State Rep. Andrew Fink | Michigan House Republicans
State Rep. Andrew Fink | Michigan House Republicans
State Representative Andrew Fink, a Republican from Adams Township, cast his vote against an $82.5 billion state budget plan today. He criticized the proposal for prioritizing what he termed "pet projects" over essential services needed by Michigan residents.
Fink expressed concerns about the plan's reliance on tax increases affecting families, seniors, and small businesses while drawing $670 million from teachers' retirement accounts. He also highlighted reductions in school safety funding and neglect of local road repairs.
“Time and again we see that Democrats are out of touch with the real needs of the people of Michigan,” Fink stated. “Their plan funds trivial pet projects that benefit specific areas of the state rather than focusing on basic statewide necessities like infrastructure, public safety, and essential government services.”
The budget proposes cutting more than $300 million from school safety and mental health grants, leaving only $26.5 million for resource officers and critical programs in schools.
Additionally, Fink noted inadequate funding in the Department of Corrections for recruiting and retaining corrections officers. “Recruiting and retaining corrections officers is vital to ensure the safety, security, and effective management of correctional facilities,” he said.
Among funded projects are a $7.5 million drone program, $3 million incentives for e-bike purchases, a $25 million EV charging station initiative, and a $5 million commission for celebrating the U.S. semiquincentennial.
The budget also includes last-minute additions such as $17 million for zoos in Lansing and Metro Detroit, various sports facilities improvements totaling millions more, along with other community enhancements.
Past misuses of similar grants were cited by Fink as examples of potential misuse without proper oversight measures being included in this budget proposal.
A significant portion—$500 million—is allocated to the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund aimed at economic development but lacking transparency reforms according to critics like Fink who said: “We need better transparency to ensure taxpayers are actually getting something out of the investment of public funds.”
The fiscal year’s new state budget was passed through two party-line votes early this morning in the House.
Alerts Sign-up