LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, on Friday issued the following statement after state fiscal and economic leaders discussed Michigan’s slowing economy and the annual budget forecast during the January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference:

“We don’t need a team of experts to tell us what families across our state have known all along — it’s hard to make it in Michigan, and we can’t afford to stay on this path. It’s time to make government smaller and put a stop to the waste, fraud and abuse of tax dollars by Lansing Democrats.

“We must ensure our next state budget focuses on what matters most — helping our students succeed, keeping our communities safe and making transformational investments in our infrastructure. Let’s put money back in the pockets of those who need it most so everyone has the opportunity to make it in Michigan.”

The January conference marks the start of the annual budget-making process for the state of Michigan.