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State Representative Greg Alexander Says Budget Has Passed And Is Headed To The Governor
Russ Survance
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:13:19 EDT
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State Representative Greg Alexander says the newly approved state budget includes funding aimed at benefiting communities across Michigan's Thumb.
Among the local projects is a one-million-dollar appropriation for drinking water improvements in the Village of Carsonville. The funding is intended to help address elevated arsenic levels that have been detected in the community's municipal wells.
The spending plan also increases per-pupil funding for Michigan schools by 250 dollars, raising the total foundation allowance to 10,300 dollars per student. Additional funding is included for literacy programs, tutoring, school mental health services, school safety, teacher incentives, transportation, and dual enrollment opportunities.
Budget negotiators also rejected proposed tax increases and did not approve higher hunting or fishing license fees. Lawmakers say the plan reduces overall state spending compared to the current fiscal year while continuing efforts to eliminate vacant state positions that remain funded but unfilled.
Other provisions require additional reporting from the Michigan Public Service Commission when reviewing utility rate requests, establish new oversight measures for certain state agencies, and make changes to the application process for rural health care funding.
The budget has now cleared both the Michigan House and Senate and heads to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for consideration.