North Michigan News

State Representative Cam Cavitt expressed strong disapproval after the rejection of a budget amendment to provide funding for Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH). The House Appropriation Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources dismissed the proposed $600,000 funding by Rep. Greg Alexander, leading to a rebuke from Cavitt. The rejection, made along party lines by the Democrat committee majority, drew criticism from Cavitt, who represents Cheboygan.

“House Democrats just spit in the face of an organization just trying to reduce waste and feed the hungry,” stated Cavitt, highlighting the frustration over the decision. He further emphasized the importance of the funding, stating, “MSAH needed this money to ensure their efforts could continue. I thought reducing waste, supporting small processors, and donating an important source of protein was the perfect non-partisan issue for everyone to get behind. Clearly, I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger plays a crucial role in coordinating the efforts of Michigan hunters and licensed wild game processors to provide food for those in need. The organization, run entirely by volunteers and in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, has made significant contributions by donating 1.1 million pounds of processed venison and helping to feed an estimated 4.6 million people.

In response to challenges faced in 2023, including storage issues, low processor payments, and increased testing guidelines, MSAH is seeking a general fund investment for vital resources. This includes $264,000 for refrigerated trailers, $300,000 to ensure fair payments to processors, and $30,000 for necessary testing and associated costs.

Cavitt's remarks reflected disappointment at the politicization of the funding issue, stating, “Today underscored how nothing is safe from Democrat political partisanship.” The rejection of the funding amendment has raised concerns about the future operations of MSAH and its ability to continue its impactful work in addressing hunger and reducing waste in Michigan.