LANSING — Today, after weeks of public outcry and Democratic lobbying, Governor Snyder vetoed House Bill 5095. During the floor debate, Democrats attempted to amend the bill to strip out the loophole that allowed foreign governments to have their own standards when discharging ballast water into the Great Lakes. When the amendments were rejected, House Democratic Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) sent a letter to Governor Snyder formally requesting that he veto the bill, which he did earlier today. In response to that veto, Leader Singh issued the following statement:
“From the Keweenaw through the Straits of Mackinac and down to Monroe, the Great Lakes define our state and determine our economic success. Over the last few months, Legislative Republicans have rushed through proposals that put control and oversight of our precious natural resources in the hands of corporations and special interest groups. Time and again, their proposals show they are out of touch with Michigan values and have forgotten our proud state history. House Democrats haven’t forgotten where we live or who we represent. Thankfully, Gov. Snyder listened to the guidance of me and my Democratic colleagues to veto this harmful legislation which would have put our Lakes and our economic security at risk.”