LANSING, Mich., Feb. 11, 2026 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her executive budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year, outlining a plan that reflects Michigan’s values and priorities amid a challenging budget year. In response, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), House Appropriations Committee ranking member, issued the following statement:
“Michigan is facing a quality-of-life crisis. As we enter budget negotiations, my focus is simple: lowering costs. We need to make health care more affordable and protect coverage for those on Medicaid. We need to properly support our students to make sure they are set up for success after completing a public school education. And we need to make sure that the State of Michigan can continue to be a place families can rely on for a hand up when they need it.
“This year’s budget must support the needs of all Michiganders by making life more affordable, ensuring access to health care and investing in education. Our constituents sent us here to curate a budget that utilizes their tax dollars responsibly. It is our job to make sure this budget reduces instability and improves quality of life in Michigan. It won’t be an easy year, which is exactly why we need to work together early, stay focused on results and get a budget done by June 30.”
Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Alabas Farhat, House Appropriations Committee ranking member