North Michigan News

State Representative Cam Cavitt from Cheboygan has voiced criticism over a taxpayer-funded trip taken by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and senior officials, including Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Scott Bowen. The officials are currently on a week-long visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Rep. Cavitt released a statement highlighting concerns about the DNR's financial management. He stated, “It’s trips like these that prove exactly why the public doesn’t trust the DNR or its leadership. They’re out in our communities talking about how strapped for cash they are one week and boarding a plane for a week-long vacation in the UK and Ireland the next."

Cavitt criticized what he described as "a two-faced approach to governing" and expressed willingness to engage in discussions about DNR funding once there is assurance that no funds are allocated for vacations. “I’m willing to have a good-faith debate about DNR funding and the way the department uses those funds. But that conversation isn’t going to start until lawmakers get absolute certainty that the DNR director’s vacation budget has been zeroed out," he said.

The representative also questioned Director Bowen's focus amid ongoing discussions on fee increases, saying, “If the situation is so bad, I’d hope he’d publicly confirm that he won’t charge the taxpayers for the vacation he’s taking overseas."

Recently, both Governor Whitmer and Director Bowen have supported increased fees for hunting, fishing, and boating licenses. These proposals have faced criticism from Republicans who argue that higher fees may discourage participation in outdoor activities, potentially reducing revenue for wildlife management efforts in Michigan.