LANSING, Mich., June 25, 2021 – House Democrats worked with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and across the aisle with House Republicans to deliver a fiscal year 2022 budget that supports working families and provides transformational changes to our K-12 and early education systems.

“House Democrats negotiated a real budget, on time, that makes historic investments in our schools, families and small businesses,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township). “This budget is a far cry from the one initially proposed. The 75 percent funding cut across state government put forward by House Republicans was simply unacceptable. House Democrats refused to deny Michiganders the vital services we rely on every day and went to the table on behalf of working families, students, and seniors in our communities. We are making sure everyone has the opportunity to recover and thrive in the wake of the worst crisis we’ve seen in a lifetime.”

“This budget represents countless hours of work and compromise,” said state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations. “I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver a budget that protects and supports our friends and neighbors. Make no mistake, this budget is a victory for Michigan. After the cooperation I’ve witnessed this week, I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure every Michigander has their basic needs met and every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Highlights of the fiscal year 2022 budget include:

  • Raising per-pupil funding to $8,700 and eliminating the gap between the minimum and maximum foundation allowance.
  • Over $128 million for small-business support and workforce training programs to continue our economic recovery.
  • $105 million for child care programs to ensure working families have access to the quality, affordable child care they need so they can work.
  • Raising the Great Start Readiness Program early childhood education funding to $8,700 per student and increasing slots so every eligible child has access to quality preschool.
  • Over $250 million to increase mental health services and wraparound services for students, returning counselors, social workers, nurses and psychiatrists to our schools.
  • $30 million to fund the MI Reconnect program, which offers two years of free college or career training.
  • Increasing revenue sharing to local governments by 2 percent, so our communities can continue important services in our neighborhoods like police and fire protection.
  • Expanding Medicaid coverage to include coverage for sickle cell d

The fiscal year 2022 budget now heads to the Senate for consideration.

 

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