Representative Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the committee voted on Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund investments that include funding for Dow Inc. in Midland. Schuette represents Midland as part of the 95^th House District:

“There are components of other spending plans I do not support and there continues to be a need for robust transparency and accountability guardrails as taxpayer dollars are used for these types of ventures. That’s why I made a motion for each transfer to stand on its own merit and have its own vote before our committee. Unfortunately, that motion was not carried.

“I did vote for the investment in Dow, which provides support to Dow and is critical to our region. With these resources, the Great Lakes Bay Region can continue to position itself as a community of choice, a leader in multiple industries and a thriving area of career and population growth.

“This company is one of the area’s largest job providers and has been part of our community for nearly 130 years. This is an investment in our community for years to come.”