News

Michigan House budget plan expands fair funding, while Senate proposes elimination

Lawmakers in the Michigan House are supporting $3 million in ongoing funding for country fairs in the upcoming budget.

Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Executive Director Lisa Reiff says capital improvement grants support infrastructure and maintenance necessary to keep fairs operating.

“Many people think that the fairgrounds only operates for the one week of the fair,” she says. “And while the fair is an important event at the fairgrounds, it’s necessary to note that fairgrounds are community centers that cater to their community year-round.”

She says the 86 fairs across the state bring nearly eight million attendees and $1.4 billion in annual economic impact.

The Michigan House has also approved eliminating the use of the Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund to support the Horse Racing Advisory Commission and reducing administrative fees from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, while increasing available purse funds.

If approved, the grant program would be increased by $2.5 million. The Michigan Senate is currently considering appropriations that would not provide additional funding.

Reiff gave an overview of county fairs during this week’s Michigan House Agriculture Appropriations Committee meeting.