LANSING, Mich. — Michigan veterans could have free lifetime access to a state park by next year.
On Veteran's Day, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced a new proposal for next year's budget that would give every one of Michigan's 530,000 veterans free lifetime access to a state park.
"Our state parks are full of incredible natural resources and offer mental and physical benefits to visitors, which is why Governor Whitmer and I have worked hard to help more Michiganders get outdoors and explore all our state has to offer," Gilchrist said. "We are proud of this step forward to better serve veterans and we will continue making Michigan the best place to be a veteran.”
The free access would also apply to current active-duty service members.
If the proposal passes it would make Michigan the third state in the country to offer this benefit to veterans and service members, next to Oklahoma and Maine.
“In the Michigan National Guard, we continue to work to improve the overall quality of life for those that choose to serve and the families that make it all possible,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “With free lifetime access to a state park for military members and veterans, Michigan continues to strengthen its national profile as a great place for the military, veterans, and their families to live, work, and retire.”
The new proposal will be included in next year’s budget recommendation.
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