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Apr 21, 2024

Gov. Whitmer Applauds Passage of ‘Make it in Michigan’ Budget

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June 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Applauds Passage of ‘Make it in Michigan’ Budget

Balanced, bipartisan budget makes investments to lower costs, grow the economy, support student success, and deliver on the kitchen-table issues

LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the passage of a balanced, bipartisan state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 focused on growing the economy, lowering costs, delivering on kitchen-table issues, and helping anyone “Make it in Michigan.”

“The budget for fiscal year 2024 makes strategic investments that will make a difference in the lives of every Michigander and delivers fiscal responsibility through deposits into the State’s Budget Stabilization Fund and a new rainy day fund for public schools,” said State Budget Director Christopher Harkins. “This budget prioritizes funding for Michigan’s students, schools, public health, natural resources, and communities. I am confident this budget will move Michigan forward."

The Budget

The FY24 budget totals $81.7 billion. It includes a general fund total of $15.2 billion and a School Aid Fund total of $19.4 billion. The budget provides a significant amount of one-time funding while maintaining a structural balance in future years and does not utilize one-time funds for ongoing purposes. It makes investments to support the success of Michigan students and teachers, improve the state’s infrastructure, better the health of residents, protect natural resources, and expand opportunity for families, communities, and businesses.

Education–Getting Kids Back on Track & Supporting Student Success

The budget continues historic public education investments, including:

K-12 Education

“This is another outstanding budget, one that again works hard on funding adequacy and equity,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “In addition to a 5 percent foundation allowance increase, big percentage increases for the education of students with disabilities and English learners, and additional funding earmarked for staff compensation, the budget funds greater flexibility and continued expansion of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) program toward universally accessible pre-school, the implementation of the governor’s MI Kids Back on Track tutoring program for children who are behind in reading or math, universal school meals for students, and an opportunity index to fund high percentages of economically disadvantaged students. The budget also funds mentoring for new teachers, new counselors, and new administrators, as well as training for school board members, and transportation reimbursement to help address the cost of transportation, especially for rural districts whose per-rider costs are high. In the 30 years since Proposal A to change the school funding system, Michigan hasn’t had two years of back-to-back funding increases close to FY23 and FY24. Kudos to the governor and state legislature for their work, among that of many others, on the budget front.”

“Thanks to the hard work of Governor Whitmer and leaders in the state House and Senate, our local schools will continue to make progress in attracting and retaining qualified educators who can help our students succeed,” said Paula Herbart, a longtime teacher from Macomb County and president of the Michigan Education Association. “It’s critical that we keep great educators on the job and attract talented people into this noble profession, and this budget agreement provides our schools with much-needed resources to help accomplish these goals.”

“The GSRP funding included in this budget is an investment in today's children, who are also tomorrow's workforce here in Michigan, said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works! and chair of the PreK for All Action Team. “By expanding access to pre-K for more kids and supporting new GSRP classrooms this announcement is a reflection of the state’s continued focus on lowering costs for families, supporting early learning, and investing in the growth and retention of early childhood professionals in Michigan.”

“I’ve spoken to many superintendents across the state and there is a resounding appreciation for the education funding in this year’s state budget,” said Dr. Tina Kerr, MASA Executive Director. “These dollars are critical to helping our districts address student and staff mental health, increase school safety measures, and provide specialized learning opportunities. It is essential that public education be funded at this level both now and in the future so that our schools can continue to prepare our students for their own success and for Michigan’s future.”

“Healthy School Meals for All will be transformational for Michigan’s students and families,” said Collin McDonough, Director of Michigan Government Relations at the American Heart Association. “Not only will it help students learn—no one can focus on an empty stomach—it will help reduce the risk for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Proper nutrition is a key component of a heart-healthy lifestyle, and having no-cost breakfast and lunch will ensure our students have what they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom. We applaud Governor Whitmer, the state legislature, the Michigan Department of Education, our partner organizations No Kid Hungry Michigan and the School Nutrition Association of Michigan, and the Michigan School Meals Coalition for their tireless work to take this program from an idea to reality.”

“For years, The Alliance has advocated for a budget that invests in equity and supports the individual needs of every Michigan child,” said Peter Spadafore, Executive Director of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity. “This budget creates the roadmap for achieving that goal while making significant investments in our most vulnerable learners.”

Higher Education & Workforce Development

“Michigan’s 15 public universities and the more than quarter million students they serve will greatly benefit from the budget plan Gov. Whitmer and legislative leaders have crafted,” said Dan Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities. “A five percent increase for university operations and an additional $50 million for students receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are among the investments that will improve college affordability for families, the state’s talent pipeline, and the economic prosperity of Michigan.”

