State Rep. Jamie Thompson today voted for a House budget plan that provides critical resources for Downriver communities she represents, invests in the priorities of Michigan families and continues a commitment to responsible government spending.

“When I’m talking with workers and families across Monroe and Wayne counties, they want to have good roads, feel safe in their communities and know their tax dollars are going to improving the places they call home instead of going to pet projects and bloated government spending,” Thompson said. “Just like last year, this budget plan delivers on those priorities. House Republicans have shown once again that state government can spend within its means and deliver a budget that funds critical services.”

Thompson championed multiple local projects she fought to include in the advancing budget plan, including roughly $1.5 million for a new ladder truck for the Brownstown Fire Department, a $700,000 investment for municipal water connection for subdivisions in Berlin Township that have experienced numerous septic system failures and endangered residents, and funding for a new patrol vehicle for the Rockwood Police Department.

“I will continue to advocate for these needed resources as we go through the budget process,” Thompson said. “I want to thank local officials and first responders who provided their insight and testimony as part of these requests, and I look forward to working on getting them across the finish line in the weeks ahead.”

The House’s plan respects taxpayers by reducing the overall state budget by over $100 million and 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 House budget plan include:

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.

Continuing investments in infrastructure and public safety – An additional $100 million will build on last year’s historic $2 billion commitment to fixing local roads and bridges. The budget also makes a $10 million statewide investment in the Public Safety Trust Fund, which Thompson voted for last year to support law enforcement and upgrade equipment, and funds a new trooper school to recruit and train the next class of state troopers. The trooper school will help address staffing shortages and improve response times across Michigan communities, including in Monroe and Wayne counties.

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

Energy cost transparency – The plan requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to provide clear explanations to the Legislature when approving utility rate increases, helping address rising energy costs for families.

Strengthening workforce development – Increased investment in the Going PRO Talent Fund will expand support for small businesses and workforce training programs.

Saving Medicaid – Tax reforms in last year’s budget saved billions in federal funding for Medicaid. Now, House Republicans are increasing Medicaid funding by $1.2 billion to ensure continued access for Michigan’s most vulnerable. The budget also includes $50 million to hire additional investigators and crack down on Medicaid and food stamp fraud that ends up costing the state resources that should be going to residents in need.

“This budget plan focuses on the basics. It protects communities, works for taxpayers and families, empowers job providers and puts our state on a path to success,” Thompson said. “It is our responsibility to watch and evaluate every tax dollar that is afforded to state government. Families across Downriver are carefully watching their own budgets. Elected officials working on their behalf in Lansing should do the same with state spending. By once again reducing the overall budget, we are following through on that principle.”