Legislation tampers reckless conversation of government shutdown

State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, of Norton Shores, on Thursday voted to safeguard continued funding for essential state services and schools as budget negotiations move forward for the upcoming fiscal year.

The supplemental spending within House Bills 4161-62 acts as a shutdown failsafe in response to partisan fearmongering from some Democrats. It guarantees funding for state services, including prison operations, public safety, court systems, veterans’ homes, and local government operations. The plans also include record per-pupil foundation support for schools, increasing the per-pupil foundation allowance to $10,025, and maintain full funding for special education, school safety and mental health, and retirement obligations.

“There were many unfounded conversations taking place about a budget stand-off this coming summer and a looming government shutdown and what all that would mean. These types of conversations create uncertainty and aren’t productive,” said VanWoerkom, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. “This vote protects critical services within what ultimately makes up the budget, supports our kids, police officers and veterans, and sets the table for continued work on a budget that is rightsized for Michigan.”

The House-approved supplemental budget legislation also makes adjustments related to closing the books on the state’s most recently completed fiscal year.

VanWoerkom said bipartisan work between the Republican-controlled House, Democrat-controlled Senate and governor just in the first few months of the current legislative term has already led to the preservation of Michigan’s tip credit system, which was threatened by a state Supreme Court ruling from last summer.

“As Chairman of the Medicaid and Behavioral Health budget committee, I can assure you that the budget is not complete, and this will be used as a baseline while we diligently craft a budget for the next fiscal year,” VanWoerkom said.

The bills now move to the Senate for consideration.