Michigan’s budget priorities are misaligned
The recently passed $82.5 billion state budget is a glaring example of misprioritization: it is filled with special projects and wasteful spending that ignore the essential services that Michigan families depend on every day.
My Republican colleagues and I have worked hard to create a budget that truly addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of all citizens. Unfortunately, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Democrats in the majority have chosen to raise taxes and put pet projects and far-left priorities above the primary concerns of ordinary people.
One of our biggest concerns is the drastic cut in funding for school safety. The budget cuts that funding by 92%, reducing it from $328 million to just $26.5 million. This will likely result in layoffs of counselors and school resource officers and put the safety of our children at risk. It also cuts funding for the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, which played a critical role in recommending best practices for school safety and addressing the mental health needs of students.
This budget also shifts $670 million from the teachers’ pension fund, putting our educators’ retirement savings at risk. Since this money is sent to school districts to offset their payments into the pension system, Democrats used it as justification for leaving per-pupil funding completely stagnant. Given inflation, this effectively means cuts to K-12 schools.. With seven out of ten fourth-graders in Michigan failing to read at a proficiency level, we should help our children more, not less.
The budget, which also includes funding for other government agencies, creates over 500 new positions in the office. This expansion is unnecessary, unsustainable and diverts resources from essential services.
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on political favors. For example, $425,000 was given to a private, members-only gun club of which the politician who secured the grants is a member. Another $10 million is earmarked for a zoo in Lansing, $2.5 million for professional baseball stadiums and $18 million for various sports facilities. A commission tasked with organizing a celebration to mark the 500th anniversary of the United States in two years received $5 million.
Not to mention, the budget reflects a worrying shift toward the priorities of the far left, spending oodles on things like a $7.5 million state drone program, $3 million in incentives for e-bike purchases, and $25 million for state-run electric vehicle charging stations. The Michigan Public Service Commission is getting $5.8 million and 31 new positions to implement green energy mandates that will force wind and solar farms into communities against the will of the people. Additionally, $156.2 million is earmarked for a low-income solar program and $68 million is earmarked for a solar factory.
Meanwhile, basic services are being neglected. The budget does not include additional funding to repair our crumbling roads, despite the governor’s promises to do so in the past. Mental health primary care services are being cut in half and a $12 million program to address the shortage of correctional officers in our prisons is being eliminated. Funding for our agricultural supply chain program is being cut by 56%, jeopardizing our ability to get food to people.
Transparency and accountability are also lacking. In addition, the budget includes the Democrats’ income tax hike, forcing families, retirees and small businesses to hand over a larger share of their hard-earned money to the government.
We need a budget that reflects the values and priorities of all Michigan families. Unfortunately, this budget puts political agendas ahead of the needs of the state’s families.
Republican Rep. Sarah Lightner of Springport represents Michigan’s 45th congressional district and is vice chair of the House Budget Committee.
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