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Dear Friends,
To better serve the people of the 31st Senate District, I am offering this “Week in Review.” I hope you will find it informative about what is happening in Lansing.
I encourage you to contact me with any state issue. You may call toll-free at 1-855-347-8031 or email [email protected]. Also, please check out my Facebook page. Let me know if I can assist you in any way or if you have an idea to help move our state forward.
Working for you,
Roger Victory
State Senator
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Transportation committee hears about toll roads
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The Senate Committee on Transportation took lengthy testimony on a study regarding the possibility and problems with converting some Michigan highways into toll roads.
Some of the initial concerns with the idea are the huge amount of upfront costs to put the toll structure in place and complications of complying with federal regulations regarding the construction of toll roads.
One of my specific concerns that I brought up was the possibility of “double taxation” from the tolling that could be levied on our trucking and freight vehicles, which already pay additional fees to the state. Current technology would allow the toll or double tax to be waived on these vehicles.
There are a number of hurdles that would need to be overcome to bring tolling to Michigan, and based on the information on the study and the reaction of many of my legislative colleagues, I do not currently see a path forward for it. We do need to continue to think creatively to find a balanced and sustainable solution to Michigan’s road funding.
Click here to watch the Feb. 7 committee meeting.
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Gov. Whitmer submits $79B budget recommendation
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Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her fiscal year 2024 state budget recommendation, which would be the largest budget in state history, totaling $79 billion.
It is alarming that the state budget director indicated the governor’s budget would nearly wipe out the state’s $9.2 billion surplus and shift funds around retroactively to squash an automatic tax cut that will benefit every hardworking taxpayer in our state.
Prior to the governor’s presentation, Senate Republicans outlined our budget priorities that include:
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Tax relief for every Michigander. The state budget is overflowing with a $9 billion surplus, but family budgets are under tremendous stress. Michiganders need permanent relief from inflation in the form of lower taxes. Now. This is their money, not state government’s. |
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Fixing the roads and bridges Michiganders drive to work, school and church. Instead of growing the size of government, surplus funds should be invested in infrastructure improvements that will benefit generations of Michigan residents. Gov. Whitmer’s scheme to put road repairs on the state credit card doesn’t fix local roads. We must fix the roads Michiganders drive most without raising taxes or driving the state further into debt. |
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Paying our bills. Hardworking Michiganders pay their bills and so should their state government. Billions of dollars of long-term debt threaten the stability of retirement funds for state police troopers, teachers, and corrections officers. Now is the time to pay down debt instead of sticking future generations with the bill. |
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Protecting our neighborhoods. With crime rates skyrocketing, there could be no worse time to “defund the police.” We stand with the men and women of Michigan who put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and we should recruit and retain more police officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. |
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Improving aging state parks infrastructure. Michigan’s state parks are treasures worthy of investment. Maintaining their infrastructure will ensure they are there for future generations to enjoy. |
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On Friday, I toured the Tri-Cities Family YMCA facility in Grand Haven. It is a great facility that is serving and helping the people of Ottawa County.
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Winter Free Fishing Weekend is Feb. 18-19
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Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend is this month. On Feb. 18-19, all fishing license fees will be waived, but all fishing regulations still apply.
Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland lakes and the Great Lakes for all species of fish.
Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for information on special events and activities. A state Recreation Passport will not be required at any state park or recreation area during the free fishing weekend.
Remember that ice fishing can be dangerous if people do not follow safety procedures or head out on the ice unprepared. Click here for information on ice fishing.
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the state Senate. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 31st District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.
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