DETROIT, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan’s state budget for the 2023 fiscal year in Detroit Wednesday afternoon.
Governor Whitmer was accompanied by Mayor Mike Duggan and several other leaders from the state and surrounding area at The Corner Ballpark.
Watch the signing here:
The $76 billion budget includes $17.5 billion in school aid and $180 million toward the Budget Stabilization Fund, raising the state's rainy day fund to a record $1.6 billion, according to the Michigan governor’s office.
We’re told the bipartisan budget will make a series of historic investments that will bolster the economy and provide significant funding to the state’s education system.
Michiganders will not see an increase in taxes as a result of the new budget, Whitmer says.
“Today, I am thrilled to sign my fourth balanced, bipartisan state budget that delivers on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families, was done on time, and does not raise taxes by a dime,” says Governor Whitmer. “The budget will protect public health and public safety, expand mental health resources, grow Michigan’s economy and workforce, empower working families and communities, and pays down billions in debt. I look forward to working with the legislature and furthering this spirit of collaboration to invest the billions of dollars in additional revenue we still have on the table to offer real relief to families right now, especially as they face rising prices on groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses. I will work with anyone to put Michiganders first and get this done.”
We're also told the budget expands on boosting the state's infrastructure under the Building Michigan Together Plan, supports Michigan's workforce, encourages the purchase of Michigan-made products, improves healthcare access, and refines Michigan's criminal justice system.
“I am pleased we were able to effectively use taxpayer dollars to provide critical everyday services while also improving our infrastructure, protecting our communities, and building a stronger economy,” says Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas (R–Midland). “We have achieved a transformational state budget focused on long-term results and economic growth. And it does it all while living within our means, setting aside resources to provide future tax relief to struggling Michigan families and saving for a rainy day.”
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber released the following statement after the budget signing:
“Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a state budget that funds our state through the next fiscal year. Thanks to Governor Whitmer’s leadership, this budget makes a historic investment in our schools, puts more teachers in our classrooms, and makes those classrooms safer. This budget also invests tens of millions of dollars in pre-apprenticeship training and apprenticeship programs. This budget also makes critical investments in our states’ infrastructure and working people who build it.
“We are grateful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership in getting a bipartisan budget deal done and her continued efforts to invest in the people of our state. We implore the Republican-led legislature to come back to the table and complete the work. With nearly $8 billion left on the table, Michigan’s working families need solutions now - not partisan games.”
Michigan Community College Association President Brandy Johnson says the budget will greatly benefit students and workers in the future.
Johnson's full statement reads:
“Investments in Michigan’s community colleges are investments in the future careers of our residents and employers. We applaud Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature for making significant investments in the state budget that will help us amplify our work to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
“The inclusion of the plan to expand nursing education on community college campuses in collaboration with our four-year college partners will transform nursing training in our state. This collaboration will make it possible for individuals to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at any of Michigan’s community colleges in a way that is affordable, accessible, and efficient – and will go a long way to address our state’s growing nursing shortage.
“We also greatly appreciate the increased funding for community college operations, short-term training grants, corrections officer training and funding to support academic catch up for recent high school graduates. This funding will help us strengthen our talent development efforts and prepare our residents for high-wage, in-demand jobs that our workforce needs.”
Michigan Association of Ambulance Services Executive Director Angela Madden says the budget will grant much-needed relief to EMS services in the state.
Madden's full statement reads:
“The EMS staffing crisis has been worsening every day and state investment is critical to getting more first responders into the field to guarantee ambulance service across Michigan. We are very appreciative of the $30 million investment in the state budget for EMS recruitment and training. It will be a game-changer for the future of EMS and the safety of our communities. The funding will help alleviate the staffing crisis and bring critical support and training into communities across our state. We applaud Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature for this investment and look forward to working with the EMS Office to put this funding to use.”
AARP Michigan says the budget will greatly help direct care workers and the people they care for.
Director Paula D. Cunningham released the following statement:
“Increasing access to home and community-based services has been a policy goal of AARP and other consumer advocates for decades. That’s because the overwhelming majority of Michigan residents prefer to ‘age in place,’ and because it saves money for taxpayers.
“We also learned during the pandemic that the current model of dense congregate care and institutional processes exposes residents to significant risks. Michigan must do better and with the new budget allocations, we will do better."
Sen. Kim LaSata voiced her displeasure over line-item vetoes in the budget that would have helped more children find foster homes.
Senator LaSata's full statement reads:
“Gov. Whitmer and I are both lucky enough to know the joy of being parents, which makes her vetoes of funding to promote adoption especially heartbreaking.
“Every child deserves a loving home and giving more individuals the chance to adopt could have helped make that a reality. Helping children find a family to care for them should not be a partisan matter but the governor has turned it into one out of fear she would be seen as supporting adoption as an alternative to abortion.
“The governor’s extreme stance on this issue is concerning. Helping place children where they will be loved and cared for should not be looked at through the narrow lens of being an alternative to abortion. We need to consider the well-being of children in foster care and available options for families looking to adopt.
“This funding could have helped place foster children or helped people realize their dream of being a parent, however, the governor made it clear she is only pro-choice when it’s the choice she agrees with.”
READ MORE: Lawmakers bolster education, school safety funding in FY23 budget
