State Rep. Bronna Kahle this week voted in support of a taxpayer-friendly Michigan House budget plan protecting seniors and families while investing more than ever in schools and roads.

“Our state budget should reflect our priorities,” said Kahle, of Adrian. “This plan addresses the most important issues facing Lenawee County and all of Michigan. Seniors who have contributed to our communities their entire lives will get the support they deserve. Families will have better ways to find help for their loved ones facing mental health challenges. Our schools and roads will get more help than ever before – all without raising taxes.”

The House approved several budget measures this week, advancing the plan to the Senate for further consideration.

Key elements of the budget plan:

• Schools. The plan raises the state’s minimum per-pupil foundation allowance by $180 per student, which includes the vast majority of Lenawee County school districts. All districts statewide will receive at least $90 more per student. This comes on top of the largest annual per-student increase of the past 15 years – which schools are receiving in the current budget year – while continuing to close the gap between the state’s lowest- and highest-funded districts. Early literacy and career training are special focuses as the overall schools budget would surpass $15 billion.

• Roads. The plan ensures the taxes collected at the gas pump go to improve our roads – including the 6 percent sales tax motorists already pay. This change could add more than $800 million more per year to road repairs – without raising taxes – once fully phased in over two years. This change would be accomplished without sacrificing money for schools, local government revenue sharing or other essential public services.

• Strengthening and protecting communities. The plan commits more resources to protect drinking water and clean up the environment. Local communities would get an increase in revenue sharing to enhance essential public services. More Michigan State Police troopers and state prison corrections officers would be trained.

• Supporting our most vulnerable. The plan boosts access to mental health services, including $1 million for a statewide hotline to connect those in need with immediate help. Homeless shelters and programs supporting vulnerable children, including foster care, would receive more investment. More than $30 million in federal grant support will go toward substance abuse treatment and prevention. About $28 million would be added to home help assistance programs for seniors and adults on Medicaid.

• Respecting taxpayers through government efficiencies. Many state departments are being asked to find a savings of 3 percent in their administrative budgets. The House also has identified several state programs that do not spend as much money as taxpayers have been providing, so their budgets will be adjusted accordingly. The plan also helps rein in information technology project spending within state departments, which has been a problem area.

The House budget plan costs taxpayers about $1.3 billion less than the plan recommended by the governor.

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