Rep. Jack O’Malley of Lake Ann 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.

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

“I hope that what that the people of Michigan take away from the passage of this state budget is that their government is working for them and it is working together, in a bipartisan way to get things done,” O’Malley said. “The Legislature has done its part to fulfill its responsibility to pass a state budget by Oct. 1. Now that both the House and Senate have put a budget on the governor’s desk, it’s up to her to sign it.”

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.

“We identified several state programs that clearly do not require as much money as taxpayers have been providing,” O’Malley said. “These programs were not spending as much money as they were given – so “trued up” their budgets and demanded accountability, ended up saving millions.”

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. 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 and $200,000 is included to continue a three-year student on the affects of PFAS contamination on wildlife and game.
• 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. 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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