Livingston Today

Sen. Jim Runestad, a Republican representing White Lake, issued a statement on Monday criticizing Democrats in Lansing for their handling of the state budget process and recent legislative priorities. According to Runestad, Democrats missed the deadline to complete the state budget because they were unwilling to collaborate with House Republicans on what he described as a fair and transparent financial plan.

Runestad accused Democratic lawmakers of focusing on legislation that he believes undermines federal law enforcement agencies. He referenced a proposal that would prevent officers from wearing masks, expressing concern for their safety in light of recent incidents.

“Democrats blew past the state budget deadline because they refuse to work with House Republicans on a fair, transparent budget. Instead of negotiating in good faith, they’re wasting time pushing radical legislation that attacks law enforcement," said Runestad.

He cited an incident involving armed individuals at an ICE facility in Texas as evidence of potential threats against law enforcement officers: “Their latest scheme would put a target on the faces of the very people working to keep our communities safe by prohibiting them from wearing masks. Earlier this month, 10 gunmen stormed an ICE facility in Texas with the goal of killing ICE agents. And now Democrats want to make it even easier for violent extremists to identify and hunt down officers working to detain illegal criminal immigrants.”

Runestad further criticized what he called partisan motivations among his Democratic colleagues: “This is what happens when you elect people more interested in appeasing the far left than keeping Michigan safe. While Republicans are working to get a budget done that protects our communities, Democrats have once again shown they are more interested in partisan games at the expense of public safety.”