Dear Neighbor,
Let’s be real — it was wrong that we did not pass a state budget months ago. Michigan law sets a July 1 deadline for a reason, and missing it created real uncertainty for schools, local governments and everyday Michiganders who rely on our state government working.
But now, after months of late nights and negotiations, we have a budget — and it delivers real results for Michigan families. It puts more money in your pocket by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security income. It commits to a long-term, sustainable plan to fix roads and support generational investments in public transit. And it gives our teachers and students the support they need and deserve by protecting free school meals and mental health funding.
I grew up in a working family in northern Michigan. Making ends meet wasn’t always easy, and every dollar mattered. That experience shaped how I approach public service. I wanted to represent you because I believe that the government should work for families like mine — and families like yours. And I’m proud to have helped deliver a budget that puts the needs of regular Michiganders first.
Let’s take a closer look at what this budget means for you and communities across our state.
- 🍎 Record education investments, including increased per-pupil funding and investing in universal school meals, mental health and public safety and early childhood education.
- 🚧 A sustainable infrastructure plan, with a nearly $2 billion investment in local roads and the largest investment in public transit in Michigan’s history — $160 million for better bus service and expanded rail.
- 🏥 Protected Medicaid, mental health care and food assistance from devastating federal cuts. Michigan is one of the few states in the nation that is protecting Medicaid coverage for more than 2 million Michiganders.
- ✅ Saving Michigan families time and money, by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security income and preserving the working families tax credit and elimination of the pension tax.
- 🌳 Local wins, like $1 million for the Ann Arbor Treeline Trail project — creating a safer, more sustainable connecting for pedestrians, bicyclists and all residents through downtown Ann Arbor.
Michigan’s Budget: What This Means for You
A budget is a commitment to what we think matters most. This year’s state budget makes one thing clear: we’re standing up for working families, teachers, nurses and seniors — for the everyday people that keep our state running. It invests in our shared future, from how kids learn and parents budget for groceries, to how long it takes to get to work or find a doctor that’s close to home. I’m focused on making sure the state government does its job so you can do yours.
Schools and Families
Every student deserves a safe, supportive school — and every teacher deserves the tools to do their job well. I’m proud to have helped deliver a plan that puts our students, teachers and schools first.
This budget:
- 📚 Closes opportunity gaps for at-risk students.
- 💰 Invests in record per-pupil funding for every district.
- 🥪 Protects free school meals for every public school student.
- 🧠 Invests hundreds of millions in school safety and mental health, so every kid can walk into school feeling safe and supported, and teachers can focus on teaching.
For many kids, a school breakfast and lunch are the two meals they can count on each day — and that’s what we’re protecting. Parents across Michigan tell me this program saves them time and money, and we see every day how it fights hunger in our communities.
We’re also expanding early learning and job training so parents can find child care they can rely on, and workers can gain new skills to keep good jobs close to home. At its core, this is about building lasting opportunities — for your family and for the next generation.
Roads and Transit
Driving in Michigan is a…unique experience. You’re probably on a first-name basis with that pothole by your house, and your kids probably picked up a bad word or two when you had to spend $800 on a new set of tires.
Enough is enough.
This budget delivers billions of dollars to repair our roads and bridges — so you can get where you’re going without blown tires or busted suspensions. Fixing our damn local roads has been one of my top priorities as your state representative, and I’m proud to say we’re finally making it happen. These dollars will flow straight into local streets and long-overlooked communities — where the need is greatest and where families will feel the difference every single day.
And we didn’t stop at roads. We secured the largest investment in public transit in Michigan’s history — over $160 million — to put more buses on the road, expand routes into rural communities, and deliver the reliable service people deserve. For the first time in a generation, we’re also laying the tracks for real passenger rail across Michigan. This is how we build a transportation system that connects everyone, no matter where you live.
Whether you’re heading to work, school, a doctor’s appointment, or just out for the day — these investments mean freedom, reliability, and a future where Michigan moves forward together.
This is a big win for Michigan families, and I’m grateful to my colleagues and the Governor for standing with us to get it done. Let’s fix the damn roads — and build the future we deserve.
Health Care
For too many families, getting sick means an impossible choice: miss a paycheck and get the care you need and face a bill you can’t afford. You deserve a system that helps you heal — not one that pushes you further behind.
This budget delivers.
We’re investing in local hospitals and rural clinics so care is closer to home, expanding mental health services and connecting more people with affordable coverage. And we’re protecting Medicaid and SNAP after Washington pulled back — because no one should have to choose between their health and their paycheck.
Public Dollars, Public Goods
When your government spends your tax dollars, every penny should be spent for the public good — not special interests. That’s why this budget puts stronger guardrails on incentive programs to make sure companies keep their promises, create good jobs and invest back in our communities. We’re keeping your money where it belongs — with people — and building a fairer economy that puts Michigan families first.
The Big Picture
My priority was to deliver a budget that meets people where they are — and now we can see what that means when we work together to get *stuff* done. Roads are getting fixed. Teachers will have the tools they need. Kids eating meals they can count on. Families are breathing a little easier.
This is the Michigan our communities and our kids deserve.
When we invest in each other, we invest in our shared future. That’s what progress feels like: a Michigan where we look out for each other, keep our promises and make sure no one gets left behind.
In solidarity,
Jason Morgan
State Representative
Michigan’s 23rd House District
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