LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the 2023 fiscal year general and school aid budgets, which make significant investments in education and the environment. Included in the general budget is $1 million for the Northside Association for Community Development (NACD) to build new affordable, high-quality single-family homes on the Northside of Kalamazoo and $550,000 for the Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council for a treatment system designed to effectively address pollution from stormwater run-off. State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) issued the following statement:
“We are in the midst of a housing crisis, and people are struggling to find quality, affordable housing. The funding for the Northside Association for Community Development will help cover the increase in construction costs and ensure that these homes are affordable for low- to moderate-income Kalamazoo residents. This allocation will help fund NACD’s multi-year construction plan to build new affordable, high-quality single-family homes.
“Protecting our natural resources from pollution is essential. I proudly fought to include funding in the general budget that will protect Asylum Lake from pollution-laden stormwater and repair some of the damage that’s already been done. The council will work with Western Michigan University to monitor outcomes, which will help provide solutions for mitigating impacts to water systems throughout Michigan.
“I’m also pleased that the school aid budget continues our work of investing in our schools by including a 5% increase to the foundation allowance, bringing per-pupil funding to $9,150. Our schools have been underfunded for far too long. This budget shows that we intend to continue investing in our schools for a brighter future for everyone in Michigan.”
###