Genesee News

State Representatives Ken Borton and David Martin have rejected the Senate's budget proposal for the Department of Natural Resources. The proposal, which requires all Michigan drivers to purchase recreational passports and increases hunting and fishing license fees, was criticized by both representatives.

Borton, who chairs the House budget committee for the DNR, expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposal. "This is the most unserious, disappointing, and embarrassing budget proposal I’ve seen in a very long time," he stated. He further criticized the plan by saying it would make bear hunting licenses unaffordable.

The Senate's proposal, supported by Senators John Cherry and John Bumstead, aims to generate an additional $84 million from Michigan residents. It mandates that all drivers buy recreational passports during vehicle registration—a significant increase from last year when only about a third of drivers did so—and raises license fees.

Martin, chair of the Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism, voiced his opposition to what he considers excessive fees. "I’ll always be opposed to burdening Michigan residents with excessive fees," he said. He emphasized that residents should not be penalized for enjoying outdoor activities or providing for their families.

Earlier this year, Borton had threatened to eliminate the DNR budget if there were continued efforts to increase fees significantly. Commenting on the bipartisan nature of the Senate's proposal, Borton remarked, "The Senate DNR budget is bipartisan; whoop-de-doo." He warned that despite Republican support for the plan, he would still consider defunding the DNR if necessary.