State Rep. Rylee Linting today voted for a House budget plan that invests in Downriver and maintains a commitment to responsible government spending.

“We led the way last year in producing a budget that respects what taxpayers can afford and funds services an overwhelming number of people across the state use every day,” Linting said. “I voted for this budget because it continues that work. It provides funding for our local roads, students who are preparing for their futures, first responders keeping our communities safe and more – all while making sure government is operating within its means and not nickel and diming people out of our state with needless fees and increased taxes. This is a new, exciting way forward for Michigan.”

Several local projects sponsored by Rep. Linting are featured in the plan, including funding for a new fire engine for the City of Riverview Fire Department and a new ladder truck for the city of Wyandotte. Riverview’s existing engine was placed into service nearly 20 years ago and has experienced steadily increasing maintenance costs and reliability concerns due to age and wear. Wyandotte’s existing ladder truck would be nearly 30 years old by the time a new truck would be delivered and is beyond the end of its reliable service life. Linting’s requests would help the departments as they respond to emergencies and perform day-to-day responsibilities.

The city of Southgate would also see investments of $6.5 million for water main restoration and $222,000 for updated police radio equipment.

The House’s plan reduces state general fund spending by nearly $600 million while protecting the state’s rainy-day fund and preventing new taxes or fees. The proposal is a clear contrast from the governor’s budget recommendation, which includes $800 million in tax and fee increases and pulls $400 million from state savings to support spending.

Linting underscored the House plan’s efforts to increase revenue sharing for local governments who provide communities with essential services, support students with dedicated money for literacy tutors to address Michigan’s low reading proficiency rates, bolster workforce development with increased investment in the Going PRO Talent Fund, and strengthen infrastructure and public safety commitments after historic investments in the current fiscal year budget.

The plan also requires the Michigan Public Services Commission to provide clear explanations to the Legislature when evaluating utility rate increases, which Linting said will provide a critical layer of oversight and help address rising energy costs for Downriver families.