Michigan voters approved an increase in funding flexibility for state parks. | Pexels
Michigan voters approved an increase in funding flexibility for state parks. | Pexels
Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved changes to the laws on how Michigan can spend oil and gas leasing money to fund state parks, according to Bridge Michigan.
The proposal, Proposal 1, was on the general election ballot and is a project to raise the $500 million cap on the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The proposal received 84.6% of the 1.86 million vote total, which had been counted the morning after the election.
“This is a victory for Michiganders in every corner of the state -- from the U.P. to Detroit,” said Becca Maher, the campaign’s manager, according to Bridge Michigan. “With the passage of Proposal 1, voters sent a clear message to Lansing -- we must prioritize protecting our natural resources and conserving and creating access to our outdoor spaces, now and for future generations.”
Conan Smith, president and CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council, said the results show that voters still care about the state's parks.
“Michiganders understand the importance of spending time in nature,” Smith told Bridge Michigan. “And this victory guarantees an increase in opportunities for outdoor recreation across the state, something we should all celebrate.”
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