St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, has expressed his views on the state's revenue projections and government spending following the annual January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference. The conference revealed a general fund surplus of over $1.3 billion, despite the state's previous budget surplus being depleted. Nesbitt commented, "While the state’s coffers continue to bulge, many Michiganders continue to struggle against the rising costs of living. These revenue projections confirm the state has enough money to prevent the $700 million income tax hike the governor and her Democrats in the Capitol are determined to impose."

Nesbitt emphasized the need for responsible spending policies, including investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure, as well as returning money to taxpayers. He also criticized the allocation of funds to "pet projects, unsustainable government bureaucracy, and global corporate welfare" in the previous year.

As the Legislature moves forward in the annual budget process, Nesbitt's statement highlights the importance of prioritizing the needs of the people and ensuring that the state's surplus is put to good use.