House Appropriations Chair state Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township) greets Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations committees on Feb. 7 at the Michigan Capitol.
LANSING, Mich., Feb. 23, 2024 — Budget season has sprung in Lansing, and House Democrats are steadfast at work crafting budgets that will build on last year’s wise reinvestments in critical areas such housing, infrastructure, education, economic development, and the health and wellbeing of people across the state. Members remain sharply focused on putting the needs and priorities of people first as they work diligently in subcommittees to uplift families, students and hard-working Michiganders by fostering growth and opportunity for all.
“Michiganders are at the heart of every decision we make. This means crafting a budget that addresses immediate needs, while also laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity for all residents. Looking at last year’s achievements — such as repealing the retirement tax, expanding the working families tax credit and bringing good-paying jobs to communities across the state — I’m proud of our accomplishments, and this year, we’re going to keep addressing the challenges facing our communities head-on through careful, intentional investments that will help everyone ‘make it’ in Michigan,” said House Appropriations Chair state Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township).
Building upon the achievements of the previous year, this year’s budget aims to double down on reinvestments that benefit all residents and promote economic growth through supporting small businesses and creating pathways to economic prosperity for Michigan families.
“Our goal is clear: to foster an environment where every Michigander has the opportunity to thrive. By bolstering education, supporting small businesses and creating pathways to economic prosperity, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all. We’re dedicated to fostering an environment that attracts and retains talent while creating job opportunities for Michigan workers,” said state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Economic Opportunity, and Lifelong Learning.
Last year’s initiatives laid a robust foundation for sustainable economic development, and House Democrats are determined to build upon this progress with substantial investments planned for higher education, vocational schools and community colleges. With new initiatives to attract and retain talent, they plan to create abundant job opportunities for Michigan’s workforce, fostering continued economic growth and prosperity.
“It’s critical that we continue to grow our economy and open opportunities for Michigan families and workers, as well as recruiting and maintaining talent. A strong education system is essential for that growth and prosperity, and that’s why we’re focused on expanding access and opportunities for everyone in Michigan,” said state Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges, I recognize the pivotal role education plays in shaping Michigan’s future. By expanding access to higher education, we’re investing in the success of our workforce and the prosperity of our state.”
With investments aimed at empowering the workforce and fostering statewide prosperity, House Dems are underscoring the importance of equitable investments and addressing systemic barriers and nurturing inclusivity in this year’s budget discussions.
“As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, we are diligently focused on shaping a balanced budget for the future of our state and people. During this budget process, Dems will continue to pave the way to protect all Michiganders’ rights — from economic inclusivity, to education, to civil rights — no one gets left behind,“ said state Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township). “As we make progress on this budget, we are working to make sure that all Michiganders are supported and we’re making smart investments to ensure that.”
As budget deliberations continue in the coming weeks, House Democrats remain committed to their mission of putting people first and further empowering Michigan’s communities. Through strategic investments and thoughtful planning, this year’s budget priorities set the course for a brighter Michigan where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.
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