LANSING -- Through the efforts of State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch), an agreement has been reached to use $5 million from the Michigan Business Tax to restore a portion of conservation funding eliminated through budget cuts.
Under the agreement, $4 million dollars will be dedicated the state's beleaguered Game and Fish Fund, preventing cuts to state fish stocking programs, game habitat restoration and the layoff of dozens of DNR Conservation Officers. The supplemental funding will also alleviate the need for hunting and fishing fee increases for the current fiscal year.
Sheltrown, who has supported the restoration of General Fund support for conservation programs rather than fees increase, described the agreement as a tremendous victory for sportsmen. According to the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan sportsmen spend $3.3 billion annually, contributing $100 million to $200 million in state sales tax revenue. Sheltrown is currently drafting legislation to permanently dedicate a portion of the sale tax paid on sporting goods to conservation funding.
"Governor Granholm and I recognize that an investment in Michigan's conservation programs yields a high rate of return for many small businesses throughout the state and the state budget's bottom line," Sheltrown said. By restoring state support of conservation programs through a means other than fee increases, it's my hope we can improve Michigan's fisheries and game management, reinvigorate participation in outdoor sports and expand this segment of the state's economy.
Also in the agreement, $1 million dollars will be returned to local conservation districts for forestry programs. The funding had been vetoed from the 2007-2008 budget.
Sheltrown explained that the $5 million in agreed funding will be restored through a supplemental budget to be approved by the House on December 12 and by the Senate shortly thereafter. The funding is a result of the enactment of the Michigan Business Tax earlier this year. The Michigan Business Tax replaced Michigan's unpopular Single Business Tax.