LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, issued the following statement after state fiscal and economic leaders made their economic and state tax revenue projections — anticipating a $1.1 billion surplus in the general fund over the next two years — during Friday’s annual January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference:
“Over the past two years, Democrats fought to stick struggling Michiganders with a $700 million income tax hike and blown through billions of surplus dollars in record time by growing the size of our state government, giving away millions and millions to some of the largest multinational companies and enjoying a spending spree on their pet projects. Those days are over.
“We have more than $1 billion in surplus projected over the next two years; we must use these funds wisely by prioritizing funding for our crumbling roads and bridges and providing permanent tax relief to struggling Michiganders. I am hopeful that the new balance of power in the Legislature will ensure our next budget focuses on responsible spending policies, including needed investments in education, public safety and transformational infrastructure, as well as putting money back in the pockets of those who need it most. We have a real opportunity to do what’s right for Michigan families and put taxpayers ahead of tax-takers.”