State Rep. Timmy Beson last week voted in support of the House proposed budget, which builds on last year’s progress in cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in state government and delivering real value for Michigan dollars.

“State spending has grown nearly 50 percent in just eight years. That’s not normal, and it’s not sustainable,” said Beson (R-Bay City). “We’re done letting Lansing spend money like drunken sailors. This budget plan reins in spending, cuts even more waste, and gets back to funding the basics people count on.”

The plan reduces the overall state budget by $106 million and cuts nearly $600 million in spending while fully supporting the core functions of government and making major investments in schools, public safety, Medicaid, and roads.   

“We’re not cutting the services people rely on,” Beson said. “We’re cutting the waste. We went line by line, found nearly $2 billion in overfunding, and right-sized budgets to what departments actually spend. That lets us redirect those dollars to the needs and priorities of Michigan families. That’s how you fully fund the essentials without raising taxes or dipping into the rainy-day fund.”

The House-approved budget fully supports schools, raising the foundation allowance to a record $10,300 per student and funds universal school meals for both public and non-public students. Notably, the plan invests $150 million in early literacy programs and another $42 million in literacy coaching to help students get the support they need and start turning around Michigan’s reading crisis.

The plan also builds on last year’s historic road funding by adding another $100 million on top of the $2 billion annual commitment, strengthens public safety with a $75 million investment, and increases Medicaid funding by $1.2 billion to meet growing caseloads while putting stronger anti-fraud measures in place to protect the program and ensure it remains available for those who rely on it.

Beson said the proposed budget reflects the kind of responsible budgeting Michigan families practice every day, cutting what isn’t needed and focusing on the essentials.

“People don’t want to foot the bill for bigger government or ineffective programs. They want a state government that stays out of their way, out of their pocketbooks, and focuses on the basic services we need,” said Beson. “This budget plan helps get us back to that model.”