Democratic lawmaker secures investments for Oakland County
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2025 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final FY 2025-26 General and School Aid budgets. After refusing to back down in budget negotiations to defend critical Medicaid, food assistance and education funding, House Democrats voted for a bipartisan budget that reflects Michigan’s priorities. The state budget provides relief to Michiganders harmed by Republican cuts in the federal so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, protects access to affordable health care and SNAP benefits and funds universal school meals, transportation and mental health resources that kids depend on.
After the vote, state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) issued the following statement:
“Budgets are never perfect, and this one is far from it. There are pieces that hurt communities like Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Waterford Township — including flat revenue sharing for our cities and a lack of new investments in homelessness support. I will never stop fighting for those critical priorities. But I also know that voting no would not have brought our communities one more dollar — it only would have risked the essential protections that thousands of families in Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Waterford Township rely on every single day.
“These budgets protect Medicaid, SNAP and child welfare services, while delivering historic wins for working families and seniors by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security. They also invest nearly $2 billion in our local roads and infrastructure and increase the per-pupil foundation allowance to support Michigan students. I cast my vote because I will not allow my district to lose stability while Lansing argues over politics. Our budget is a step forward for Michigan, but my work for our community is not done. I will continue pushing for the equitable investments that Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Waterford Township deserve.”
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