McCann praises bipartisan achievement, secures funding for Kalamazoo County projects
LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) issued the following statement regarding his vote in support of legislation outlining the upcoming fiscal year budget, set to begin on Oct. 1:
“During these difficult times, it is important we come together to assure the programs, institutions, and people affected by our state budget can have peace of mind for the upcoming fiscal year. I thank Gov. Whitmer and our legislative leaders for doing just that with this budget.
“I am especially proud to have advocated for, and received, an increase of roughly $65 in per pupil funding for students across Michigan — they will need it more than ever. While the COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented revenue challenges, I am pleased to have also still secured funding for specific projects across Kalamazoo County that will improve residents’ health and safety.”
Among the appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget specific to the 20th Senate District that Sen. McCann advocated for inclusion are:
- $1.5 million for Western Michigan University to develop a Resiliency Center for Families and Children to address the multifaceted needs of those experiencing trauma, toxic stress, chronic disability, neurodevelopmental disorders, or addictions.
- $1.8 million to study construction of a U.S. 131 interchange on the north side of Kalamazoo County.
- $450,000 for water infrastructure projects in Parchment.
- $500,000 in ongoing funding for the Michigan Geological Survey, which is being conducted by the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education at Western Michigan University.
- $150,000 to the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, which provides technical assistance, training, and other support to volunteer lake monitors in Michigan to ensure that they are collecting reliable, high-quality data. Four lakes in Kalamazoo County participate in the CLMP: Woods, Gull, Barton, and Indian Lakes.
- $3 million in ongoing funding for the Animal Alliance for Agriculture program.
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