Rep. Sue Allor of Wolverine today voted in favor of a new Michigan state budget investing more in roads and bridges, public health and safety, and strengthening communities – without raising taxes.

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

“Today the Legislature laid on the governor’s desk a bipartisan state budget – now it’s up to her to decide what to do next,” Allor said. “It is my hope that the governor will sign this budget, which will send millions of dollars toward ensuring clean drinking water for every Michigan family, record funding toward road repairs, and boost access to opioid treatment.

“Although Gov. Whitmer declined to participate in budget negotiations after her demands for a 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase were rejected, the Legislature continued to work in a bipartisan fashion. The end result is a budget that saves taxpayers millions.”

The Legislature’s budget 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. Additionally, $500,000 has been put toward an initiative to help Michigan’s farmers cope with stress.
• 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.

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