State Rep. Bradley Slagh, of Zeeland, issued the following statement regarding the governor’s veto of funding for many critical programs and services:

“I’ve had some time to digest the governor’s actions and communicate with community leaders and constituents impacted by her vetoes. It’s a true shame she has chosen to use law enforcement, the autism community, college kids, and public-charter school students – many who live in cities with failing schools – as pawns in her quest to force her wildly unpopular 45-cent-per-gallon tax hike.

“The Legislature presented the governor with a responsible budget that funded resources to keep our communities safe, make quality education for every student possible, and fix unsafe roads and bridges – even ones that she herself deemed in need of immediate repair. The governor is solely responsible for slashing this funding.

“She built her campaign on promises of building bridges, but unfortunately she’s done nothing but burn those bridges. Michigan’s families and vulnerable individuals are the ones who will be hurt and it’s time for her to stop the political posturing and start being a responsible leader for the state of Michigan.”