Michigan State Representative Dave Prestin issued a statement on Tuesday addressing the Senate’s $636 million budget proposal for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While presented as bipartisan, the plan secured only one Republican vote and includes mandatory recreational passport fees for all Michigan drivers, alongside significant increases to hunting and fishing license fees.” The DNR has played a central role in discouraging public interest in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and visits to state parks. It’s no surprise that people are losing enthusiasm. Under this budget plan, seniors and children are expected to bear the heaviest burden of license fee hikes. Additionally, it mandates passport fees for every Michigan license plate, forcing individuals—including seniors, college students, and others with no interest in or connection to state parks—to pay for them. The fact that this proposal passed the Senate with just one Republican vote speaks volumes about the flawed logic underpinning these decisions. However, House Republicans are not as easily swayed. Bipartisan or not, this budget proposal is destined to fail in the House.”