LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — All Michigan vehicle owners would be required to pay a $10 fee for access to state parks under a Senate budget plan passed on May 14th.
Opt in or opt out?
The $636 million budget for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) includes a change to the current recreation passport system. Right now, the $14 fee is optional. The Senate plan would lower the cost to $10 but make it mandatory at vehicle registration, raising an estimated $43.5 million annually.
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“This is the most unserious, disappointing, and embarrassing budget proposal I’ve seen in a very long time,” Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), who chairs the House DNR budget committee, said in a press release. “They didn’t just kick the hornet’s nest; they shoved their entire head in and headed straight for a bear den. Too bad no one will be able to afford a bear hunting license after their budget plan.”
The budget passed 19-16, with support from all present Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Jon Bumstead of North Muskegon, as reported by The Detroit News.
“Parks are a public good,” Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) said, who helped develop the proposal. “Quite frankly, we want to incentivize people to use them more.”
Government is “squeezing” Michiganders.
Among the several Republicans who opposed the plan, Sen. Lana Theis of Brighton said that the “Government shouldn’t keep squeezing hardworking Michigan families.”
Borton also rejected the idea that bipartisan support gives the plan credibility.
“Just because a Republican put their name on this doesn’t mean I won’t still defund the DNR into oblivion,” he said. “This isn’t a policy proposal; it’s a DNR tax.”
Bill takes aim at hunting and fishing license fees, too.
In addition, companion legislation introduced by Cherry and Bumstead would also raise hunting and fishing license fees:
- Combo hunting and fishing license increases from $75 to $100
- All-species fishing license increases from $25 to $30
- One-day fishing license increases from $10 to $15
In addition to the $43.5 million from the recreation passport change, the hunting and fishing fee increases are expected to generate $28.8 million.
Before any of the changes become law, the budget must be approved by the House and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.