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Rep. Lightner supports taxpayer-friendly budget investing more in Michigan roads, essential services
RELEASE|September 26, 2019

Rep. Sarah Lightner of Springport voted this week in favor of a new Michigan state budget investing more in roads and bridges, public health and safety, and strengthening communities — without raising taxes.

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 Legislature is sending to her costs taxpayers significantly less than the plan she proposed in March.

“The budget we’re sending the governor is a good one because it reflects the priorities of Michigan families and taxpayers,” said Lightner, who played a key role in shaping the budget as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “She should sign it and make sure government keeps running and delivering the essential services people rely on every day.

“This budget does more to provide peace of mind for Michigan families when they turn on the faucet for a drink of water. It will help more people who need health care — including mental health care — receive it. It supports farmers and agriculture, makes communities safer and stronger, and it continues our commitment to improving Michigan’s roads without asking taxpayers for more money.”

The Legislature’s budget places a priority on:

  • Public Health. $120 million will be dedicated to protecting drinking water against PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Funding to prevent opioid abuse and provide substance abuse treatment will increase by more than $30 million. Rural hospitals will receive more support to help patients in every corner of Michigan. This will benefit providers such as Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte and Eaton Rapids Medical Center. A statewide mental health hotline will be supported by a $2 million commitment. The budget includes $950,000 to fund a program that will help corrections officers handle mental health challenges that they experience while working in prisons. The budget adds $500,000 to a program helping farmers deal with the mental stress and uncertainty of their jobs.
  • Public Safety. Eighty-six new Michigan State Police troopers will be trained. Statutory revenue sharing will be increased by 2.3 percent to help local governments maintain essential public services including police and fire departments. $10 million will go towards keeping children safe in schools.
  • Economic Growth. Investments will continue and increase in programs such as Going Pro to train more workers for good-paying, high demand careers so that they can support themselves and their families—continuing Michigan’s economic comeback.  $4 million will be invested in the Food & Agriculture Investment Grant program supporting innovation and job creation. This builds upon the previously approved schools budget which will provide significant increases in career and technical education.
  • Roads. Another $400 million will be 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 also 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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