Tri-City Sun

State Representative Bill G. Schuette criticized the governor's budget proposal for the next fiscal year, stating that it is filled with wasteful spending and fails to prioritize infrastructure and education funding. Rep. Schuette made these remarks during a joint House and Senate Appropriations Committee hearing where the budget proposal was presented.

According to Rep. Schuette, the budget plan, which amounts to over $80 billion for the second consecutive year, includes costly new government entitlements that will burden taxpayers with over $1 billion in expenses over the next decade. Additionally, the proposal allocates $22 million for state-owned electric vehicles that will not be used year-round.

Schuette emphasized the desire of the people he represents to have less government interference in their lives and to be able to keep more of their hard-earned money. He expressed disappointment in the governor's budget, which he believes expands government unnecessarily and spends taxpayer dollars at a time when Michiganders are struggling to make ends meet.

One of Rep. Schuette's main concerns is the lack of investment in infrastructure. He argued that instead of investing in expensive and unrealistic rail systems, the focus should be on repairing existing local roads and bridges that have been neglected for years. The budget plan includes a $100 million transit plan and more funding for the state's Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund than for roads. Rep. Schuette noted that the current fiscal year's budget did not allocate any new funding from the state for local road repairs.

Regarding education, Schuette believes that expanding programs should not take precedence over addressing the current issues that are failing students. He referenced a report by a population council appointed by the governor, which revealed that seven out of ten Michigan students cannot read or do math proficiently. Michigan also ranks poorly in high school graduation rates and SAT scores. Rep. Schuette stressed the importance of focusing on education standards in addition to spending.

Another concern raised by Rep. Schuette is the potential financial vulnerability of the state under the proposed budget. He worries that the plan does not allocate enough funds to pay off unfunded liabilities, putting future generations at risk of inheriting debt or requiring taxpayer bailouts for areas that have not managed their budgets effectively. The budget plan would leave the state with only $7 million out of $80 billion in revenue.

Despite his criticisms, Rep. Schuette acknowledged that the budget plan includes some positive aspects, such as a rollback of the retirement tax and a working families tax credit. He highlighted his previous efforts to push for tax relief for Michiganders by sponsoring plans that increased the Earned Income Tax Credit and made it retroactive, providing immediate savings to families.

The final budget bills must be presented to the governor by July 1.