State Rep. Rylee Linting, of Grosse Ile Township, on Wednesday hailed a signed budget agreement she voted for that addresses local priorities, protects people’s paychecks and ensures government transparency with future budgets.

“The big thing for me with this budget is what it stands for. We reduced overall state spending to respect taxpayers while still funding their top priorities and providing them with value for their tax dollars,” Linting said. “The transparency and historic funding within this budget were reflected in the House with over 100 yes votes before it was signed. House Republicans led on this from very early on in the term, and I am proud that we were able to deliver all these wins for people Downriver and workers and families throughout the state.”

While speaking at an event today at Mom’s Restaurant in Trenton, which Linting represents as part of the 27^th House District, Linting touted the $10 million appropriation she helped secure in the state budget that will enable Wayne County to begin construction on a new bridge on West Road in Trenton. Linting also helped secure $5 million for the Downriver Career Tech Center, which helps give students in school districts across the area career options and skilled trade experience.

Linting noted several other highlights of the signed budget, including:

A landmark commitment to local infrastructure – On top of the funding Linting secured for the West Road project, the budget dedicates nearly $2 billion in ongoing funding to fix local roads. For many local road agencies, this investment will mean communities finally have the resources to repair potholes and repave roads workers and families use every day.

Supporting federal efforts to cut taxes – The budget plan supports federal tax cuts for Michigan families and seniors at the state level so that hardworking people aren’t punished for putting in extra hours or enjoying the retirement they’ve earned. State taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security income are eliminated.

Reducing the overall size of state government and respecting taxpayers – State spending has grown by over 40% since the governor took office, with some departments doubling in size. House Republicans put a stop to this runaway government expansion by shrinking the state’s general fund in this year’s budget by $800 million, restoring balance and delivering better value to taxpayers. The final budget also ends wasteful spending on empty state office buildings, as taxpayers were left to foot the bill for leased space that in some cases sits unused.

Requiring full transparency for earmarks – Thanks to Linting and House Republicans, transparency measures will now be in place for all special projects in the state budget. Every single special project included in the budget went through a completely open process that included over 100 hours of public hearings. Also, for the first time, for-profit companies were barred from being awarded special projects, ensuring accountability and transparency in how state dollars are spent. The budget agreement includes a permanent law change, ensuring these new rules are in place for all future budgets.

“When I went to Lansing to serve workers and families Downriver, I wanted to push for change in how state government operates with people’s tax dollars,” Linting said. “The status quo was unacceptable. People had seen enough of wasteful spending and government continuing to grow on the backs of hardworking taxpayers. This budget is a direct response to those concerns, and we delivered on promises. We can have greater transparency and more responsibility with the budget while still funding people’s most pressing priorities, and this agreement sets Michigan up for that this year and going forward.”

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Rylee Linting (at podium) speaks on the budget signing for the new fiscal year on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Mom’s Restaurant in Trenton, which Linting represents as part of the 27^th House District.