Rep. Lynn Afendoulis – chair of the House Tax Policy Committee – today urged Gov. Whitmer to sign the Legislature’s newly approved state budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.

The budget invests more in schools, roads and bridges, clean water, law enforcement and strengthening communities – all without tax increases.

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

“After the vast majority of Michigan drivers made it clear they wanted nothing to do with the governor’s proposed 45-cent per gallon gas tax hike, she walked away from budget negotiations – but the Legislature kept on working,” said Afendoulis, of Grand Rapids Township. “The plan we are sending to her desk invests in the priorities of Michigan families without asking them for more money. The governor should sign this budget and avoid any threat of a government shutdown, so the public services all Michiganders rely on every day can continue without interruption. People expect and deserve a functional, well-run government. The Legislature did its part with this budget plan – now it’s up to the governor.”

The Legislature’s budget places a priority on:

• 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.
• 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 $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 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.

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