"Michigan Community Colleges are proud to play a critical role in the state's talent development strategy," said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, President of Mott Community College and chair of the Michigan Community College Association board. "We are grateful for the State’s ongoing investment in the operations of community colleges. We are particularly thrilled about dedicated funding to lower the eligibility age for Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21. This will be a game-changer in creating a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree at any one of Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges."

"Traverse Connect is thrilled to see continued investment in talent development programs like Michigan Reconnect in this budget, along with new incentives for research and development to help keep our state on the cutting edge of freshwater innovation," said Warren Call, President and CEO of Traverse Connect.

Public Health – Strengthening Families

The budget makes vital investments focused on the health of Michigan families, including:

“With the investments in this FY 24 budget proposed by Governor Whitmer and adopted by the Legislature, Michigan can be the best place to choose to have and raise a baby,” said Amy Zaagman, Executive Director of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health. “Ensuring healthy moms and healthy babies is part of our mission and we are very grateful to have leaders who commit to the services and supports that will reduce inequities and improve outcomes.”

“I’m delighted to see a budget that allows for greater engagement at the neighborhood and community level,” said Dr. Phyllis D. Meadows, MSN, PhD, RN, Senior Fellow at Kresge Foundation and Member of the Racial Disparities Task Force Centering Equity Workgroup. “This degree of proximity to the people and the systems impacting health is needed now more than ever to ensure that we have a greater chance of identifying and addressing health inequities.”

“This year’s budget will be enormously welcome news for local public health departments around the State of Michigan,” said Norm Hess, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Local Public Health. “For the first time in 30 years, this budget covers the state’s mandated share for essential local public health services. We are grateful to the Governor and our lawmakers for taking time to understand our work and our value to communities around the state, and for providing us these critical resources to keep residents safe and healthy."

“Double Up Food Bucks works across the state to help children, families, and seniors use their SNAP benefits to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Kate Krauss, CEO at Fair Food Network. “We are grateful for this level of support to help us continue to bring this essential community resource to Michigan – allowing families to bring home more healthy food, putting more dollars into the pockets of local farmers, and boosting local economies. The process to stabilize funding for the Double Up Food Bucks began with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Budget Recommendation in early February and we are pleased to see the state's continued commitment to the program in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budget.”

Public Safety – Keeping Communities Safe

To keep families and communities safe, the budget prioritizes funding for public safety, including:

“Step by step, Michigan is making all the right moves to make our state a national leader in providing appropriate and effective services to improve youth outcomes while keeping our communities safe,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement. “Funding for the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform recommendations, including the State Court Administrative Office juvenile services office is an essential step forward. We are so grateful to the Governor and Legislature for recognizing the need as described by the task force and for stepping up to implement their consensus recommendations.”

“This significant financial investment on behalf of Governor Whitmer and state leadership is a testament to their continued support of Selfridge Air Base”, said Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive. “It will ensure that Selfridge continues to play a significant role in our nation’s defense for decades to come.”

"This budget agreement provides significant resources to support law enforcement and safer communities,” said Rob Figurski, President of the Michigan Association of Police Organizations. “Frontline officers need support for the many challenges they face everyday. This budget is a positive step."

“Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature have delivered a practical, effective budget that will protect public safety and help our members do their jobs safely every day,” said Matt Sahr, President of Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union. “With the $400 million investment in this budget, the total amount invested in public safety since the Governor took office is up to $1.5 billion. These record resources are helping local fire departments hire, train, and retain staff, purchase high-quality equipment, and do our jobs. This budget builds on work done earlier this year to keep a promise made to our members to roll back the retirement tax on their pensions. We are so proud of the work being done to deliver for firefighters and communities across Michigan. Let’s work together to stay safe and help more folks ‘Make it in Michigan.’”

“New resources for public safety are a priority for elected prosecutors across Michigan,” said Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. “PAAM members are grateful that the budget approved by the House and Senate and headed to Governor Whitmer for her signature includes new funding for a modern information technology system for prosecutors’ offices, additional funding to add prosecutor resources in high crime communities, and funding allocated to address case backlogs for gun crimes. Better technology and additional financial support for county prosecutors means a safer Michigan for its citizens. We want to thank both Governor Whitmer and legislators for hearing the concerns of prosecutors and working with us to begin providing for these priorities. Prosecutors look forward to a continued partnership with the Governor and Legislature to adequately and sustainably fund prosecutors’ offices and build safer communities.”

“I am thrilled that the governor is supporting youth justice reform,” said Sheryl Kubiak, Dean of the WSU School of Social Work and Director of the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice. “Funding the recommendations of the juvenile justice taskforce will stimulate our communities into action, encouraging them to find alternative solutions to detention for our youth. I am gladdened by the leadership of the administration to uplift these issues now, in this moment, instead of waiting.

