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Rep. Markkanen: State budget invests more in Michigan roads, essential services
RELEASE|September 24, 2019

State spending plan headed to governor for final approval

Rep. Greg Markkanen 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.

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

“Our state budget should reflect the priorities of our residents,” said Markkanen, of Hancock. “This budget addresses the most important issues facing the Western Upper Peninsula and all of Michigan. We’re putting more money into roads, public health and safety and rural health care – and we’re not asking people to pay any more in taxes.”

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 more than $30 million. A statewide mental health hotline is supported by a $2 million commitment.
  • Rural health care. We’re reversing previous cuts made to rural hospitals to ensure people in every corner of the state have reliable access to the vital health services they need. Baraga County Memorial Hospital, as well as the Aspirus hospitals in Iron River, Ironwood, Calumet Township and Ontonagon will directly benefit from the restoration of this funding.
  • 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.

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

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