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Michigan Lawmakers To Negotiate State Budget Proposal
Russ Survance
Fri, 01 May 2026 10:36:19 EDT
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Michigan lawmakers are moving forward with the next phase of the state budget process after the Senate approved a multi-billion-dollar spending plan this week.
The Senate passed an $88.1 billion budget proposal in a narrow 19 to 18 vote, advancing separate funding plans for education and general government operations. The proposal does not include nearly $800 million in tax increases previously suggested by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to help offset expected Medicaid funding gaps.
Senate leaders say the budget instead relies on existing revenue sources while leaving open the possibility of future discussions on additional funding options.
The plan includes an increase in per-pupil school funding, raising it to $10,300, along with continued investment in early childhood programs and a long-term funding structure aimed at providing more stability for school districts.
Lawmakers also approved a separate supplemental spending bill that includes more than $150 million for upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The Senate's proposal is slightly larger than the governor's recommendation and significantly higher than the $76 billion plan passed earlier by the Republican-led House.
Negotiations between the two chambers are expected to continue ahead of the state's July 1st budget deadline.
