LANSING, Mich. July 12, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta — it reflects Michigan’s values by making the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure and public safety. The legislators worked in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a timely, responsible budget that ensures federal funding stays in Michigan instead of being sent back to Washington, D.C.
“I am delighted to report that our district, House District 11, will receive $5 million in funding for water infrastructure in St. Clair Shores — which will limit wastewater overflows into Lake St. Clair — and $200,000 to create a small park in an underserved area of Harper Woods. Additionally, $1 million will be invested to enhance Mack Avenue road,” state Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) said. “I am overjoyed to have secured these funds for our community, and I will continue to advocate for our friends, families and Michiganders’ futures.”
Other funding includes over $10 million for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, direct care workers wage increases, renewable energy and electrification infrastructure, local roads and highway maintenance, law enforcement training, lead service line replacement, technical and vocational training, environment and climate funding, equitable investments for special education and at-risk students, and community development.
“This budget was filled with many positive reinvestments, and creating a comprehensive budget is no small feat. After years of underfunding, we are picking up the pieces and focusing on the priorities that matter most to Michiganders. We’ve said, ‘You matter, your wellbeing matters, and your success, education, safety, and mobility matter.’ This is what a good budget looks like.”