LANSING, Mich., Feb. 9, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her priorities for the fiscal year 2023 state budget. In a presentation to both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Budget Director Chris Harkins outlined the governor’s plans on a number of critical issues, including significant investments in the economy, infrastructure, education, health care and public safety.
“The governor’s budget proposal is a historic investment in our economy, our infrastructure, and our vital services and workers. We’re very pleased to see a budget proposal that is both balanced and truly responsible to the people of Michigan. This budget proposal refuels Michigan to combat the hardships of the pandemic economy while also making direct investment to build up our state as a destination for workers and families,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township). “The people of Michigan can find real hope in this budget, from the expansion of free preschool and the tripling of the Earned Income Tax Credit, to the repeal of the state’s retirement tax.”
To address Michigan’s infrastructure, the governor proposed $1 billion for Michigan’s transportation budget, $66 million for reliable generator backup in 164 state-owned pumping stations and $34 million in high-water infrastructure grants for local governments.
“Gov. Whitmer’s proposal takes us one step closer to rebuilding and reversing the decades of neglect that plague our infrastructure,” said state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Democratic vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “I look forward to working on this budget to deliver infrastructure grants to repair our roads, pumping stations and transit, while creating good-paying jobs and growing our economy.”
Whitmer also proposed a 5% increase for per-pupil funding and a four-year, $2.3 billion educator retention plan to help retain and recruit educators.
“Last year, we made historic investments in education and closed the funding gap between districts for the first time, but we must keep building on that momentum,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), Democratic vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Michigan Department of Education. “We will always keep fighting for every student, educator, and family in Michigan. Through doubling down on our investment in students and addressing the teacher shortage in Michigan, the governor’s budget uplifts our students and educators by making sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”