Home    News    August 2002

News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted August 13, 2002 Press release © 2002 State Rep. Rich Brown (D-Bessemer)

Legislature overrides Engler veto of funds

State Representative Rich Brown (D- Bessemer), a strong opponent of the veto, said if the veto had been allowed to stand, the western Upper Peninsula would have lost millions and would have been forced to eliminate vital community services.

"I am very pleased that members of both parties came together to override this irresponsible veto," said Rep. Brown. "What we did today was a great start, but that's all it was -- a start. We now have to work even harder to restore all the cuts that Engler tore out of the bipartisan budget passed by the Legislature."

Ever since Engler vetoed revenue sharing payments a little over two weeks ago, Rep. Brown has been calling for an override vote.

"The loss of these payments would cripple cities, townships, villages and counties across the state; and Engler has been playing politics at the expense of Michigan working families," said Brown.

After pressure from Rep. Brown, other Democratic Legislators and local officials from across the state, Legislative Republicans did an about face and joined with Democrats to override the governor's veto.

"Today we put people before politics and I commend the local officials from across the U.P. who traveled to Lansing today to join us in this fight for our communities," said Rep. Brown. 

Editor's Note: Rep. Rich Brown, who has visited the Keweenaw area on several occasions since his election, is also a guest columnist for Keweenaw Now. Read more about Rich Brown, who represents District 110 in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Visit the Keweenaw Now discussion forums to comment on this article.