LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — In an $83 billion budget filled with earmarks and last-minute additions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cut over $9 million from the state’s spending plan. The vetoed earmarks were part of the $59 billion omnibus budget she had approved on July 24, which included roughly $400 million for special projects.

These cuts were deemed necessary by Whitmer because lawmakers had added them without proper negotiation with her administration, according to The Detroit News.

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One notable veto was a $425,000 grant intended for the Bridgeport Gun Club, where State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) holds membership. The club, located southwest of Saginaw, planned to use the funds for constructing an indoor pistol range. O’Neal, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, argued that the indoor range would expand outreach to youth and promote gun safety education. 

“The goal in any outdoor industry I’m involved in is to always involve youth so they can learn and experience,” O’Neal told The Detroit News. “This is no different than teaching kids how to golf on a private golf course.”

Additionally, Whitmer vetoed a grant for the rehabilitation of St. Columba Episcopal Church and parish house in Detroit, a project that was initially set to receive $250,000. Questions surrounding the property’s ownership and the lack of a clear agreement with potential recipients led to its removal from the budget. 

“When we don’t negotiate things, I don’t think anyone should be surprised that they’re taken out of the budget,” Whitmer said, according to The Detroit News. “If the colleagues who put those items in want to have a conversation, I’m open to it. But that was the rationale.”

In Muskegon, the veto of a $3 million grant earmarked for the rehabilitation of a manufacturing site stirred local disappointment. Parkland Properties, the company behind the project, has been working on transforming the former Shaw Walker Furniture Company site into a hub for housing and business. The vetoed funds were seen as a necessary boost for the ongoing redevelopment efforts, especially considering Parkland Properties had received nearly identical funding of $18 million for the same project in last year’s budget.

Whitmer’s vetoes also included broader initiatives, such as the $3 million ethanol fuel rebate program and the $2.5 million grant for affordable housing projects led by nonprofit, faith-based organizations. 

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The veto of the ethanol fuel rebate program, in particular, drew criticism from agricultural and environmental groups who believed the grant would have promoted sustainable fuel alternatives and supported local farmers.

“Legislators were spot on to approve this boost for E15 fuels and today’s veto by the governor was a missed opportunity,” Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, told The Detroit News.

House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) acknowledged that some projects were added to the budget by lawmakers after legislative leaders had reached a spending deal with Whitmer. Nonetheless, state Rep. Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) was one of several lawmakers to voice concerns that the budget’s focus on certain earmarks might overshadow more pressing needs like road infrastructure and school safety.

“Kids struggle to read and drivers can’t navigate pothole-riddled roads, but at least casino-goers in Detroit’s Greektown will have taxpayer-funded Wi-Fi,” Beeler said.

As Michigan moves into the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the focus will likely shift toward ensuring that the allocated $100 million for new affordable housing initiatives and $75 million for the fire and law enforcement trust fund are used effectively (The Detroit News).