State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) speaks on the House floor on Feb. 14, 2024.

LANSING, Mich., July 3, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year last week ahead of the legally required July 1 deadline. Democratic leaders crafted a budget focused on strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people and hometowns across Michigan without raising taxes. After the vote, state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) issued the following statement:

“I voted in favor of a state budget that invests in hometowns, strengthens our workforce, and addresses housing needs. By providing funding for critical infrastructure projects, workforce development programs, and affordable housing initiatives, our communities will see direct results that improve residents’ quality of life, create job opportunities, and ensure housing stability. These investments are essential for equipping our community with the resources needed for people to live comfortably, start families, and build prosperous futures.”

Lakeshore communities in Southwest Michigan will specifically see the following major investments:

  • $100,000 to Caring Connection to uplift their crucial services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
  • $250,000 to the Brookview Montessori School for structural upgrades to bring the building up to code.
  • $550,000 to schools such as Benton Harbor to investigate the school-to-prison pipeline and address racial disparities in education.
  • $30,000 to the Benton Harbor Downtown Development Authority for the Wightman State Theater Restoration Feasibility/Pre-Design Study.
  • $200,000 to the Casco Township Senior Activity Center (located in the township hall) for upgrades to the garage to create a senior activity center that is safe and accessible.
  • $160,000 to the South Haven Regional Business Hub to advance their work in building strong business ecosystems, helping small businesses grow.
  • $150,000 to the Mosaic Career Pathway Institute, which offers trade programs and aims to help find meaningful work, transform lives, uplift families and revitalize the community.
  • $150,000 to Bridgman for city hall rehabilitation.
  • $1.3 million to the city of Douglas for the replacement of lead water lines.
  • $150 million to Palisades Nuclear Plant to support the reopening of the facility, protecting 600 high-paying jobs at the plant and an additional 1,1000 additional jobs in the community.
  • $500,000 to the Berrien County Workforce Innovation Center to assist with equipment, staffing, training and credentialing.

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