(WWJ) -- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed $55 billion in spending to complete the state budget, one that emphasizes the state’s economy, education, workforce, healthcare, environment and infrastructure.
When combined with the K-12 school aid budget signed earlier this year, the total budget invests about $70 billion into the state’s future, the governor says.
Whitmer hailed the budget as one that puts Michiganders first, applauding both Republicans and Democrats for “coming together to grow the middle class, support small businesses and invest in our communities.”
Related
Among the highlights of the new budget, which will go into effect at the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, is an emphasis on expanding access to childcare, by making 105,000 more children eligible for low or no-cost care, while increasing rates and issuing stabilization and startup grants for providers.
The budget also offers a one-time bonus to childcare workers, who “work hard every day taking care of our kids.”
“The unprecedented and strategic investment in child care is a game changer that will help parents get back to work, allow child care businesses to keep their doors open, address the low wages that have made it difficult to recruit and retain child care workers, and ultimately give children a high-quality early learning experience,” said Pat Sorenson, Senior Policy Analyst at the Michigan League for Public Policy.
The move is in part to help reenergize the economy by getting more families back to work knowing their children are in good hands.
The budget also sets aside money for two-year tuition at community college for frontline workers - including grocery clerks - and adults ages 25 and older, as the state continues to strive towards a goal of having 60% of working-age adults receive a post-secondary education or skills training by 2030.
“Our top priority is to help people get into better jobs so they can earn bigger paychecks and so businesses can find the workers they need so businesses can thrive as well,” Whitmer said.
Other focuses of the budget include around $200 million for local bridge repairs, permanent pay raises to healthcare workers who have been working on the frontlines during the pandemic, and increased spending on public safety.
The Governor vetoed a measure to strip health departments from the power to dictate COVID-19 restrictions like school mask mandates, saying it was unconstitutional. She also vetoed $16 million in measures that promoted alternatives to abortion.
A full rundown of the new budget can be found on the state’s website.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for continuing coverage of the new budget. >>> LISTEN LIVE!