LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jon Bumstead on Wednesday voted to finalize the fiscal year 2021 budget plan, which balances the state’s deficit and increases investments in important priorities like K-12 education and public safety.
“Since the coronavirus arrived in Michigan, it has left behind devastation that has taken a huge toll on families, the mental health of residents, our economy and the state’s budget,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo, who serves as vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“This year has challenged everyone, and I’m happy to join my colleagues in approving a bipartisan solution that funds key priorities, provides relief to residents and schools and balances the deficit — and does so without raising taxes.”
Senate Bill 927 is an education omnibus budget featuring a $65 per student increase in state aid payments for all schools in addition to restoring the $175 per pupil reduction made to balance the FY 2020 budget. It also includes an additional $66 million for growing schools, $37 million for student mental health support and $3 million more for early childhood literacy.
House Bill 5396 is a general omnibus budget that increases local revenue sharing and includes $20 million to ensure nursing homes have adequate personal protective equipment to protect staff and residents, $7 million to graduate at least 50 new state troopers and maintain trooper strength, $26 million for the Going Pro program to help train employees, and $30 million for Michigan Reconnect to help people complete an associate degree or skills certificate.
It also invests $15 million in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, deposits $35 million in the state’s rainy day fund, and fully funds the 2015 plan to help fix the state’s roads.
“This budget uses our savings to address an unprecedented budget shortfall and increases funding for our K-12 schools, helps fix our roads, and protects hardworking taxpayers, schools, seniors and communities across the state,” Bumstead said. “It also includes measures to boost our economy and makes significant investments to help Michigan residents who remain out of work get back on their feet.”
The budget bills now head to the governor for consideration. Michigan’s 2021 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
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