State Rep. Jamie Thompson today highlighted a signed budget agreement that invests in Monroe and Wayne counties while spending tax dollars responsibly.

Throughout the budget process, Thompson and House Republicans successfully pushed back on $800 million in proposed tax increases, attempts to raid the state’s rainy-day fund, and efforts to grow government by adding nearly 1,000 taxpayer-funded positions. The signed budget includes no new tax increases and comes in lower than the current year budget to return money to taxpayers.

“The bottom line is that Lansing needed to understand what Michigan families can afford,” said Thompson, of Brownstown Township. “This budget shows that we can continue to invest in our kids, infrastructure, public safety, workforce training, and more while not depending on taxpayers to cover larger government spending.”

As part of the agreement, Thompson secured a $700,000 investment for municipal water connection for subdivisions in Berlin Township that have experienced numerous septic system failures and endangered residents, as well as funding for a new patrol vehicle for the Rockwood Police Department.

Thompson also touted several government accountability measures within the signed budget that will help government operate more efficiently and save people money.

Language in the budget requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to provide clear explanations to the Legislature when evaluating utility rate increases. The commission has approved $1 billion in rate hikes on utility customers since 2023. This new layer of oversight will help address rising energy costs for families. Thompson has consistently pushed for reforms to lower energy costs during the current legislative term, including sponsoring legislation that guarantees a rollback on utility rates and no new rate increases for two years.

By draining slush funds and basing the budget on real dollars spent, the finalized budget frees up $750 million. It also slashes IT funding and projects within Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and state Attorney General Dana Nessel’s offices after repeated failures, reducing spending by more than $100 million. New provisions require IT contract oversight for all future projects so that they are easy to understand and accessible.

“During the budget process, House Republicans made it clear: less bloat, less inefficiency, and more accountability,” Thompson said. “These are positive, transparent steps when it comes to how state government uses your tax dollars.”

The School Aid budget focuses on early childhood education and establishing a system that sets up students for success. This includes $50 million in new funding for tutoring to help struggling students and continued mental health and school safety funding. Thompson and House Republicans successfully secured $150 million for teacher bonuses, as well as additional funding for dual enrollment, bus services and other resources.

Thompson highlighted continued investment in the Going PRO Talent Fund to aid workforce training programs and spur small business growth. The budget also increases Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding by $4 million, a 10 percent increase across several programs, helping more students gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized skills that prepare them for careers in Michigan’s skilled trades and other high-demand fields.