Savings, efficiencies hold government accountable

State Rep. Doug Wozniak this week supported record funding for road repairs and schools, as well as investments to protect drinking water and enhance senior care services across Michigan – without raising taxes.

“Just as Macomb County households operate within a budget, state government should also operate within a budget,” said Wozniak, of Shelby Township. “I’m confident this House budget plan delivers value for taxpayers through a more efficient and effective government. It also signifies how we are able to prioritize what matters most to Michigan taxpayers without asking for more of their hard-earned money. This should be the cornerstone of any state budget plan, and will be my approach as the budget process continues.”

The House approved several budget measures this week, advancing the plan to the Senate for further consideration.

Key elements of the budget plan:

• Roads. The plan ensures every single penny spent on taxes at the gas pump goes to improve our roads – including the 6 percent sales tax motorists already pay. This change could add more than $800 million more per year to road repairs – without raising taxes – once fully phased in over two years. This change would be accomplished without sacrificing money for schools, local government revenue sharing or other essential public services.
• Schools. The plan raises the state’s minimum per-pupil foundation allowance by $180 per student, which covers the majority of Michigan’s school districts. All districts would get at least $90 more per student under the House plan. This comes on top of the largest annual per-student increase of the past 15 years – which schools are receiving in the current budget year – while continuing to close the gap between the state’s lowest- and highest-funded districts. Early literacy and career training are special focuses as the overall school aid fund would surpass $15 billion.
• Clean Drinking Water. The Michigan Legislature has committed $125 million in statewide resources to PFAS detection, investigation and cleanup efforts since 2017 and the budget plan ensures proper environmental protection across the board – including a prioritized, sustained commitment to combating PFAS and invasive species.
• Senior Care. The plan includes a $28.2 million increase for home-help services for seniors, and retains $3.3 million for non-Medicare certificate facilities for hospice service, a crucial appropriation the governor seeks to defund. In addition, the House continues its commitment to increase programming for dementia care and enhance the MI Choice waiver program by adding 1,000 slot for long-term care options for the elderly.

The House budget plan costs taxpayers about $1.3 billion less than the plan recommended by the governor.