ESCANABA - A proposed Senate budget, now being considered, restores funding for the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, after Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced in March state funding for the fair would be eliminated. It does not include funding for the U.P. State Fair.
The Senate and House have several tough votes remaining to erase a projected $2.8 billion deficit. It's possible the Legislature will complete an interim budget to provide more time for lawmakers to approve a budget, avoiding a potential partial government shutdown. Today is the deadline for the Legislature to come up with a budget.
Granholm announced this past spring state funding for the Michigan State Fair and U.P. State Fair would cease following the 2009 fair season.
Sen. Mike Prusi, D-Ishpeming, said he was not pleased when he learned about the funding measure being introduced as part of the budget proposal.
"It is my understanding that this funding measure will not pass, as the governor intends to use her line item veto power to eliminate it from the budget," said Prusi.
He also said the measure was not sitting well with him as he and other legislators worked with local officials to legislate transfer of ownership of the U.P. State Fairground to Delta County.
Prusi said the legislation was drafted and approved in record time, and he was proud of how everyone involved stepped up and made the transition smooth.
"I have been told similar action is underway in Detroit concerning the Michigan State Fair," said Prusi.
He also added he had been planning to vote no on the current budget proposal due to cuts in revenue sharing with local governments.
Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta Commerce Center, said the new U.P. State Fair Authority was continuing to move forward with plans which have been in place for the past six months.
"If funding is restored to the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, then I would expect our U.P. State Fair Authority would also receive transitional funds from the state," said Micheau.
Micheau said the U.P. State Fair Authority is currently working on having premiums from the state restored to help young exhibitors.