Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm urged legislators Monday to restore $25 million cut from a tourism campaign after the state discovered it amassed a $120 million surplus during fiscal year 2011, which ended Sept. 30.
The additional general fund revenue came largely from higher-than-expected income tax receipts, Granholm said.
The $25 million would give the state’s Pure Michigan campaign a $30.4 million budget in fiscal year 2012, which is now underway. Lawmakers cut the program’s budget to around $5 million for fiscal 2011, which tourism officials said was too little. The popular campaign features actor and Michigan native Tim Allen.
“With revenues higher than expected and with widespread support for this award-winning program, it is important that we seize the moment to put this campaign back on track,” Granholm said.
Legislative leaders said they would consider the idea, according to local reports.
