Democrats stay committed to building people up
LANSING, Mich., May 15, 2025 — The Michigan Senate finished passing its budget bills yesterday, which aim to lower costs and invest in people, especially during a time when Trump’s trade war and Republicans are tanking the economy and making it harder to get by. These bills are serious about investing in Michigan’s state departments, residents and the future of Michigan. Both chambers of the Legislature are required to pass their budgets before they can convene to work together toward a final budget. House Republicans passed their budget, House Bills 4161 and 4162, in March, which would slash state funding by almost 92% and would defund substantial services like Medicaid by completely defunding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“With the Senate’s passage of its budget plan, Democrats are moving forward in the process of delivering a balanced, on-time budget,” said state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), minority vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Passing a budget by July 1st gives our schools, communities, and service providers the stability they need to plan for the year ahead. At a time when federal uncertainty is putting pressure on the state budget, it is more important than ever to come to the table ready to work together. We need to pass a responsible budget that invests in public education, protects access to health care, and lowers costs for Michigan families. That’s what our residents expect, and that’s what they deserve.”
Due to federal cuts to state funding, Michigan will be forced to cope with a hole in the fiscal year’s funding. While the state will not be able to replace the sheer quantity of funds, the Legislature will need to scrape together key investments to ensure vital state services that Michiganders rely on are apportioned appropriately.
“I am hopeful that this Legislature will be able to pass a healthy final budget on time in the next couple months,” said state Rep. Jasper R. Martus (D-Flushing). “However, I call on GOP leadership to get serious about their duty to Michigan’s people. It is already unfortunate that Michigan’s state budget will be spread thin due to the federal government’s slashes to vital state funding. On the state level, Republicans need to wake up — instead of lining the pockets of million or billionaires we need to ensure our communities have proper public safety, medical care and other vital needs. Enough of the political games — we need good faith negotiations and policies that matter.”
The cost of chaos is causing uncertainty for many individuals and families across Michigan who rely on vital state services. From threats to Head Start programs to cuts to Medicaid, these Republican cuts at the state level would only compound the hurt Michiganders’ kids and families will feel from federal cuts.
“Health care is a huge hurdle for families, but additionally, access to child care is yet another challenge families are facing,” said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe). “Again, federal cuts are costing Michiganders, and the Senate budget is left trying to fill the void. Senate Dems included $63 million to offset the shortfall that Republicans defunding has created. I will continue to advocate for smart policies that build people up. As this budget process continues, let’s hope our investments reflect that commitment.”