LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Friday called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to restore funding for critical programs that support Michigan families and our most vulnerable residents.
“I ran for public office to make a difference for families and those most at risk,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “Unfortunately, the governor’s budget vetoes will hurt these folks the most by shutting down vital services to our most vulnerable residents.”
In September, the governor issued a historic 147 line-item vetoes to cut nearly $1 billion in funding approved by the Legislature for various programs such as autism support services, skilled trades education, veteran support services, programs to help disabled individuals enter the workforce and services to assist seniors.
“I’m hearing about the real-world consequences of these cuts every day from my constituents,” Runestad added. “This is having a negative impact on everyone who depends on these services.”
Runestad also noted concerns about the governor’s harmful use of an obscure administrative board to redirect funds away from critical programs. As part of her budget response, Whitmer employed the use of the administrative board to shift more than $600 million dedicated for various programs to other areas of her administration’s bureaucracy.
“I’m more interested in making a difference than in political gimmicks,” Runestad said. “It’s long past time we stop playing games with people’s lives and fix this mess.”
The lawmaker again 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.