LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2023 state budget. Included in the budget are several investments specific to the Greater Muskegon area secured in large part due to the work of state Rep. Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon), making this a very successful budget season for Muskegon County and for Michigan broadly.

“I’m thrilled about many of the investments included in the state budget.” Sabo said. “I am grateful I could have a part in making these investments happen.  Building relationships across the aisle in Lansing is an important part of my job.  I take great pride in those relationships which helped bring these investments to our community.”

Sabo worked to ensure the budget included items that support working families, create good-paying jobs, cultivate services for children, grow infrastructure and foster community development. These and other budget wins Sabo helped secure include:

  • $3.4 million for the financial restructuring of Muskegon Family Care — a primary care facility that provides low-income residents in Muskegon County with health care services and counseling.
  • Additional $1.3 million for the final investment commitment, totaling $2.8 million, for the Third Street Wharf Development. This will allow for multi-use designs, benefitting the local community.
  • $800,000 investment for the Muskegon South Breakwater Lighthouse. These funds will help finance the replacement of concrete and electrical and rebuild and refortify all steel structures with new guardrails and lighting. This is a big win for Muskegon and the only natural deep-water port on Lake Michigan shoreline.
  • EXIT Funding, which secures and stabilizes line-item language in the executive budget recommendation, allowing a future steady stream of funding to help transition certain county jail prisoners back into their local community.
  • Funds for light passenger rail study to determine the feasibility of passenger rail from New Buffalo to Traverse City.
  • $500,000 for Phosphorous treatment in Mona Lake.

“The results of this budget season have been a real success for the people of Muskegon County. I am honored that I was able to have a hand in securing the funding needed to keep us moving forward,” Sabo said.