Michigan House approves FY 21 budget plan

Rep. Jason Wentworth today announced a new state budget approved by the Michigan House that includes additional disaster relief funding to bolster ongoing flooding restoration efforts in Gladwin and Arenac counties.

As Gladwin and Arenac counties are still recovering from the devastating floods that happened in May due to the dam failure, Wentworth has been an active leader in ensuring disaster relief, financial assistance and restoration services continue to be made available to families and job providers that have been impacted. The budget plan for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 includes a total of $500,000 for Arenac County and $15 million for the Four Lakes Task Force – the delegated authority for Midland and Gladwin counties – in state resources to help restore the lake levels.

“Gladwin and Arenac county families have endured a lot over the past several months,” Wentworth said. “Between the COVID-19 pandemic and historic flooding, our communities have shown a great deal of unity and resiliency during these unprecedented times. To further assist with ongoing restoration efforts, we have secured additional disaster relief resources to provide continued support for residents impacted by the flooding caused by the dam failures.”

Wentworth said the budget plan also protects support for K-12 schools, local communities and other shared priorities of Michiganders – despite the impacted of COVID-19 and economic shutdowns have had on the state economy.

Other highlights for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 include:

• Education: The per-student foundation allowance for K-12 schools remains unchanged, but schools will receive an additional one-time payment equal to roughly $65 per student, along with other changes to increase the commitment to Michigan’s school aid fund. The school aid fund will surpass $15.5 billion, a record-high investment.
• Public Health: The Legislature’s efforts to fight COVID-19 continue, including $20 million to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) in skilled nursing facilities. The budget also includes resources supporting mental health, children with autism, and cleanup of PFAS and other pollutants threatening water systems.
• Public Safety: Additional Michigan State Police troopers will be trained, and local-level road patrols are supported.
• Local Services: The budget plan fully protects revenue sharing payments made to cities, townships and counties – helping fund the essential local services residents across Michigan rely on every day.
• Smart Planning: The budget does not grow state government, returning about $35 million to the state’s budget stabilization fund to better prepare for potential financial challenges ahead.

The budget plan – contained in House Bill 5396 and Senate Bill 927 – advances to the governor for her consideration.