Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin has expressed her approval of the federal disaster relief funding announced by President Donald Trump to aid Northern Michigan communities. These areas are recovering from severe ice storms that caused significant damage earlier this year.

“This is welcome news for the families, first responders, local governments, and small businesses who have worked tirelessly to recover from the damage these storms left behind,” stated Bollin, R-Brighton Township. “The federal government’s support is a major step forward, and now the state must do its part to help these communities finish the job.”

Bollin chairs the House Appropriations Committee and was instrumental in moving a $100 million disaster relief package through the Michigan House. The plan received strong bipartisan support in May but is currently stalled in the Senate.

“This is exactly the kind of situation where state government should be stepping up — to make sure local communities aren’t left to carry the entire burden alone,” Bollin emphasized. “We need to work aggressively to get this money out the door. That starts with passing House Bill 4328 out of the Senate and getting the Michigan State Police in charge of the response.”

Bollin also stressed her commitment to ensuring Michigan's preparedness for future natural disasters. As budget discussions continue, she aims to prioritize funding for emergency response planning and support services in upcoming state budgets.

“We owe it to our residents to make sure help is available when it’s needed most — not just after the fact, but through smart planning and strong partnerships at every level of government,” Bollin remarked.