“The FY 2023-24 Michigan budget is one for which the state's veterans can be proud,” said John H. Riling III, Chair of the Michigan Commanders Group. “In addition to the funding for the Michigan Veterans Coalition (MVC), the county veterans service offices, and the operations of the MVAA and the DMVA, these expenditures focus on areas of great importance. The $1.2 million for suicide prevention, the $500,000 for PACT Act outreach, the $2 million to address homelessness, and the rollover of the MVC grant will enable access to more benefits for Michigan's 550,000 veterans and their families. The Michigan Commanders Group is very grateful and proud of leadership and the cooperation among Governor Whitmer's office, the Michigan House & Senate committees of jurisdiction, and the Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs, and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This veterans' budget is a solid step forward for all the people of Michigan.”

Rebuilding Infrastructure

The budget makes critical investments in infrastructure, including:

Roads, Bridges, Transit, Electrification

“I applaud Governor Whitmer and the state Legislature for making investments in the state budget that will directly benefit the people of Oakland County, especially in the area of transportation and infrastructure,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “These projects will pay dividends for our residents, as well as those in the region and across the state, for years to come.”

“We are pleased to see the Governor and Legislature agree that county and local bridges – many of which are crumbling and weight-restricted – need additional funding,” said Denise Donohue, CEO, County Road Association of Michigan. “Bridges are the costliest part of the county road network, and this one-time shot in the arm will move more of them off the critical/serious list of concern.”

“Michigan’s budget makes essential investments to support a thriving clean mobility sector, from expanding access to electric vehicle charging stations to putting more clean school buses on the road," said Jane McCurry, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan and member of the Council on Future Mobility and Electrification. "The Michigan Clean School Bus Program will allow communities across the State of Michigan to experience firsthand the benefits of operating clean fleets, like cleaner air to breathe, good-paying jobs, and reduced fuel costs. We commend Governor Whitmer and the legislature for continuing to support the growth of the clean transportation industries."

“Michigan Technological University is excited to partner with the state for the critical mineral recycling research hub,” said David Reed, VP of Research at Michigan Tech University. “The state's investment in this critical research further demonstrates Michigan's commitment to advance our state's role in innovation and leadership in the future of mobility and electrification. The students, research faculty, and staff at MTU are eager to expand our industry partnerships and research capabilities in this emerging and critically important area.”

Housing

Water, Parks, Agriculture, Environment

“This budget will move a heck of a lot of dirt, create a heck of a lot of jobs, and make a heck of a difference for hardworking people and their families,” said Pat Dillion, Executive Vice President, Utility Workers of America. “From saving the Palisades plan to making record investments in economic development, housing, community revitalization projects, roads, and pipes, this budget will create powerful economic opportunities for our members and hardworking Michiganders in every region of the state. We are grateful for this commonsense, balanced budget that delivers on so many key priorities, grows the economy, and helps anyone ‘Make it in Michigan.’”

“We know that agriculture must play a central role in achieving water quality and climate goals in Michigan,” said Tom Zimnicki, Agriculture and Restoration Policy Director at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “The investments made in this budget are an important step to move towards more environmentally sustainable production systems in Michigan.”

Economic Development

The budget makes investments centered on economic development, including:

“As we stand at the cusp of the most transformative time in the history of manufacturing, there is perhaps nothing more impactful to the future success and prosperity of Michigan and its citizens than a thriving manufacturing sector. And there is nothing more critical to a thriving manufacturing sector than a robust and skilled workforce,” said John J. Walsh, President & CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). “Funding for programs like Going PRO Talent Fund, Michigan Reconnect will serve to expand and bolster Michigan’s manufacturing talent base to attract and maintain manufacturing capital investment and high-paying careers. In addition, the creation of a much-needed Research & Development tax credit will keep Michigan manufacturers on the leading edge of innovation.”

Fiscally Responsible, Balanced Budget

The budget deposits $200 million into the Budget Stabilization Fund, or ‘rainy day fund,’ bringing the balance to nearly $2 billion by the end of FY24, an all-time high. The budget also invests $450 million in a new rainy day fund for the School Aid Fund to protect our students from unforeseen future economic conditions.

Additionally, $26.7 million is included to provide a 5% increase (4% ongoing and another 1% ongoing to communities that obligate all available ARP) in statutory revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships; and new dedicated statutory revenue sharing funds, 2% one-time, for public safety initiatives; plus, an additional $64 million over current year funding in constitutional revenue sharing payments.

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Author:

Executive Office of the Governor

Communications Division

[email protected]

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