State Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, expressed his frustration with Michigan House Democrats for voting against a supplemental package which would ensure funding for schools and emergency services if the government were to shut down in the fall.

“I’m new to Lansing this term, and I knew that the partisan games would eventually begin, but this is a truly bizarre move by the Democrats,” said Robinson, R-Utica. “The budget process has just started, and there is already a lot of fearmongering from Democrat leadership threatening a shut down. A shut down would hurt our police officers, students, veterans and many others. These bills protect them from being collateral damage from a political stunt.”

House Bills 4161 and 4162 would continue to provide essential services funding and appropriations for K-12 school aid if the government shuts down. Both bills passed the House with votes of 59-49.

“What is even more strange is that after these bills were put to a vote, House Democrats refused to wave the white flag. Nearly every Democrat member voted against them. It’s either that they don’t understand what these bills do, or they are willing to hold our state hostage if they don’t get the budget they want.” said Robinson. “In reality, these bills protect our students, police officers, veterans, and countless others who would be harmed by a shut down. I hope that we can put this behind us and get to the real work of making a budget that works for our residents.”