LANSING, Mich., May 8, 2024 — Michigan House Democrats have been hard at work to ensure the fiscal year 2024-25 budget invests locally, where it matters. House Bills 5499-5517 and House Bill 5556 together promote success and opportunity for Michiganders by making investments to attract businesses that cultivate more jobs, to promote education for fruitful career readiness and to strengthen the inner workings of Michigan — whether it’s physical infrastructure or expanding equity. After a lot of hard work, the Michigan House of Representatives passed its recommended budget this evening.
“The House budget was crafted to strengthen all of Michigan, its economy, infrastructure and people — we are investing in you and your hometown,” said Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “We are serious about putting people first, so our budget is centered around ensuring families are stable and local public services are well-funded. As we continue to move through the budget process, these values are at the forefront of every decision made by House Democrats.”
House Dems are cultivating a stronger Michigan by investing in Michigan’s hometowns. The House budget demonstrates this by putting over $110 million into the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund — investments to support hometown heroes and the protection of Michiganders and the state’s main streets. Fifteen million dollars is provided for community and neighborhood organizations to uplift grassroot initiatives across the state. An additional $12 million for community museum grants and $6 million for competitive grants for symphony orchestras will celebrate culture and develop talent in Michigan.
“We’ve created a budget that is balanced, fiscally responsible and focused on Michiganders at the local level — without raising taxes. Our investments aren’t mere line items; they’re lifelines,” said state Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “We are increasing public safety investments, addressing housing and supporting students. We’ve listened to what matters to Michiganders. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to create such a well-rounded budget — as the work continues, we are investing in what matters: Michigan’s people.”
Dems are focusing on neighborhoods and hometowns, because they understand that it is hardworking Michiganders who lead their towns to success — it is the people who drive Michigan to greatness. That’s why House Dems increased the foundation allowance and are lowering costs for schools to keep dollars in the classroom where those investments belong.
“Michigan students deserve the best, and House Dems are delivering it to them,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), chair of both the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Education. “This budget ensures we are investing to protect our kids and support their mental health. We crafted a plan that will free up as much funding as possible to go back into classrooms, where it belongs to support our students, their families, our educators and local schools.”
House Dems are focused on lowering the cost of education for students who are seeking a higher education, and this House budget will make college more affordable. For K-12 students, it lowers costs for families with $200 million for universal meals in public schools. This enrichment helps promote better educational opportunities and experiences. It also allocates $331.3 million for mental health and school safety.
From students to school buses to smooth roads, Michigan House Dems are bolstering Michigan’s local priorities. The budget increased funding for local bus operation, while also investing $36.4 million in new technology and mobility. This money will continue the state’s efforts for maintenance and convenience — getting Michiganders where they need to be, when they need to be there — whether it is in their hometown or on a trip across the state.
“Investing in existing Michigan infrastructure like roads and bridges is only one of the many important aspects of the transportation budget,” said state Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “We’re also looking toward the future with investments in mobility technology. This dual focus not only strengthens our physical infrastructure, but considers the needs of tomorrow’s Michiganders. It’s just another way we’re putting people first in this budget.”
House Dems have listened to the people and are delivering for them. Across the state, Michiganders have called to address shortages in affordable housing and child care. House Dems are delivering with a budget that includes $200 million for housing affordability and increased child care subsidies, so families are stable and comfortable. Not only that, they are raising the bar in Michigan’s justice system with $3.3 million toward additional workload standards and another $1.1 million for salary increases for the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office.
“This is a locally focused budget that makes smart investments, bringing dollars to hometowns, where people will really see and feel the differences,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia). “We are focused on the diverse group of people that make up our beautiful state, and we are finding ways to bring equity to our people through affordability, lowering everyday costs, increasing accessibility to justice and other essentials like housing and child care. These investments not only promote a better quality of life, but help create opportunities for Michiganders to thrive as better equity brings better opportunity.”