State Rep. Parker Fairbairn this week backed the passage of the House budget plan for next year. The budget includes provisions to right-size state government, additional support for Pure Michigan, and more than $4.1 million in projects Fairbairn championed for Northern Michigan and the U.P. While the House plan is not the final budget, having projects included in the House passed bill is the first step toward securing the funding in the final version. Projects Fairbairn successfully advocated for include:

• $1 million for electrical and cybersecurity upgrades at Lake Superior State University
• $2.5 million for a dental hygienist program facility at North Central Michigan College
• $600,000 for Michigan Tech to analyze propose solution to recent increases in Mackinac Bridge closures due to falling ice

“I’m proud to have earned my colleagues’ support for more than $4.1 million in projects across Northern Michigan and the U.P.,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “Quality institutions like Lake Superior State University (LSSU), North Central Michigan College (NCMC), and Michigan Technological University (MTU) play a vital role in preparing our workforce of the future.

“The improvements at LSSU will help the university keep students in class and keep sensitive data safe. The dental hygienist program at NCMC will pay significant dividends across Northern Michigan and the U.P. We well-trained dental hygienists are in demand locally and throughout the state. The MTU analysis and recommendations regarding the recent spike in bridge closures will help us understand why the ice problem has become more frequent in the past year, how exactly it is impacting both peninsulas and how the Bridge Authority might address the problem moving forward.

“As for the appropriations process, there is still work ahead as we negotiate the final budget with the Senate and Governor, but I’m prepared to continue making the case for investing in Northern Michigan and the U.P.”

Other highlights that Fairbairn points out in the House passed budget include a $3 million increase for Pure Michigan – bringing its total funding to $20 million next year. Pure Michigan is the state’s chief tourism and promotional driver, encouraging additional visitors to the state.

The House budget plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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