with budget
RELEASE|September 5, 2019
Contact: Luke Meerman

Legislator: Vital services hanging in the balance with continued delay

As the state budget process moves forward, state Rep. Luke Meerman today said negotiations have gone on for long enough and that action is sorely needed on a responsible state budget.

Provisions in the Michigan Constitution require activity on a state budget before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently made comments criticizing the Republican-led Michigan Legislature for dragging its collective feet during budget negotiations. However, several different plans have been submitted by House Republicans during summer discussions with the governor to address her main priority – adequately funding road repairs.

These alternative routes were generated after the governor’s proposed 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase was viewed by Michigan residents as misguided – with some polls showing over 80% disapproval.

Meerman said continued delay at the state level jeopardizes the ability for Michigan’s local governments to operate in an efficient and effective manner.

“I’m concerned as we approach Oct. 1 for what these vehement disagreements mean for our communities, who depend on state budgets to set their own budgets,” said Meerman, of Coopersville. “Our schools, law enforcement and other essential public services that a state budget supports are being held at arm’s length while the governor focuses on putting her hand into hard-working residents’ pockets for her gas tax increase. That’s not fair to people in West Michigan. It’s time we move forward with the appropriations process and carry out our constitutional duty as legislators.”

In June, the House approved a budget plan that redirects the 6 percent sales tax motorists already pay at the pump to roads. This adjustment adds more than $800 million a year to repairs without a tax increase. It’s a proposal that comes on top of the 2015 plan already adding to roads gradually, with over $1 billion in additional annual revenue estimated to be generated by 2021.

The House-approved budget proposal also emphasizes getting more money into schools, investing $226 million for foundation grant increases in the K-12 budget. Every school district in the state would receive an additional $90 to $180 per student for a total foundation allowance of $8,056 to $8,529 per student in the state budget year that begins Oct. 1.

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