LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, issued the following statement on Tuesday, in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2019 State of the State address:
“I, like many in the room, was pleased to see the governor’s optimism about continuing Michigan’s momentum going forward.
“I think there are a few things we need to focus on to continue our state’s success: education, infrastructure and responsible budgeting.
“Michigan’s future and economy rely on students having a solid career path. Unfortunately, skilled trades have fallen behind college degrees and our state can feel it. Employers throughout the state are begging for qualified workers to fill countless open positions.
“We can do better. I hope my colleagues and I can work with the administration to improve education and promote skilled trades. I look forward to the governor’s budget presentation in the upcoming weeks and seeing exactly how she plans to fund these initiatives. Education is surely a priority, but we need to be sure we stay within our means and are not passing on another burden to Michigan taxpayers.
“In addition to education, we need to continue our focus on responsible budgeting. For eight years, the Legislature and governor have approved the state budget well before the beginning of the fiscal year. This led to a balanced state budget, along with increased funding for schools and roads. I hope we can make 2019 the ninth consecutive year.
“Now that our state’s finances are in a strong place, we need to continue working to provide relief to Michigan taxpayers.
“The Legislature has approved a total investment of $2.8 billion in our roads since 2017. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working to improve the state’s infrastructure.
“Governor Whitmer is correct when she said we can do it if we work together. She is right when she says these problems are not political problems, they are Michigan problems. It is my hope that we can all join together and improve the life of Michigan residents.”
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