Livingston Today

State Rep. Ann Bollin has been actively advocating for the prioritization of funding for local road improvements and election resources. In a recent statement, Bollin emphasized the importance of allocating resources to essential government services, stating, “Prioritizing essential government services such as local road repairs and elections is fundamental. It ensures safe and functional infrastructure while upholding the integrity of our elections, which are the foundation of our democracy.”

Bollin, who serves as the minority vice chair of the General Government budget subcommittee, introduced an amendment aimed at directing a portion of the increase in revenue sharing to fund election operations. She explained that this initiative would assist local governments in covering the additional costs associated with early voting, as mandated by Proposal 2 of 2022. Additionally, Bollin proposed allocating a percentage of the revenue sharing increase for local road repairs at both the city and county levels.

Despite her proposed amendments not being adopted by the subcommittee, Bollin remains optimistic that her suggestions will be taken into consideration as the budget process moves forward. She also commended the subcommittee for eliminating funding for non-essential services, such as the MI Vehicle Rebate program, which she believes demonstrates a commitment to responsible spending. Bollin highlighted the importance of allocating taxpayer dollars wisely, prioritizing essential needs over unnecessary expenditures.

In addition to her efforts on local road and election funding, Bollin sponsored amendments focused on enhancing transparency and accountability in the budget. These included requirements for reports on the state’s outstanding pension debt and the removal of a significant increase in contingency spending proposed by the governor. She also proposed measures to address the growth of state bureaucracies and unsustainable funding practices.

The general government budget, encompassing departments like the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Legislature, Treasury, and Auditor General, was approved by the subcommittee and forwarded to the House Appropriations Committee for further review. Bollin's proactive stance on prioritizing funding for crucial local services reflects her commitment to serving the needs of her constituents and ensuring responsible allocation of state resources.