LANSING, Mich., Sept. 22, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes historic investments in health care, child care and infrastructure. Included in the budget is $3 million to fund the reconstruction of the U.S. 131 interchange with the business route U.S. 131 in Kalamazoo, $10 million toward a Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund, and $1.5 million for a new senior facility in Portage. State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) issued the following statement in support of the budget’s passage:
“I am proud to have helped secure the necessary funds to make improvements to the U.S. 131 interchange in Kalamazoo. This funding will build upon the ongoing state, local and private partnerships that have invested more than $600 million in the area and will bring 1,000 jobs to the Kalamazoo community. As a practicing health care provider, I am also especially pleased that we are investing $10 million in lead poisoning prevention. Comprehensive lead remediation in our homes and infrastructure is critical to the health and well-being of the Kalamazoo community. Finally, I am thrilled that the budget we passed today includes $1.5 million for a new facility at the Portage Senior Center, which will be a great benefit to the seniors in our county. This new budget demonstrates that after a tumultuous year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are putting the people of Michigan first.”
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