The Michigan House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2022 budget today, which includes historic investments in child care, infrastructure, health care and economic growth.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done with the Governor and our colleagues across the aisle to deliver a budget that puts the people of Michigan first,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township). “This is a far cry from the budget originally proposed last spring that would have cut funding for most departments by 75 percent. By investing in transformational projects, we set Michigan up for success for years to come and pave the way to prosperity for future generations.”
The budget passed today finally answers Democratic calls to release federal child care funding held hostage for over 10 months, but continues to leave vaccine education and distribution dollars in D.C. collecting dust. The bills passed today also include funding for over 100 local bridge projects, mortgage assistance, Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners tuition scholarship programs, lead service line replacement, high water infrastructure and dam safety grants, a wage increase for direct care workers, a two percent increase in local government revenue sharing, and a new health care disparities initiative.
“This budget is a victory for Michigan,” said state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), vice chair of the Appropriations Committee. “House Democrats fought to ensure working families aren’t denied access to programs they rely on every day, and I’m proud to say we delivered. This budget doesn’t use all of the funding available, providing us the opportunity to continue to work together to deliver those dollars where they’re most needed.”
The two budget bills passed today, Senate Bill 82 and House Bill 4400, are now headed to the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for review.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the legislature passed a bipartisan budget that puts Michiganders first and makes game-changing investments in families, communities, and small businesses. The governor plans to sign the bipartisan budget into law before Fiscal Year 2022 begins on October 1.
“Today, we came together to get things done for Michigan’s families, communities, and small businesses. I’ve always said that I will work with anyone who wants to put Michiganders first. I am grateful to the legislature for working with me to deliver real change that will make a difference in people’s lives.
“The budget delivers on the kitchen-table economic issues that matter most to Michiganders. It builds on three programs—Michigan Reconnect, Futures for Frontliners, and Going Pro—that help workers get the skills they need to earn a good-paying, in-demand job. The budget will also include funds to fix nearly 100 crumbling bridges across Michigan, including the iconic Miller Road Bridge next to the Ford factory in Dearborn. We were able to get funding to expand no- or low-cost child care to 105,000 additional children, so that parents can go back to the workplace knowing their children are in good hands. The budget also contains significant dollars to replace lead service lines in Benton Harbor and beyond, continue addressing PFAS, clean up contaminated sites, repair aging dams, and make buildings more energy efficient. And we also put $500 million into Michigan’s rainy day fund, which is the largest one-time deposit in state history. These dollars help ensure that Michigan is prepared for any future public health or economic crises.
“Today’s budget agreement proves that Michiganders elected a divided government, not a dysfunctional one. When we focus on tackling the big problems we face, we can make meaningful progress that improves people’s lives. As always, we will be conducting a thorough legal review of the legislation to ensure that all provisions in the budget are constitutional to take action to fix the pieces that aren’t. Now, with the budget out of the way, we can further collaborate to invest the billions in federal dollars we have received from the American Rescue Plan and the billions more we are expected to receive from the bipartisan infrastructure bill. I look forward to continuing to work with anyone, for everyone.”
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