Earlier this month, I signed our sixth balanced, bipartisan, fiscally responsible state budget that does not raise taxes by a dime. As much as they invest money, budgets are statements of our values. This one speaks loud and clear: lower costs, safe roads and communities, the largest investment in affordable housing in Michigan history, support for small businesses, and a great education for every kid. I’m proud of how our budget delivers real progress for the Black community on the kitchen-table issues that matter.
At a time when many families are hurting with the rising costs of gas, childcare, and food, the budget continues the key relief we got done last year, putting money back in the pockets of retirees and working families. It builds affordable housing, so more families can find an affordable place to live. It continues breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students, saving parents $850 a year per kid, and Meet Up and Eat Up programs statewide so all Michiganders 18 and under can eat over the summer, too. If you are a kid in Michigan, you should be able to get a good meal. It’s as simple as that.
The budget delivers on the Michigan Guarantee, expanding free pre-K to every four-year-old while prioritizing families who need it most, and gives every Michigan high school graduate the chance to earn an associate’s degree or skills training certificate at their local community college tuition-free, helping more Michiganders get the skills they need to support their families at good-paying jobs.
Every Michigander deserves to live in a safe community. No one should have to fear violence at school, work, church, or home. That’s why the budget builds on the more than $1.5 billion invested in public safety since I took office. It routes more money to local communities so they can hire and keep first responders. It sets up a new Public Safety Trust Fund, surging public safety resources to the areas that need it most. And it continues investments in community violence intervention programs that save lives by addressing the root causes of violence. We want to make sure every Michigander is safe as they go to work, run errands, or drop their kids off at school. This budget gets it done.
We are working hard to make Michigan a more equitable place where everyone can succeed. This budget funds Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies and expands the innovative Rx Kids program to address racial maternal health disparities and support moms and babies during pregnancy and the first critical months of life. It fulfills the recommendations of the Michigan COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force, bringing crucial health care to neighborhoods that need it most. It supports minority-owned businesses through MI Contracting, helping them win state contracts, and other funding.
Just as this budget is a statement of values, I hope you can see yourself and your family in it. Your grandkid who can enroll in free pre-K and start to learn how to read. Your son or daughter, who can enroll in community college tuition free and get the skills they need to get a better job. Your niece or nephew who will get free breakfast and lunch at school. Your mom, sister, or wife who will get better support through Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies.
I’m proud of the work we have done to make a difference and help more people envision a bright future. More people are now working construction jobs than at any time in the last two decades. Small businesses are growing. Unemployment—including Black unemployment—is at record lows. This budget will build on this progress. Let’s keep working together to get things done.
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