MID-MICHIGAN (WNEM) – On February 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a proposed budget of $83.5 billion aimed at improving education, infrastructure, and public safety in Michigan.
The focus is on helping Michigan families save money. Overall, this budget represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year, with special attention given to schools, roads, and public safety services.
For education, the budget proposes a 4.1% increase in funding, raising it to $10,000 per student. It also plans to continue providing free school meals and expand preschool programs. An attendee noted, “Every Michigan student deserves the resources they need to get a good paying job and a brighter future.”
In terms of infrastructure, nearly $5 billion has been suggested, along with $10 million for electric vehicle charging stations, although details on the funding breakdown are still needed.
Public safety will see a funding increase of 4.1%, aiming to hire 120 additional state troopers, along with $75 million for crime prevention efforts. A $32.4 million pay raise is also included to help address the stress and shortages faced by corrections officers.
“This budget supports first responders battling cancer, offers childcare to national guard members during drills, and funds mental health resources for our first responders,” shared a participant in the budget meeting.
The governor also plans to contribute $50 million to the state’s reserve fund and another $50 million to a separate fund for K-12 schools. There’s an additional $25 million set aside for removing outdated power lines in Detroit and proposals to raise landfill fees to support environmental cleanup efforts.
However, some lawmakers, like Millington Republican Rep. Phil Green, question the effectiveness of the proposed measures. He remarked, “What we have been doing is not working. Just adding more money to existing problems won’t bring the change we need.”
As Republicans now control the state house, discussions around the budget are expected to be challenging. Lawmakers have until July 1 to finalize the budget, though approval could extend into the fall.
Debate and amendments to the proposal are on the horizon.
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