Michigan Senate passes $82.5 billion spending plan
27 June 2024
Nik Rajkovic / [email protected]
Democrats in the Michigan Senate are working through the night to pass an $82.5 billion budget.
It includes educational programs for at-risk children and bilingual education programs, free school meals for all children, and free community college throughout the state.
State Rep. Ann Bollin voted against the 2025 budget, which she said prioritizes pet projects over the most pressing needs of Michigan’s people.
The Brighton Township Republican said the plan relies on a tax increase that will force families, retirees and small businesses to give more of their hard-earned money to the state and will also rob teachers’ pension accounts of $670 million.
Meanwhile, Bollin argues that funding for school safety is being drastically cut in the budget and that local roads that are in dire need of repair are being ignored.
“This budget directs money to projects that do not address the real problems,” Bollin said. “It funds political projects and social programs, but neglects important areas such as infrastructure, public safety and other essential government services.”
The student loan grant program will be strengthened to attract and retain teachers, in addition to funding for maternal and child health, doula training, and improved Medicaid rates.
More funding will be provided for building and renovating homes, repairing roads and bridges, and replacing lead pipes, to name a few.
The budget also provides for improved access to police and fire services, recreational activities, high-quality water supplies, and sewage and garbage collection.
“Today marks an important milestone as we pass the FY 2025 state budget, reaffirming our commitment to building Michigan,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) said in a statement on the passage.
The measure will now be submitted to the Michigan House of Representatives.