West Central Michigan News

Sen. Curt VanderWall supports a recently passed bill that would resolve Michigan's $2.2 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2020 and is also backing several projects from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF). 

“Working together with the state House and the governor’s office, we have prioritized critical areas of funding and solved the massive deficit,” VanderWall (R-Ludington) said, according to MiSenateGOP. “Federal funds will be directed to education and to the critical services that were most affected by the ravages of COVID-19.”

The agreement, which was brought up by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) and House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering), received bipartisan support and will address the budget deficit with spending cuts, use of the rainy day fund and hiring freezes. 

Sen. Curt VanderWall | #MiSenateGOP

The legislation also includes funding to be set aside for specific areas of the state, including $555 million for schools, $200 million for colleges, $53 million for $500 in hazard pay for teachers, and $350 million for local governments. The bill now awaits the governor's signature. 

VanderWall is also supporting the approval of several 2020 projects from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, according to a another press release from MiSenateGOP. 

“It is important to support communities and their local projects,” VanderWall told MiSenateGOP. “This funding will improve the quality of life for countless residents in the district.”

Legislation that moved through the Senate will let the fund use $28.7 million on 18 acquisition projects and 60 recreational projects this year. 

This legislation will also put $225,100 toward Lake Michigan developments, $28,000 toward Hopkins Park developments and $90,400 toward Lovells Township access site development, according to MiSenateGOP.

This bill is now heading to the governor for her signature.