The following column was published by the Lapeer County Press on Sunday, Feb. 22:

Almost every time, these proposals have involved a hankering for increased spending with plans to raise the revenue necessary to feed that spending habit. This year was no exception. Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed $800 million in new “revenue” — also known as increased taxes.

State spending has increased by over 40% since the governor took office and some state departments have nearly doubled in size. Her recent $88-billion budget recommendation for the upcoming fiscal year grows government, and new taxes and fees will make everyday life more expensive as people struggle with their own budgets. The proposed tax increases would come on tobacco, sports betting, digital advertising, vaping products, and more.

Many of these taxes would be used to fill holes for expiring COVID-era federal dollars that the state knew were going away. Instead of carefully budgeting with that in mind and weaning our state off these federal dollars, the governor’s proposal attempts to take more money out of people’s pockets to bridge the gap. She also wants to pull $400 million out of Michigan’s rainy-day fund that is used for emergencies to help pay for this spending spree. But we are not in a crisis that justifies draining our savings account. Tapping the rainy-day fund now is like using your 401k so you can live above your means. It’s irresponsible and short-sighted, and politicians in Lansing shouldn’t be punishing Michigan families so state government can keep spending money it doesn’t have.

Economic experts agree we need to reduce spending by about $800 million to keep the budget balanced. Michigan families are tightening their belts every single month just to keep up with everyday expenses, and state government should be doing the same. That’s just reality when there’s less money coming in.

On one hand, less money going into government coffers is not necessarily a bad thing! When there’s less “revenue” for state government, it means taxpayers are keeping more of what they’ve earned and have more available to spend on their needs. It sets the table for prosperity and growth, as states that tax and spend less tend to fare better in these areas. I am continuing to fight for policies that set this tone in the Legislature.

On the other hand, having less projected revenue can signal some very bad economic data. Michiganders are spending less and, as a result, the state’s revenue from sales tax is lower. That is troubling news, and we must set state spending plans with this in mind.

When looking at the budget, we must continue to prioritize supporting our students as they prepare for their futures, address local roads and other infrastructure that people use every day in our communities and provide resources to protect the public and support their well-being. We must do all of this with respect to taxpayers.

When a widening array of special projects and more paid government positions are pushed to the forefront, it becomes unsustainable and tough decisions are needed later. State government must stamp out its fixation on spending. Before the new fiscal year begins in October, we must understand the task in front of us instead of kicking the can down the road, and I will be working to deliver a responsible budget for hardworking taxpayers and families across our area.