Dianda's Budget Amendments Defeated

Two amendments proposed by State Representative Scott Dianda will not be included in the House omnibus budget bill.

The Calumet Democrat wanted the Michigan Department of Transportation to sell airplanes in their fleet and to prohibit legislators from having their offices in the same building as a lobbying firm.

Both amendments were defeated in the Republican-controlled House.

MDOT maintains a small fleet of five planes that Dianda says could have been sold to fund improvements at airports.

His other complaint was the Capitol View project, arguing that the new Senate offices provide greater access for lobbyists than for constituents.

Dianda called the outcome of the vote appalling.