LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in childcare, infrastructure and health. It also appropriates $275,000 for United Way of Washtenaw County and increases funding for higher education and direct care workers. State Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage:
“For over a decade, I have been working to increase wages for our direct care workers. These professionals have been our frontline heroes both before and during the pandemic, and a fair wage is long overdue. Similarly, this budget increases funding for our higher education institutions which need these investments to overcome some of the challenges brought on by the pandemic. We were even able to secure a grant for United Way of Washtenaw. These funds will be used toward programs designed to provide community financial stabilization and workforce development. I’m thankful that we were able to secure them additional funding to help in their all-important work. Overall, I am very pleased with the investments this budget makes.”