Michigan taxpayers clear winners in airport funding agreement
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Michigan taxpayers clear winners in airport funding agreement
By Sen. John Pappageorge
13th Senate District
After weeks of negotiation between the Senate and House of Representatives, federal funds have been approved for improvement projects at more than 90 airports across the state – including several in the metropolitan Detroit area.
Senate Republicans held the line on spending, refusing to tie the federal funds to an additional $810 million for state-funded university and community college building projects. While these projects would result in improvements at institutions of higher learning, Michigan is already facing a $400 million shortfall this budget year. The state must learn to spend within its means.
Fortunately, through compromise the House finally approved the Capital Outlay Budget unanimously, sending the airport federal funds to the governor for passage into law.
While airports and airplane passengers will benefit from the projects, ranging from runway expansions to wetland mitigation, Michigan taxpayers are the real winners. Through teamwork and cooperation, the Legislature was able to pass a budget allowing for the projects receiving federal funds without breaking the bank and spending more money than we have coming in. What may still be available for university and college building projects remains to be decided as a separate issue.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel, but in order to reach it we must show fiscal restraint. We must approach state spending like you or I handle our personal budgets. When times are tough, we buckle down and buy the bare essentials.
Following last year’s budget crisis, I am optimistic that passage of the financially responsible Capital Outlay Budget is an omen of better things to come. As your state senator, I assure you that I will continue to fight on behalf of residents of the 13th Senate District and all Michigan taxpayers.
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