LANSING, Mich. (Aug. 28, 2025) — On Tuesday, House Republicans released their botched budget plan nearly two months past the deadline, proposing widespread, drastic cuts to programs and services that Michiganders around the state rely on. As Chair of the subcommittees overseeing the budgets for the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR), Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and other various departments and agencies, Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) issued the following statement:
“While our Senate budget proposal delivers investments toward the people and places Michiganders care about, the House Republicans have chosen to do nothing more than slash and burn. Their sloppy excuse of a budget plan decimates funding for the first responders who keep us safe. It directs dollars away from our parks and natural resources, even cutting funds that safeguard our forests from the ever-increasing threat of wildfires. Their proposal undermines essential food quality and assurance programs that ensure the food we buy at the grocery store is safe to eat. And, on top of that, their plan robs local communities around the state of resources they depend on to meet the everyday needs of their residents.
“As state legislators, Michiganders count on us to serve them, protect them, and deliver real solutions that provide some relief and peace of mind. Instead — eerily similar to the federal administration’s theme for this year — Speaker Hall and his Republican colleagues have only offered up more cuts, chaos, and concern. Michiganders deserve better.”
Back in May, Sen. Cherry and Senate Democrats passed a fiscally responsible budget that provides long-term funding for the conservation of Michigan’s forests, fisheries, state parks, and other wildlife habitats. It also expands access to outdoor recreation, protects our farmers, and invests in Michigan’s homegrown food supply and soil health. To learn more about Senate Democrats’ budget proposal, visit SenateDems.com/budget.