SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Gina Johnsen (R-Portland) announced that the Michigan House has passed a compromise budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The agreement includes significant investments in local infrastructure, public safety, and tax relief measures.

According to Johnsen, the budget provides almost $2 billion in ongoing funding aimed at repairing roads and bridges throughout Michigan. The plan also increases funding for public safety through the Public Safety Trust Fund, which is intended to help communities hire more police officers and address crime.

The approved budget includes provisions for tax relief by removing state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income. These changes are designed to allow workers and seniors to retain more of their earnings. In addition, the plan seeks to reduce government waste by eliminating thousands of unfilled government positions and ending payments for unused state office space. New transparency requirements have also been added so taxpayers can better understand how public funds are spent.

More than $2.5 million has been allocated specifically to replace the Brown Road crossing in Barry County, a project within Johnsen’s district.

“This compromise was not everything we wanted, but it delivers real wins for Michigan families and small businesses,” Johnsen said. “We are fixing roads and bridges, supporting police to keep communities safe, and letting workers and seniors keep more of what they earn. I am also pleased that the budget provides funds for the Brown Road bridge project in my district. Even in divided government, we proved compromise can deliver results.”

The Legislature has sent the budget to the governor for approval.