LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday said the governor’s line-item vetoes from the fiscal year 2020 budget are reckless and irresponsible and will directly impact Oakland County families.
“I was proud to vote for a budget that invests a record $5.4 billion into transportation without raising taxes,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “But because it didn’t include the governor’s 45 cent gas tax she rejected it.”
The Legislature negotiated and gave final approval to a budget plan that made record investments in roads and schools as well as community services for those in need.
On Monday evening, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a historic 147 line-item vetoes to cut nearly $950 million in funding approved by the Legislature, including funding for:
• Skilled trades education;
• Autism support services;
• Veteran support services;
• Programs to help disabled individuals enter the workforce; and
• Senior citizen services, including for dementia care assistance.
Runestad also voiced his concern about the nearly $400 million veto of one-time road funding to help fix our roads.
“We were able to pass record road funding without raising taxes,” Runestad said. “The governor spent her entire campaign talking about how she was going to fix the dang roads, and now she denies nearly $400 million because she instead wants to pay for it on the backs of hardworking taxpayers.”
Runestad said that while he is disappointed, he remains committed to making a difference for families, children and the most vulnerable in Oakland County.
The lawmaker also encouraged constituents to contact the governor’s office and share their concerns about her veto choices and how they will affect the daily lives of residents everywhere.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s constituent services line can be reached at 517-335-7858.
