Legislature-approved budget moves to governor’s desk

State Rep. Jim Lilly, of Park Township, today voted in favor of a new Michigan state budget investing more in roads and bridges, public health and safety and education – without raising taxes.

Lilly’s votes came as the Legislature completed its work on the state budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Lilly and the Legislature last week approved a record-high investment in Michigan students as part of the same overall budget.

“This budget reflects the needs of Ottawa County families,” Lilly said. “I set out on this budget process with the goal of making our communities safer and stronger, and continuing to improve Michigan’s roads without asking for more money from taxpayers, and that’s what we’ve done. It’s a solid plan and the governor should sign it to ensure the government keeps delivering the essential services people rely on every day.”

Lilly said the state transportation budget, specifically, will include $13 million to repair the currently closed Smith’s Bridge in Ferrysburg. The bridge was closed earlier this year after a May inspection noted advanced deterioration.

“The closure of this bridge has posed a terrible inconvenience on local drivers,” Lilly said. “Repairing this bridge will ensure first responders are able to safely use this direct route to respond to emergencies, speed up commutes for workers and allow our many tourists to drive over the scenic bridge.”

Governor Whitmer, too, seemed to indicate that fixing the bridge was a priority when she visited the site in July. “It’s a public safety issue, not just for the people that cross this bridge but for people that are waiting on emergency services,” she told reporters at the time. “We have to get serious about fixing these problems. This is life and death in many ways, but it’s also about our economic future. It’s about safety on our roads every single day.”

The Legislature’s budget also places a priority on:

• Public health. Another $120 million is dedicated to protect drinking water against PFAS, lead and other contaminants. Funding to prevent opioid abuse and provide substance abuse treatment increases by more than $30 million. A statewide mental health hotline is supported by a $2 million commitment.
• Public safety. Eighty-six new Michigan State Police troopers will be trained. Statutory revenue sharing increases by 2.3 percent to help local governments maintain essential public services including police and fire departments.
• Economic growth. Investments continue and increase in programs such as Going Pro to train more workers for good-paying, high demand careers so they can support themselves and their families – continuing Michigan’s economic comeback. This builds upon the previously approved schools budget providing significant increases in career and technical education. The new budget also makes a $4 million investment in the Food & Agriculture Investment Grant program supporting innovation and job creation.
• Roads. Another $400 million is invested in road and bridge repairs, continuing the Legislature’s commitment to improving roads without tax increases or cuts to essential services. Michigan’s Department of Transportation budget will top $5 billion and provide more money for road repairs than ever before.

The schools budget approved last week includes a record $15.2 billion for Michigan students, increasing the foundation allowance by more than $300 million — up to $240 more per student. Additional support is provided for special education, early literacy, school safety and several other programs.

Gov. Whitmer declined to participate in budget negotiations after her demands for a 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase were rejected. The budget the