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Rep. Borton gives Northern Michigan a seat at the table during budget negotiations
RELEASE|April 27, 2023
Contact: Ken Borton

Rep. Ken Borton continues to strongly advocate for the priorities of Northern Michigan residents through his role on the House Appropriations Committee.

This week, Borton offered more than 10 amendments to increase funding for Northern Michigan through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) budgets.

Borton, of Gaylord, serves as the Republican vice chair of the budget subcommittee that oversees the budgets for those state departments.

“I’m extremely proud to provide Northern Michiganders a voice during the state budget negotiation process,” Borton said. “While I’m disappointed each of my amendments were struck down, I will not stop fighting for Northern Michigan, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars as we continue budget negotiations.”

Borton’s amendments would have:

  • Provided $2.5 million for improvements to the Manistee and AuSable Rivers Fish Habitat.
  • Increased local conservation district funding by $2 million.
  • Provided funding to protect Northern Michigan livestock herds from wildlife with Bovine Tuberculosis.
  • Provided $15 million for protein processing grants.
  • Encouraged USDA deer harvests in areas with widespread Bovine Tuberculosis
  • Implemented deer harvest check stations for chronic wasting disease
  • Allowed residents to feed birds in backyard feeders without fear of prosecution
  • Restored crucial checks and balances to ensure state bureaucrats are held accountable for every tax dollar they spend.

Borton also fought back against spending close to $2 million on the Civilian Conservation Corps, more than double the program’s current budget.

“The Civilian Conservation Corps is not a core government function, and forcing Michigan taxpayers to fund it is wrong,” Borton said. “The DNR is struggling to fill its summertime job openings. Instead, we should use this funding to hire potential CCC participants to work in our state parks.”

Borton also supported Rep. Cam Cavitt’s amendment to include $1.5 million in funding to rebuild the Cornwall Flooding Dam in Cheboygan County. Despite the defeated amendments, Borton plans to continue urging necessary funding for Northern Michigan as budget negotiations continue.

Rep. Borton serves the 105th House District, which includes Crawford, Missaukee, Otsego and Roscommon counties, as well as portions of Antrim, Kalkaska, and Oscoda counties.

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