Representative Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) issued the following statement after voting against Democrat budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year:

“In the middle of the night, Lansing Democrats passed a wasteful budget that is full of misplaced priorities, favoring special interests and wasteful programs instead of funding for students and investments in infrastructure. At a time when costs are rising for families across Mid-Michigan, this costly budget is an insult to those taxpayers who will be left with the bill. 

“Nowhere is this more evident than in the School Aid budget, where for the first time in more than a decade there is no increase in per-pupil funding for our public schools. When it comes to keeping our students safe – something close to the heart of every parent – this Democrat budget cuts school safety funding and mental health grants by 90 percent.

“So what is funded in the budget? Plenty of money for wasteful insider deals. There are millions of dollars for a zoo in Lansing and a boxing gym in Detroit. Failed government programs like the Governor’s housing subsidy for illegal immigrants also receive millions in funds.

“I’m saddened to see such reckless spending when our schools are underfunded. And when we in Mid-Michigan are faced with the cost of rebuilding from catastrophic flooding and dam failure it is disappointing that Democrats rejected my amendment for a dedicated appropriation to the Four Lakes Task Force for dam restoration.

“Simply put, there is an astonishing amount of waste and lack of transparency within this budget. It shows the substantial disconnect Democrats have with the needs of everyday people.