State Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron last week was named House Appropriations Committee chair for the 2019-2020 legislative session by Speaker-elect Lee Chatfield, a vital leadership position tasked with continuing Michigan’s economic momentum while representing hard-working taxpayers in state budget decisions. “I am proud and honored to serve Michigan in this important capacity and I’d like to thank Speaker-elect Chatfield for his support and confidence,” said Hernandez, who is believed to be the Michigan House’s first Hispanic appropriations chair. “I grew up in a family that worked hard for every dollar earned, so I am committed to spending taxpayer dollars wisely while maintaining the essential services our state needs to grow and thrive. Residents across our state, including Sanilac and St. Clair counties, are demanding better roads and schools without breaking the bank to deliver them. That will be my mission as my colleagues and I look to move Michigan forward.” Hernandez was first elected to the Michigan House in 2016 and was re-elected this month for a second two-year term. He already has valuable experience on the committee that helps shape Michigan’s state government budget, serving on the appropriations panel for the current 2017-18 legislative session. Hernandez helped reduce overall state spending while ramping up efforts to improve Michigan’s roads and schools. As chair of a subcommittee focused on transportation issues, he fought for ways to fix Michigan’s roads through smarter spending and more efficient planning. Hernandez has championed a plan that would encourage the Michigan Department of Transportation to test new ideas to build better and more cost-effective roads. Hernandez also is a decorated defender of Michigan’s job providers, having received the “Guardian of Small Business” award from the National Federation of Independent Business. He is noted for his commitment to limited government and fiscal responsibility. “I will fight to protect taxpayers across our state, helping deliver the best return and value possible on their hard-earned money,” Hernandez said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep Michigan’s comeback going strong and make our state an even better place to live.”
