State Representative Rylee Linting said on April 23 that she voted in favor of a House budget plan aimed at supporting Downriver communities while maintaining responsible government spending.
Linting said the budget continues efforts to respect taxpayer resources and fund essential services used by people across Michigan. “We led the way last year in producing a budget that respects what taxpayers can afford and funds services an overwhelming number of people across the state use every day,” Linting said. “I voted for this budget because it continues that work. It provides funding for our local roads, students who are preparing for their futures, first responders keeping our communities safe and more – all while making sure government is operating within its means and not nickel and diming people out of our state with needless fees and increased taxes. This is a new, exciting way forward for Michigan.”
Several local projects sponsored by Linting are included in the plan, such as funding for a new fire engine for the City of Riverview Fire Department and a new ladder truck for Wyandotte. The existing vehicles in both cities have become costly to maintain due to age, with Riverview’s engine nearly 20 years old and Wyandotte’s ladder truck approaching 30 years old.
Southgate would also receive $6.5 million for water main restoration and $222,000 to update police radio equipment under the proposal.
The House plan reduces state general fund spending by almost $600 million while protecting savings reserves without introducing new taxes or fees—a contrast from the governor’s recommendation which proposes tax increases totaling $800 million along with using $400 million from state savings.
Linting highlighted additional aspects of the proposal including increased revenue sharing with local governments, dedicated funding for literacy tutors to address low reading proficiency rates among students, expanded investment in workforce development through programs like Going PRO Talent Fund, as well as ongoing commitments to infrastructure improvements and public safety after previous historic investments.
The plan also requires clearer explanations from the Michigan Public Services Commission when considering utility rate increases—a measure Linting said would provide oversight and help address rising energy costs faced by families in Downriver.
