House Republicans Pass Historic Budget that Saves Michiganders Money

Lansing, MI – Yesterday, the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that cuts wasteful spending, ensures access to vital programs like Medicaid, and invests in public safety so police, fire departments, and emergency services have the resources they need to do their jobs. The overall budget comes in at $75.8  billion – more than $10 billion cheaper than Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive budget recommendation – while maintaining the services Michiganders rely on.

The House Republican budget also continues scaling back government waste. Republicans identified more ghost employees, and their budget saves $500 million by cutting those unfilled positions. Additionally, they identified overfunded line items, finding another $2 billion to be cut.

In contrast to Whitmer’s budget, which raises $800 million in new taxes and raids the rainy day fund, the Republican budget adds to the rainy day fund without raising taxes.

This budget also includes $1.2 billion to maintain Medicaid, while including funding for investigators to cut down on fraud, and raises revenue sharing to $75 million so local governments can properly fund their police departments and infrastructure.

“House Republicans are showing Michiganders which leaders in Lansing have their priorities straight,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for Michigan Forward Network. “Gretchen Whitmer and her insider allies are trying to raise taxes and blow through the rainy day fund while Republicans are focused on responsible, focused spending that will help Michigan families.”