LANSING—Today, State Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) voted against House Republicans’ supplemental budget package, which will leave billions of federal dollars on the table rather than in the pockets of Michiganders. In response, Rep. Manoogian released the following statement:

“I voted against this budget today because my constituents – or any resident of the state of Michigan – should not have to accept crumbs from this Legislature during this pandemic,” Manoogian said. “The GOP plan sets our local communities up to fail in their attempts to get this virus under control and shortchanges Michiganders of their own federal tax dollars.

“House Republicans put forward a plan, without accepting any proposed amendments from House Democrats. Being a member of a legislative body requires all of us to give a little, to compromise, in order to achieve an outcome that produces the best results for a majority of our constituents. The final result of this budget is unsatisfactory funding for vaccine distribution, food assistance, school aid, and rental assistance.

“House Democrats introduced a $5 billion relief plan that ensures that our federal tax dollars are brought home to jumpstart Michigan’s economy to ease the burden on working families. I implore my Republican colleagues to come to the table to get Michiganders the relief that they need before these ‘use it or lose it’ federal dollars expire.”

Rep. Mari Manoogian represents the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and the eastern portion of West Bloomfield Township. In addition to serving as Deputy Whip for the Michigan House Democratic Caucus, she is also the Minority Vice Chair of the House Committee on Energy and is a member of the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism.

 

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