South Kent News

State Representative Angela Rigas has voiced her opposition to the recently passed Democrat fiscal year 2025 budget. The budget, which was approved late at night, includes measures that Rigas claims will misuse taxpayer money and infringe on constitutional rights.

Rigas criticized the allocation of $1.8 million for programming related to red flag laws, which allow law enforcement to seize firearms from individuals deemed a threat. "First, Democrats rammed unconstitutional gun laws down our throats," said Rigas, R-Caledonia. She argued that these laws are confusing and unconstitutional.

The budget also establishes a $5.6 million "family planning" grant program intended for organizations like Planned Parenthood. Rigas condemned this initiative: “This so-called ‘family planning’ grant program is nothing more than Democrats putting lipstick on an especially ugly pig.”

Additionally, the budget reduces school safety funding by over 90%, while leaving $300 million unallocated in state funds. It includes allocations for various projects such as zoos, a boxing gym, a movie theater, and sports complexes.

“Without a historic surplus this year, Democrats had to raid somewhere in the state budget to find the funding they needed for their pet projects,” Rigas stated. She expressed concern over cuts to mental health resources for students amid poor test scores and mental health challenges.