By state Rep. Beth Griffin of Mattawan

            The state budget recently approved by the Michigan Legislature underscores the importance of bringing the contributions of our hard-working taxpayers back home to benefit the entire community.

Every day, families across Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties have to spend within their means and budget responsibly. All we’re doing is asking state government to do same. By reining in spending where possible and eliminating waste, we can focus more resources on areas most essential to our quality of life.

            The budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 includes record funding for K-12 schools, improving mental health services, repairing roads, and protecting drinking water statewide – all without imposing a nation-high, 45-cent gas tax hike on Michigan families. This fiscally-sound budgeting practice is the main reason why Michigan’s economy continues to become healthier and a better place to work, live, and raise a family.

            As a former middle school teacher, I know firsthand how crucial it is to make sure our children and grandchildren have access to the education they need to build a better future for themselves and the state of Michigan. The schools budget that was approved with an overwhelming bipartisan vote 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 also provided for special education, early literacy, school safety, and several other educational programs.

            The Legislature-approved budget places a priority on opioid abuse prevention and substance abuse treatment by increasing state spending for those areas by $30 million. The budget also includes a $2 million commitment to a statewide mental health hotline, and more support to rural hospitals to help patients in every corner of Michigan receive dependable health services.

            In regard to continuing the Legislature’s unwavering commitment to improve the state’s roadways, the budget invests an additional $400 million into road and bridge repairs without tax increases or cuts to essential public services. Michigan’s Department of Transportation budget will also top $5 billion and provide more money for road repairs than ever before.

            To ensure communities statewide have safe and clean drinking water, the budget also dedicates an additional $120 million to protect drinking water against PFAS, lead, and other hazardous contaminants.

            This balanced, responsible state budget is about respecting you – the hard-working taxpayer. We should all take pride in this state budget as our hard-earned money is going toward improving our communities’ priorities. The Legislature did its part by sending the governor a respectable budget on time, despite her unwillingness to participate in budget negotiations. I am counting on the governor to do the right thing and sign this budget into law so important services can continue without interruption.