State Rep. Brian BeGole today opposed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announced agenda, highlighting negative impacts the push will have on consumers, small business owners, families, rural communities and attempts to attract residents to Michigan.

Whitmer and Democrat leaders went through several initiatives that increase regulation and costs while not addressing problems and priorities many people across the state feel are more pressing.

“People are struggling to keep up with their own budgets, but Democrats are expecting them to handle government’s reckless spending too,” said BeGole, of Antrim Township. “Her idea of limitless potential in our state is built around an unlimited use of people’s hard-earned money. That’s not practical and it won’t work for people I talk with every day across our area.”

BeGole highlighted the following elements of the agenda:

Green energy mandates and timelines. The proposals will work to establish a carbon-free standard in Michigan by 2035. BeGole said the move will ultimately increase electric prices for Michigan families who already pay too much for a grid that isn’t reliable, while not taking into account if the state’s infrastructure will be able to meet such a timeline.

A push for unsustainable paid leave plans. Whitmer encouraged a need for more paid leave for employees without offering specifics. Bills currently in the Legislature would require private workers and employers in Michigan to fund a new program which offers up to 15 weeks of paid leave every year. The program, patterned after Michigan’s broken, fraud-riddled unemployment system, would be paid for by a new tax composed of money taken directly from workers’ paychecks. The policy would also cost small businesses, who serve as the backbone of Michigan’s local and state economies, millions of dollars. This would result in lower wages for workers or higher prices for consumers to offset costs.

“Growing government is not the answer,” BeGole said. “The needs and priorities of people in our region are being put on the back burner in favor of national agendas and big government wish lists. I will continue to support plans that respect people’s tax dollars.”