LANSING – State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) today urged the U.S. Senate to override President Bush's veto of legislation authorizing critical Great Lakes projects, saying federal investment is needed to protect thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in income and economic development in Michigan and preserve our standing as the Great Lakes State. A resolution urging Congress to override the presidential veto of the Water Resources Development Act was passed by the House on Wednesday.
"Our state's three largest industries – manufacturing, tourism and agriculture – are affected by what happens to our Great Lakes," Ebli said. "Our businesses rely on healthy Great Lakes water, and fighting for this federal investment in our state is about protecting jobs for our citizens."
The federal act does not expend any taxpayer money – rather, it authorizes projects that improve and protect the Great Lakes as well as bodies of water across the country. Funding would have to be allocated separately. The U.S. House voted Tuesday to override the president's veto.
"It's crucial that Congress override the President's veto of the Water Resources Development Act because protecting our Great Lakes is an important way for us to ensure Michigan's economy is on the right track," Ebli said. "Promoting our most precious natural resource is a key component to jumpstarting our economy."