LANSING, Mich. — Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, issued the following statement Thursday after three days of voting on the chamber’s fiscal year 2024 state budget package:
“Unfortunately for the people of Michigan, Democrats continue steamrolling ahead with their slim majority to blow through a historic budget surplus with no regard for bipartisan concerns and what seems like zero regard for the future prosperity of our great state.
“Democrats talk of working with bipartisan cooperation, yet actions speak louder than talking points. Republicans have continued to be side-lined throughout the budget process. When we were finally able to raise our voices on the Senate floor, Democrats voted down every one of the more than 170 amendments Republicans offered. That is not bipartisanship.
“Michigan residents expect us to work together to pass a fiscally responsible budget with bipartisan input and support. They need us to work together to rebuild aging infrastructure, strengthen law enforcement and school safety, invest in education, provide tax relief from record inflation, and ensure our state remains on sound financial footing. They do not need the bloated and less transparent government bureaucracy that is envisioned in these partisan budgets.
“I hope that these issues can be addressed as this process moves forward because if we continue along the current trajectory, I foresee some real serious challenges in Michigan’s future.”
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