State Rep. Sue Allor today voted in favor of a bi-partisan emergency budget plan to restore support for tourism, advance veteran support services, improve crumbling infrastructure and more.

The emergency budget measures approved by the House partially restores funding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed for, among other things, the School Success Partnership Program. This program suffered over the last few months due to the governor’s actions late last year when she vetoed a number of items from the budget after Republicans refused to comply with her request for a 45-cent gas tax hike.

“Although the Governor’s cuts last year created or threatened disruption for many effective services and proven programs – I am optimistic that by giving the Governor a second opportunity to support the education of our children, advance mental health support for veterans and protect our Great Lakes, she will have a change of heart” said Allor, of Wolverine. “These budget restorations are the right thing to do for Michigan.”

The measures partially restore funding in a wide range of areas that the governor vetoed or redirected by her use of the State Administrative Board. Included in the supplemental is funding for: Going PRO – which provides training to enhance skills and talent of Michigan’s workforce through competitive grants to employers; The Buddy-to-Buddy Program – a phone-based program connecting veterans struggling with PTSD, depression or substance abuse with another veteran to check in on them regularly; and FIRST Robotics – which teaches students about science and technology.

Beyond restorations, a new program called Michigan Reconnect will help adults 25 and older earn a certificate or associate’s degree connected to in-demand skilled trades, release funds to address rising Great Lakes water levels, and address environmental cleanup issues in need of immediate attention.

Senate Bills 151 and 373 were approved by the Michigan House with bipartisan support.