With landmark funding, Dems deliver for Michigan
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 29, 2021 – Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township) and state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), Democratic vice -chair of the House Appropriations Committee, attended Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signing of the historic fiscal year 2022 budget this morning . The budget includes transformational investments in child care, infrastructure, health care and economic development.
“We have worked tirelessly with the governor to deliver a budget that puts the people of Michigan first,” Lasinski said. “Working families need support in the wake of the pandemic, and Democrats delivered. This is a far cry from the budget originally proposed last spring that would have cut funding for most departments by 75%. By investing in transformational projects, we set Michigan up for success for years to come and pave the way to prosperity for future generations.”
The budget signed today finally answers Democratic calls to release federal child care funding held hostage for over 10 months, but continues to leave vaccine education and distribution dollars in D.C. collecting dust.
“I was proud to work with my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the governor to do one of the most important jobs our communities sent us to Lansing to do: pass a budget on time to fund vital programs that Michiganders rely on every day,” Tate said. “This budget delivers real solutions for hardworking families, children and seniors. Today is a great day for our state and shows what we can accomplish when we put our differences aside to deliver for Michiganders. With more money to be allocated, I look forward to the work that lies ahead to ensure every available dollar is brought home to our communities.”
The budget also includes funding for over 100 local bridge projects, mortgage assistance, Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners tuition scholarship programs, lead service line replacement, high water infrastructure and dam safety grants, a wage increase for direct care workers, a 2% increase in local government revenue sharing, and a new health care disparities initiative.
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