State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, sits in a joint session of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.
LANSING, Mich. March 10, 2025 — House Republicans hastily and irresponsibly passed two appropriations bills last week, House Bill 4161 and 4162. In total, HB 4161 cuts the state budget by almost 92%, gutting investments to a wide range of areas including state police and veterans services and outlines a 100% cut in the Michigan departments of Education; Leadership, Education, Advancement and Potential; and Health and Human Services.
“These bills are outlandish and disappointing. They would slash vital investments, from Michigan K-12 to the Civil Rights Department to our Judiciary,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. “Defunding these departments and programs would increase inequality between Michiganders and halt our fight for equity and justice. Michiganders deserve better!”
HB 4162 cuts nearly 25% of the school aid budget for K-12 schools, stripping away universal school meals and resources from classrooms, educators and most importantly, students.
“As the representative for one of the most impoverished House districts in our state, I know these budget bills would have dire effects for my constituents and every Michigander,” said state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit). “Kids going hungry in schools shouldn’t be a policy that lawmakers are ready to back, but every House Republican did just that last week. As a father and a voice for Detroit and Warren here in Lansing, I am committed to doing my part in counteracting this continual chaos.”
The Department of Health and Human Services would see a 100% cut in funding. This would strip away health care from the 2.7 million, or one in four, Michiganders who use Medicaid.
“This budget is an attack on services that Michiganders need and survive off of. The systematic racism that plagues this country has placed many populations at a disadvantage. Social services like Medicaid help level the playing field,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neely (D-Flint). “This legislation is an attack on everyday Michiganders.”
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