After a marathon, all-night session, the House and Senate voted to approve the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year beginning on October 1. The budget totals $75.191 billion and includes priorities from both sides of the aisle, the two chambers, and the governor. The budget provides funding for Community Violence Intervention grants, natural disaster response, relief for prosecutor caseloads, and continuing revenue sharing to local communities. It provides funding to help people maintain access to Medicaid coverage and food benefits in response to changes from the federal government.
The education omnibus includes a $250 increase to per-pupil funding and implements a new weighted funding formula. Additionally, it appropriates funding for school safety and mental health efforts, literacy supports, and new educator bonuses to help recruit and retain teachers and staff. The budget also continues funding for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Michigan Reconnect programs, which help residents gain the skills and training needed for in-demand jobs. The legislature also appropriated funding to continue the free school meals program and free pre-K for all.
The two omnibus budgets will be sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
