Despite $454 million budget crunch, Michigan senators push for new offices

Despite $454 million budget crunch, Michigan senators push for new offices - WXYZ.com
"LANSING - A projected $454 million budget shortfall hasn't stopped state senators from pushing to buy nicer, newer offices.
The move, proposed last year by then Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), would move senators into renovated office space while other state departments are being told to brace for cuts.
"You can question motives and you can question everything," Richardville told Channel 7's Ross Jones in November, "but this is a damn good business decision."
Richardville left the Michigan Senate at the end of last year due to term-limits, but not before choosing a proposal submitted by Lansing developer Ron Boji as the senate's future home.
The state has agreed to purchase his building, called Capitol View, for $51 million and is seeking $70 million in state bonds to finance the deal.
..."Not all of the offices face the Capitol, is that the crux of the problem?" asked a skeptical Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills).
"Pretty much," Viventi said.
"Isn’t this an expensive proposition for taxpayers in order to make sure that senators get a better view of the Capitol?" Greimel asked.
"The goal would be to provide office space to everyone that’s similar," Viventi responded....