The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Saturday, Nov. 1

The state budget for the new fiscal year was recently finalized and signed by the governor.

The final agreement had some good elements that provide greater accountability in government and other harmful components that ultimately led to me voting no on the plan. I wanted to address these issues for people I represent across Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties.

For far too long, the size of state government has grown dramatically on the backs of hardworking taxpayers. State spending has increased by over 40% since the governor took office. This seemed to be an unending cycle, where government would grow more without any questions asked and taxpayers would be expected to pay more to support it. The budget agreement reduces the size of state government. It eliminates over 2,000 vacant positions across a number of departments that were routinely funded but never filled. As a result, we save tax dollars without laying off a single person.

Government transparency has also been a huge concern for people throughout the state. The budget provides accountability for grants so the process is not abused or used to funnel tax dollars to politically connected entities. For the first time, for-profit companies were barred from being awarded special projects, ensuring accountability and transparency in how state dollars are spent. We also worked to reform how the state handles economic incentives, as large-scale projects that receive them routinely overpromise and underdeliver on jobs and return on investment. We have started the process to overhaul the state’s Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve program and have fought for more oversight as to how the Michigan Economic Development Corporation handles vetting and approval for these projects.

We have seen the federal shutdown continue to play out and how it could impact certain programs. The signed Michigan budget brings security and sustainability to Medicaid and health care in our state. It includes $250 million for rural hospitals, which will strengthen underserved hospitals, support long-term stability and ensure families in every corner of Michigan have access to quality care close to home. The signed K-12 School Aid budget, a separate plan that I voted for, also commits resources to school mental health for students to support their well-being as they prepare for their futures.

A widely discussed and publicized component of the budget has been the landmark commitment it makes to local infrastructure. The budget dedicates nearly $2 billion in ongoing funding to fix local roads. For many local road agencies, this investment will mean communities and counties finally have the resources to repair potholes and repave roads workers and families use every day. Large, state-owned highways had been addressed in previous years. It was past time to address our local roads with a dedicated funding source. However, this major component of the budget has some major drawbacks for rural Michigan.

The vote to increase road funding came at the expense of reducing revenue sharing from the state, which ends up short-changing money local townships get to help fund critical services for residents. All but one township I represent in the 67th House District will receive less compared to last year, and the group seeing a reduction will get over $220,000 less collectively.

As a firm believer in responsible budgeting, I understand the importance of fiscal discipline and ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely. However, I also serve as a representative of the people of the 67th House District, and with that responsibility comes the duty to stand up for their interests.

I could not in good conscience vote to approve a budget that disproportionately harms residents and communities across the district. People in these communities pay their fair share in taxes and deserve equitable support in return. We are taxpayers too, and our families, businesses and local governments deserve the same opportunities and resources as any other district in the state.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and one of our voices in the Legislature, I will continue to prioritize what matters to our local communities and the people who call them home.