Bill Introduced To Restore Pure Michigan Funding

puremichigan363-2
puremichigan363-2

Governor Whitmer this week expressed her desire to have the Pure Michigan advertising campaign continue after the current funding runs out at the end of 2019, and now there’s a bill in the state House to do just that. Representative Jack O’Malley, whose district includes the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, has put forth legislation to put the $37.5 million cut from Pure Michigan back into the budget.

“I think there will be wide support,” said O’Malley. “I know Pure Michigan has had its critics, but I think overall, everyone understands how important it is.”

Established in 2008, Pure Michigan has become the familiar and functional way to let the world know about the state’s preeminent attractions.

“It’s the entire state (that benefits), it’s not just one region. So, I’m honored to say ‘alright, we’ve gotten other supplemental (budgets) through, it’s time to get Pure Michigan back on the board.’”

Several tourism and business groups from across the state have warned against ending the campaign, saying jobs will be lost if funding is not restored. It might take some convincing to get the bill through the state Senate, however, as Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey would rather have the tourism industry pay for the program.