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Michigan’s New Budget Brings Progress, Highlights Challenges for Black Detroiters

Michigan’s Democratic-led Legislature worked tirelessly through the night to approve an $82.5 billion state budget early Thursday morning. This budget is a critical step forward for Michigan, with significant allocations that promise to impact every resident. With key provisions such as $100 million dedicated to affordable housing and increased funds for local governments, this budget has the potential to address some of the most pressing needs in our communities. However, it is imperative to turn a spotlight on how this budget will impact Black Detroiters.

This budget deal, crafted by Governor Whitmer and legislative leaders, faced delays due to heated debates, particularly over a $23.4 billion education spending bill. Ultimately approved around 4:45 a.m. with party-line votes, the budget reflects the contentious yet vital nature of this legislative session. The $59.1 billion general government spending bill, slightly less contentious than the education spending bill, passed with the support of only one Republican senator. This budget promises new funding for local governments, family planning programs, and additional staffing for the state’s civil rights department, among other initiatives. Despite its comprehensive nature, the budget excludes the proposed trash fee hike intended to fund environmental cleanups and a vehicle rebate program aimed at boosting electric, hybrid, and traditional car sales.

House Appropriations Chair Angela Witwer celebrated the budget as a win for all Michiganders, emphasizing that the priorities set within the plan will positively impact residents across the state. But the question remains: What does this mean for Black Detroiters, and how does it impact their bottom line?

The Housing Crisis and Black Detroiters

Affordable housing is a critical issue for many Detroit residents. Historical redlining, economic disparities, and recent gentrification have made finding affordable housing increasingly challenging. In Detroit, where the median household income for Black families is significantly lower than for white families, affordable housing becomes a lifeline. The $100 million allocation for affordable housing in this budget is a significant step toward addressing these challenges. Specific allocations include $15 million for Ingham County support programs, $5 million for teacher housing in Traverse City, and $5 million for mixed-income housing in Portage. These initiatives seemingly promise to provide much-needed relief and stability for families struggling to keep up with rising rents and scarce housing options.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a Detroit renter would need to earn $21.65 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent without spending more than 30% of their income on housing. However, with many Black Detroiters earning less than this threshold, the importance of affordable housing investments cannot be overstated.

Local Government Funding and Community Services

Local governments also received a boost with a $34.2 million increase in statutory revenue sharing for cities, villages, and townships, and $20.7 million for counties. For Detroiters, this means potentially improved local services, infrastructure, and community programs directly addressing their needs. If implemented with the people in mind, this infusion of funds could lead to better public safety, enhanced public transportation, and improved educational resources in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Public safety improvements could include increased police presence in high-crime areas, while enhanced public transportation could make it easier for residents to access jobs and essential services, and with mass transportation improvement can bring population growth and young talent retention. Improved educational resources might mean better funding for schools, leading to higher quality education for Black children in Detroit. Again, if done right, these changes can have a profound impact on the daily lives and future opportunities of Black Detroiters.

Environmental Concerns and Missed Opportunities

Not all proposed initiatives made the cut. Governor Whitmer’s push for vehicle rebates, which aimed to incentivize the purchase of electric and hydrogen vehicles, was rejected. This marks the third consecutive year her proposal has failed to gain traction. While the budget does include $25 million for building electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen fueling facilities, and $2.5 million for new positions in the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, these measures are just the beginning of Michigan’s transition to a greener economy.

The scrapped landfill cleanup fees, initially proposed by Governor Whitmer, highlight the ongoing tension between environmental priorities and economic concerns. Michigan is burdened with more landfill garbage per resident than any other state, making Whitmer’s proposal for increased trash fees a significant yet controversial measure. While the plan aimed to fund contaminated site cleanups and prepare sites for future economic development, opponents feared higher trash costs for residents and businesses. The decision to eliminate these fees underscores the balancing act lawmakers must perform between environmental sustainability and economic feasibility.

Legislative Earmarks and Economic Development

The budget also includes over $334 million in legislative earmarks, funding various projects across the state. These earmarks often spark debate, seen as a means to secure votes on the overall budget. This year’s projects include $17 million for zoos, $10 million for a youth sports complex in Frankenmuth, and $2 million for a boxing gym in Detroit. While these projects may benefit local communities, they also highlight the complexities of budget negotiations and the concessions required to achieve a balanced budget.

Economic development remains a focal point, with $60 million allocated for the Michigan Innovation Fund contingent on legislative action. This fund aims to support startup companies, driving innovation and job creation in the state. However, a separate $6 billion plan to extend the state’s corporate incentive program, including transit and housing expansions, did not advance. This means that while there are funds for innovation and development, the broader economic plans that could have a more widespread impact are still in limbo.

Civil Rights and Family Planning

In a modest victory for civil rights, the budget provides an additional $2 million for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to address a backlog of discrimination complaints. While less than the $5 million Governor Whitmer proposed, this increase will help expedite the resolution of complaints and improve the department’s efficiency. This is crucial for Black Detroiters who often face systemic discrimination in various facets of life, from employment to housing.

Family planning and maternal health services received mixed outcomes. The budget allocates $5.6 million for local health departments and agencies to offer family planning services, preventive health screenings, and birth planning. The budget also includes $6.8 million for doula services, exceeding Whitmer’s initial request. These investments aim to improve maternal and infant health, particularly in underserved communities. According to the CDC, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Enhanced support for family planning and maternal health can help address these stark disparities.

Reflection and Future Steps

As we reflect on this budget, it’s essential to ask: What does this mean for Black Detroiters, and how does it impact their bottom line? The investments in affordable housing and local governance directly address some of the most pressing needs in Black communities. Access to affordable housing can significantly ease financial burdens, allowing families to allocate resources to other essential needs. Improved local services and infrastructure can enhance daily living conditions, creating a safer and more supportive environment for families.

However, this budget is not a cure-all. The journey towards economic and social equity is ongoing. The investments in housing, local governance, and community programs are a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and the importance of holding our elected officials accountable to the needs of all residents. This budget, with its highs and lows, is a reminder of the work still needed to ensure that all Detroiters, particularly Black Detroiters, can thrive in a fair and just society.

Detroiters must continue to advocate for their needs and hold their representatives accountable. The budget process highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain. It is a call to action for continued engagement and activism to ensure that future budgets address the systemic inequities that have long affected Black communities. This budget is a step in the right direction, but the journey towards true equity and justice requires sustained effort and unwavering commitment.

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