Hope Votes for Omnibus Budget to Protect Education Funding, Health Care and Food Assistance
Press Statement | Office of State Rep. Kara Hope
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2025 — In the early hours of Oct. 3, the Michigan Legislature approved the FY 2025-26 state budget with bipartisan votes, totaling about $78 billion across departments, agencies and schools. After refusing to back down in budget negotiations to defend critical Medicaid, food assistance and education funding, state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) voted for a 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, Hope issued the following statement:
“This budget is not perfect, and it does not undo all the damage caused by reckless federal cuts. But it does represent real progress, and it reflects the genuine compromise that is often lacking right now in our democracy. Most importantly, this budget protects essential services for the people who need them most. House Democrats secured record per-pupil funding of $10,050, the highest in Michigan’s history, and we provided additional dedicated funding for special education and at-risk students. We also protected free school meals to make sure no child in Michigan public schools has to try to learn on an empty stomach. These steps will make a real difference for Michigan families.
“While I don’t like cuts to key departments such as Civil Rights, the Department Attorney General and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, given the choice between a flawed budget and no budget at all, I could not allow our schools, hospitals and families to face continued uncertainty from their state government.
“Democrats stood our ground to protect Medicaid, food assistance and our local hospitals. For families in mid-Michigan, that means health care remains accessible, schools can serve every student, and our most vulnerable neighbors are not left behind. This budget is far from ideal, but it reflects a serious effort to prioritize fairness, stability and opportunity in very difficult circumstances. I am relieved we were able to deliver this outcome rather than allow uncertainty and unmet needs to harm the people we serve.”
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