State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, voiced his disagreement today toward the governor’s proposed changes in the hunting and fishing license fee structure in Michigan.
“Once again, I believe the governor is overlooking the rural areas of our states when making policy changes,” Dianda said. “Hunting and fishing are traditions that bring us together in the U.P. There has to be a better way to get funding than raising the price of licenses on kids, seniors and vets, of all people.”
Gov. Rick Snyder recommended replacing the current hunting and fishing license fee structure. The discounts that he proposes to eliminate are:
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Discounts on four or more licenses
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Junior or youth licenses
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Michigan resident veterans who have a disability
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Michigan residents who are visually impaired
Three categories of fishing license will be offered along with discounts for seniors and members of the military but all other discounts will be eliminated. This proposal would raise $18 million annually with the hope of funding an additional 16 conservation officers.
“This is another example of raising money by picking the pockets of the middle class,” Dianda continued. “When this comes before me in the Natural Resources Committee, I will fight against these drastic changes to keep hunting and angling affordable for all Michigan residents.”