Governor Gretchen Whitmer has released her seventh executive budget proposal, an $83 billion spending plan that includes a $15 billion general fund and a school aid budget totaling $21 billion.
State Representative Joey Andrews tells us the package seems to focus on addressing the state’s biggest problems and priorities. For example, he says it raises school funding by about $400 per pupil, continues free pre-K education, and continues Michigan Reconnect.
Andrews says the budget also invests in the workforce.
“A lot more funding for CTE programs and registered apprenticeships,” Andrews said. “The new Small Business Entrepreneurial Support Fund getting its funding and off to the races there.”
Andrews says the budget establishes a price gouging task force in the attorney general’s office and invests in housing as Whitmer has promised. He adds the budget includes $2 billion for affordable housing construction and rehab. He thinks housing may be the biggest issue facing the state and the country.
“MLive published a list of the 50 communities in Michigan where housing prices are rising the fastest. 15% of that list is in the 38th district. New Buffalo, Saugatuck, Douglas, Harbert, and St. Joe, and South Haven aren’t exactly affordable markets either.”
The governor is calling for a $25 million deposit into the Employer Assisted Housing Fund so employers can support housing projects for their workers.
Andrews tells us the budget continues an emphasis on road repairs with $4.9 billion just for roads and bridges. He’s expecting a lengthy negotiation period between legislative Republicans and Democrats, telling us even when the Democrats had total control, the budgeting process could still be contentious.
