Michigan Lawmakers Extend Budget Talks Amid Key Issues

LANSING, Michigan — Michigan lawmakers are extending budget negotiations past a key deadline. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state officials missed the constitutional deadline to adopt a balanced budget by Wednesday, prompting the legislature to pass a stopgap spending bill.

This temporary measure will keep state government operations ongoing as they finalize a spending plan. Recent developments indicate that the budget could be made public today and that votes may soon follow.

House and Senate leaders plan to meet this afternoon in special committees to review the proposed budget. The new spending plan is expected to highlight several key initiatives, including funding for free school meals and increased per-pupil education funding.

Whitmer has emphasized support for the state’s universal free school meals program, urging schools to continue providing meals even amid ongoing budget discussions. The proposed budget includes a record $10,050 per student for the next fiscal year, an increase from $9,608.

Transportation funding will also see a significant boost, with nearly $2 billion earmarked for road repairs. The funding is expected to come from a new wholesale tax on marijuana sales, along with postponed business tax breaks.

Additionally, the budget will include exemptions for tips and overtime from state income tax and aim to eliminate certain budget positions. The proposal includes $26 million for a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and $14 million for recovery from recent ice storms.

Lawmakers are also seeking transparency with earmarks, requiring them to be public prior to voting. However, a $50 million earmark for a mine in the Upper Peninsula may be at risk.

As of late yesterday, the Michigan House overwhelmingly approved the general budget in a 101-8 vote. Following this, Senate committees began reviewing additional spending and earmark requests ahead of anticipated final votes.