LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget today. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta — it reflects Michigan’s values by making one of the largest investments in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every public school student and affordable pre-K. There are also substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public safety. The legislators worked in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a timely, responsible budget that ensures federal funding stays in Michigan instead of being sent back to Washington, D.C. State Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) issued the following statement applauding the budget:

“House Democrats are reinvesting in Michigan and our communities. As chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and Department of Insurance and Financial Services subcommittee, I am proud of the work we’ve done to make investments that will directly and positively impact Michiganders. With these allocations, child care workers will be better supported. Over $20 million will go to a program to enhance renewable energy and EV charging stations, and millions will go to Michigan Saves, which is a nonprofit that incentives lending to low-income homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades. These investments will uplift the entire state and our own community is getting a huge boost, too. Cascade Township is receiving a grant to build a pedestrian bridge over the highway, so all the communities of House District 80 are connected. These improvements through the budget Improving this outdoor space and all the other investments are going to make such a great impact on our budget are going to make a great impact on our well-being and overall public health and safety.”

Budget Items from LARA/DIFS:

  • Historic $220 million in Michigan Indigent Defense Commission funding, ensuring everyone will have access to a just and robust legal defense.
  • $21.3 million for a renewable energy and electrification program that will help build a network of EV fast charging stations and biodigesters to expand composting for municipal waste facilities.
  • $5.5 million for Michigan Saves, a green bank that helps Michiganders afford to buy energy efficient appliances.
  • $1 million for local fire departments to purchase and distribute sealed-battery smoke detectors to their communities.
  • $1 million in funding for the Social Equity Program at the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to encourage and increase participation in the cannabis industry by licensees who are low-income or impacted by previous marijuana-related offenses.
  • $900,000 to increase the number of elevator inspectors around to keep people safe.
  • Requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to hold four public hearings around the state to make the commission more accessible and accountable to Michiganders.
  • Increased funding for the Childcare Licensing Bureau to support background checks for our child care workers.