State Rep. Aaron Miller, of Sturgis, has voted to support the Michigan Legislature’s state budget investing more in roads and bridges, public health and safety and community investment across the board – without raising taxes.

Miller’s votes came as the Legislature completed its work on the state budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Miller and the Legislature last week approved his bill, House Bill 4242, which increased funding for every Michigan student as part of the same overall budget.

“I’m proud of the education budget we passed last week, and I’m pleased to support the rest of our responsible and balanced budget, too,” Miller said. “What I’m most proud of is that we are investing in our state’s roads and bridges without increasing taxes for Michigan drivers.”

A total of $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.  That money goes to MDOT, county road commissions, and villages and cities as outlined in the formula within PA 51 of 1951.

The Legislature’s budget also 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.
• 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.

The K-12 education budget, sponsored personally by Miller and approved by the Legislature last week, includes funding of $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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