Pure Michigan Funding Cut: Here’s What It Means

The headline is that funding was slashed $35M for Michigan's tourism campaign. We take a deeper look at what that means for the Great Lakes State.

In a last-minute budget showdown, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made several line item changes, including a $35 million hit to the 'Pure Michigan' efforts of the state. Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan dives deeper:

...the budget presented by the Executive Office recommended $31 million in Pure Michigan funding, a cut of $5 million to support other critical priorities in our state, including reliable infrastructure and public health and safety. The Legislature, however, ultimately passed a $1.5 million increase to funding levels for Pure Michigan, bringing it to $37.5 million for FY20.

 

As you might expect, Lorenz is still a little down but understanding of the priorities.

I’m sure you’re as disappointed by the line item veto as I am – but I truly believe in order to have a thriving tourism industry, we must also have vibrant communities, growing businesses, strong infrastructure and skilled talent. These are issues which are addressed through the work of the MEDC’s business attraction and community revitalization teams.

Maybe Tim Allen will get to keep his job after all.