Gov. Snyder appoints new budget director

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Tuesday announced the appointment of former state Representative and House Appropriations Chairman Al Pscholka as the state's budget director. Pscholka, who was term-limited out of office at the end of 2016, will take over the position when John Roberts leaves in mid-February for a private-sector position. Until then, Pscholka will be working closely with Roberts as the Budget Office prepares to present the fiscal year 2017-18 budget. "Al has been an outstanding partner as we have worked to complete responsible, truly balanced budgets ahead of schedule six years in a row," Snyder said. "His experience and commitment to continuing to build upon the strong fiscal foundation we have laid make him an excellent choice to continue serving the people of Michigan as the state's budget director." Pscholka, who served on the House Appropriations Committee for all six years as a state representative, was chair of the committee for the past two years. Before being elected to the state House, Pscholka served as a Lincoln Township trustee for eight years. Pscholka was the district director for Congressman Fred Upton from 2003 to 2010. Prior to that position, he was in charge of marketing and communications for Cornerstone Alliance, a private, nonprofit economic development group in Southwest Michigan. "My passion for the past six years has been protecting taxpayers through financial responsibility while crafting the state budget," Pscholka said. "Michigan has made great strides, eliminating $20 billion in debt, putting $700 million into the state's savings account, improving our credit rating and producing the best budget process in the country. "Like Gov. Snyder, I know the budget is more than numbers though it represents people and families and our future generations. I look forward to working with the Governor and his team in continuing to produce real results for all Michiganders." Published: Thu, Jan 05, 2017