South Michigan News

Senator Roger Hauck of Mt. Pleasant expressed strong criticism following the Senate's approval of a budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year. He voiced concerns about the growth in state spending and its implications for taxpayers.

"The state budget has grown over 40% in recent years, and all state taxpayers got under this current budget was more government growth, along with increases in fees and taxes that further pick their pockets while Senate Democrats continue their spending spree," Hauck stated.

He highlighted the absence of a road funding plan from the governor's office despite promises made seven years ago to address infrastructure issues. "We were told the only way to do so was to raise taxes and increase fees, despite House Republicans providing an alternative plan that does neither," he noted.

Hauck also criticized allocations for certain programs, arguing they do not align with educational priorities. "Our student reading and math scores are among the worst in the nation, but the Senate voted to spend $1 million to help 'underprivileged' people grow and sell marijuana and nearly $8 million to figure out how to tax people even more based on how many miles they drive — while voting down funding to expand educational resources for Michigan students."

He pointed out various inefficiencies within the budget, such as expenditures on vacant office buildings and a lack of accountability within bureaucratic structures. Additionally, he emphasized that many residents in his district had no representation during these votes.

Hauck joined fellow Republican senators in proposing amendments aimed at curbing what he views as excessive spending. However, these proposals did not receive consideration from the Democratic majority.

"I will not support fee increase after fee increase, more wasteful spending and a disregard for our top priorities — especially when this overspending fails to uphold the most basic responsibilities of government," Hauck asserted. "The budget that was put before us for a vote wasn’t a plan, it was a farce that passes more costs onto residents without providing any meaningful value."