Shiawassee Times

State Rep. Brian BeGole, of Antrim Township, today criticized advancing budget plans for using taxpayer dollars to fund expensive new programs and catering to a radical agenda rather than focusing on areas that would give taxpayers the most return on their investment.

“Instead of focusing in on improving local roads, supporting our teachers and spending tax dollars efficiently so people can keep more of what they earn, this House plan raids the state’s teacher pension system and creates approximately 400 new positions within state government,” BeGole said. “We are growing government in an unsustainable way with plans like these that once again go beyond $80 billion for a state budget,” he added.

BeGole also pointed out that when he talks with people throughout his area, they express a desire for their local roads to be fixed and want more checks and balances for state government spending. They aren't listing electric vehicles for state employees as an issue that's important to them. This budget shows an incredible disconnect between what people across Michigan are really facing and what Democrats think is targeted spending.”

BeGole expressed opposition to several other components of the budget plan:

- Funding discrepancies for schools: Discrepancies in the School Aid budget disadvantage cyber school students, who receive lower per-pupil funding rates than those in traditional public schools. Cyber schools are crucial for students with unique needs, including those with mental health hurdles, physical limitations, and who have been victims of bullying. Students in nonpublic schools will be denied access to extracurricular and elective programs like FIRST robotics. BeGole argued that every student deserves an equal chance at a successful future and the budget plan does not reflect that.

- Nonsensical regulation for disaster relief: The budget plans create a Climate Change Emergency Disaster Relief Fund that expects local communities to try and prove a severe storm was caused by climate change, putting burdensome restrictions in the way of needed resources.

- Green energy spending and added fees: The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s budget plan devotes millions of dollars to green energy vehicles for the state and gambles on stalled demands for electric vehicles by using tax dollars to greatly expand charging station availability. Regardless of whether or not taxpayers own an electric vehicle, they’ll be footing the bill for this expansion.

- A lack of emphasis on local infrastructure: The advancing transportation budget plan prioritizes radical, frivolous pet projects over everyday needs. Funding for electric bikes and electric vehicle infrastructure instead of fixing roads from driveway to highway that people use every day is a misuse of taxpayer dollars, BeGole said.

- Wasteful spending for higher education: The budget plan does not include language that would eliminate funding for DEI positions and programs. BeGole said taxpayer dollars should be going to supporting students as they prepare for their futures and learn skills to enter the workforce.

“Even with all of the funding Democrats have managed to find through raising people’s income taxes and hitting them with extra fees, they’re bloating government with new bureaucrats, increased regulation and more handouts,” BeGole said. “We need commonsense solutions that make our state a better place to live and work. This budget is a missed opportunity.”