SE Grand Rapids News

Despite financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland) announced that a state budget plan has been approved and signed into law. 

The plan focuses on funding for education, roads and other essential services by protecting them from budget cuts, according to the Michigan House Republicans website. There are also no tax increases in the plan. 

“We worked together in a bipartisan manner to meet the financial challenges posed by COVID-19 and maintain our investments in the programs that matter most to families all across our state,” Calley said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “This plan protects and maintains funding for shared priorities like students and schools, roads and the shared community services people rely on every day.”

Finances highlighted in the budget include the per-student foundation allowance for K-12 schools, which won't be changed. The budget will also give an extra one-time bonus of $65 per student to school districts. This will bring the education fund to over $15.5 billion. 

"In addition, the K-12 budget plan preserves funding for public charter schools, provides resources for students engaged in virtual learning and continues to invest in vital programs like CTE (career and technical education), special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) competitions and First Robotics," according to Michigan House Republicans. 

Revenue-sharing payments are also being protected under the approved budget. These are payments that are made to cities, counties and townships and will help finance local services. 

While the state was able to agree on a budget that protects essential services, Calley said Michigan would still need to make preparations for future challenges that will arise regarding budgets. The approved budget also puts approximately $35 million into the state's rainy day fund.

The budget also include workforce training.

"The Legislature successfully fought to continue the Going Pro initiative to increase the viability, versatility and potential of Michigan’s workforce," Michigan House Republicans said on its website. "This program -- funded with more than $28 million in the upcoming budget year -- has helped residents pursue careers in skilled trades and support themselves and their families."

In addition to workforce training, the budget includes road funding, rural broadband funds and disaster relief funds for Portland.