Rep. Luke Meerman, voted Tuesday in favor of a new Michigan state budget investing more in agricultural communities, mental health and infrastructure – without raising taxes. 

“We need a budget plan that doesn’t pit rural communities against urban ones, and the budget I voted for today accomplishes that,” said Meerman. “This plan makes important investments in agriculture, skilled trades training and improvements in public health services so that all Michigan communities can thrive. By reaching across the aisle and taking a careful look at each line item, we were able to put on the governor’s desk a bipartisan plan that delivers the services Michigan families rely on without accepting the governor’s proposed $2.5 billion tax hike.”

Meerman voted to approve the budget came as the Legislature completed its work on a new state budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.

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 millions less than the plan she proposed in March.

The Legislature’s budget places a priority on:

• Public health. 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. Another $120 million is dedicated to protect drinking water against PFAS, lead and other contaminants.
• Agriculture. Continues a $4 million investment in the Food & Investment Grant program that helps support innovation in agriculture and job creation. Adds $500,000 for expansion of a mental health initiative specifically geared to meet the needs of farmers and farming families.
• 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.
• 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. 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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