State Rep. Ken Borton on Wednesday slammed Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen for continuing their efforts to raise hunting, fishing, and boating fees. The governor, who presented her budget today, included the fee increases in her executive recommendation.

“I don’t know how much clearer I can make myself; if DNR leadership continues this ridiculous crusade to hike fees across the board – an action that does nothing but punish those who love the outdoors – we are going to zero out their budget. This is not a threat. This will be their reality if the DNR does not commit to working with us to protect access to the outdoors.

“If fee increases are so important, the director is going to have to sit in our public meeting and explain exactly why he needs them and why the money he already has – which many would say is grossly misspent – isn’t enough. He’s going to have to justify every single dollar they want to spend. If the committee is convinced, it goes into the budget. If not, try again next year.

“My committee is ready to work on behalf of people, and the people are tired of poorly run government agencies charging them extra just because they can.”

Borton serves as chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and vice chair of the Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy Appropriations Subcommittee.

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