Fiscal Year 2020 budget moves to governor’s desk

State Rep. Brad Paquette, of Niles, voted yesterday in favor of a new Michigan state budget that invests more into repairing roads and bridges, protecting public health and safety, and strengthening communities – without raising taxes.

Paquette’s votes came as the Legislature completed its work on the state budget for the fiscal year starting October 1. This builds on last week’s bipartisan vote to approve record-high investment in Michigan students as part of the same overall budget.

“This budget is balanced – meaning it doesn’t rely on additional taxes on Michigan residents to meet the needs of the state,” Paquette said. “It focuses on priorities, not wish lists.”

Paquette said the budget sends more money back to local communities rather than allowing it to be spent by Lansing bureaucrats.

The Legislature’s budget also places a priority on:

• Public health – $120 million is dedicated to protect drinking water against PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Under the budget plan funding to prevent opioid abuse and provide substance abuse treatment would increase by more than $30 million. It also includes $2 million to fund a 24/7 hotline to connect people experiencing a mental health crisis to service providers.
• Public safety – Train 86 new Michigan State Police troopers to protect our communities. More money is returned to local governments through a 2.3 percent increase in statutory revenue sharing 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.
• Roads – $400 million is reprioritized to fund road and bridge repairs, continuing the Legislature’s commitment to improving roads without tax increases or cuts to essential services. Between the 2015 road package and the continuing investments by the legislature more money is provided for road repairs than ever before.

The K-12 budget approved last week invests a record $15.2 billion for Michigan students, increasing the foundation allowance by more than $300 million, and directly benefitting schools districts in Berrien and Cass counties. It funds additional support for Career and Technical Education students, special education learners, early literacy interventions, and school safety.

Gov. Whitmer declined to participate in budget negotiations after her demands for a 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase were rejected. If the budget bills are not signed by the governor by midnight September 30 state government will be shutdown.

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