State Rep. Greg Alexander today touted a House budget plan he recently voted for that holds the line on taxes, cuts wasteful spending and directs savings to services an overwhelming number of Michiganders prioritize. 

“This budget puts taxpayers first,” Alexander said. “Instead of unsustainable government spending, new taxes and hidden fees for wasteful programs, and pet projects for political allies, House Republicans are focused on the needs of hardworking people and their families. This is a transparent plan that funds essential services and commits to state government living within its means – just like taxpayers across the Thumb do every day.”

A key component of the House plan is a shift toward more accurate budgeting practices. Instead of automatically increasing funding year after year, the plan aligns appropriations with real spending levels from recent years. A review of actual spending across state government revealed nearly half of all budget line items were overfunded, totaling close to $2 billion in excess.

The House’s plan reduces state general fund spending by nearly $600 million while protecting the state’s rainy-day fund and preventing new taxes or fees. In contrast, the governor’s budget recommendation includes $800 million in tax and fee increases and pulls $400 million from state savings to support spending.

Other highlights of the budget plan include:

Eliminating ghost employees – After removing more than 2,000 vacant positions in state government last year, the House plan eliminates an additional 3,300 “ghost” positions – roles that are funded but not filled. The budget maintains a 2,600 full-time employee cushion to ensure departments can meet staffing needs and cover overtime, particularly for public safety roles like state police and corrections officers.

Increased local revenue sharing – A $65 million increase will support local governments as they provide essential services like police, fire protection and infrastructure maintenance.

Supporting students – The budget proposal includes record-high per-pupil funding with a $250 increase, bringing the foundation allowance to $10,300. The plan also invests $150 million in literacy tutors to address Michigan’s low reading proficiency rates.

Resources for rural communities – The budget continues investments in agriculture programs and other services for rural communities, including MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch, Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance, Michigan Animal Agriculture Alliance, soil conservation districts, and county fairs.

Protecting hunters and anglers – The House budget does not include any increases to hunting and fishing license fees, rejecting proposals from Lansing Democrats that would raise costs on Michigan outdoorsmen and women.

Energy cost transparency – The plan requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to provide clear explanations to the Legislature when evaluating utility rate increases. Alexander said this new layer of oversight will help address rising energy costs for families.

Alexander also fought for a $1 million investment for drinking water upgrades in the village of Carsonville. The village currently relies on three municipal wells that have been identified with elevated levels of arsenic – exceeding federal standards for safe drinking water.

“Continued use of these wells poses a significant risk to the public, as long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues,” Alexander said. “The aging infrastructure also contributes to general inefficiencies and maintenance costs that threaten service interruption. This funding would support two new, modern wells that will support the health and well-being of people and families in the area for years to come. I was pleased to see it included in the House budget plan, and I’m going to keep fighting to ensure it makes it through the Senate and to the governor’s desk.”