Denby and Rogers Vote in Favor of Long Term Budget Plan for the 2014 Fiscal Year

State Representatives Bill Rogers and Cindy Denby today voted to cut government waste and prioritize state funding for schools, roads and public safety. House Bills 4228 and 4338, the Fiscal Year 2014 House Budget, was supported by both Republicans and Independent lawmakers.

"Our responsible budgeting over the past two years has delivered positive results across the state," said Denby, R-Fowlerville. "Every dollar we spend comes from the pockets of Michigan taxpayers, so it is our responsibility to spend it wisely. We have been able to deliver tax cuts, increased school funding, a healthier economy and an improved credit rating. Our long term plan is working and we must continue with it to keep Michigan's comeback on course."

The House recommendation reflects several key Republican priorities, including:

• $20 million for public safety initiatives.
• An extra $32 million for higher education and community colleges.
• Responsible reductions where taxpayers were not getting a good enough return on their investment.
• $50 million more for K-12 education than last year, including special funding for early childhood development programs.
• $39 million more in revenue sharing to help fund critical services provided by local governments.
• $9 million more for veterans' programs, including job training and access to benefits.
• $50 million deposited into the state's "rainy day fund," which stabilizes the budget and leads to improved credit ratings.
• Keeping the overall spending increase below the rate of inflation to respect the hard-working taxpayers of Michigan, even with the increases in key areas listed above.

Rogers, R-Brighton, chair of the House Appropriations subcommittees on education and school aid, said he was very pleased with the school funding plan.

"Investing in our children and prioritizing education funding is a top priority of mine," Rogers said. "We were able to focus on continuing to improve our education system and increase the school fund budget by $50 million over last year, which is the highest it’s been in the past three years. I am happy that we are able to continue our strong commitment to the children in Michigan."

House Bills 4228 and 4328 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Information provided in press release.