State Rep. Karl Bohnak today secured the passage of a bipartisan budget agreement with key wins for the Upper Peninsula. The budget deal includes significant pay increases for corrections officers, historic investments in rural healthcare, and safeguards the universal free school breakfast and lunch and rural transportation programs in schools.

The budget also guarantees historic increases to road funding for counties in the U.P. Every county receives more than a 35% increase, with Marquette County alone receiving an increase of over $4 million.

“The process was long and hard-fought, but I’m proud to have negotiated a budget that will make an incredible, positive impact in our U.P. communities,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Our plan locks in a well-deserved raise for our corrections officers, protects our rural healthcare system, and ensures no child goes hungry.”

The budget takes strong steps to address Michigan’s corrections officer shortage by providing $32.1 million in pay increases, helping the best officers reach top pay in three years instead of five, and giving new incentives to keep the best supervisors. These changes will help Michigan recruit and retain the officers needed to keep prisons secure and communities safe.

“We still have a lot of work to do to help our corrections officers, but this is a step in the right direction,” Bohnak said. “These individuals are the backbone of our criminal justice system and deserve way more respect and benefits than what they’re currently receiving. That being said, I’m proud we were able to secure this raise for them and their families.”

The agreement also includes $250 million in grants for rural hospitals. These funds will strengthen underserved hospitals, support long-term stability, and ensure families in every corner of Michigan have access to quality care close to home.