Capitol News

Senator Joseph Bellino of Monroe voted against two legislative measures that would increase fees on 20 hunting and fishing licenses in Michigan, totaling a $29.4 million rise.

“These fee increases are unnecessary, counterproductive and harmful,” said Bellino. “The number of hunters in Michigan is declining. We should be encouraging more people to hunt and fish in our state — not making it more expensive for Michigan families."

He noted that the proposed fee hikes, contained in Senate Bills 276 and 277, would affect residents significantly. "Most of these fee increases are between 20% and 50%, which is especially hard on folks who rely on hunting and fishing to feed their families and who are still reeling from years of increased prices on almost everything," Bellino said.

Specific changes under consideration include a 33% increase for a hunting and fishing combination license, a 50% hike for a base hunting license, and a 20% rise for an annual all-species fishing license.

Bellino suggested alternative solutions: “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources should more efficiently use the funding it is already getting or look at ways to increase hunting and fishing participation — instead of simply charging people more money.”