LANSING, Mich. — The state Legislature on Tuesday granted final approval to the fiscal year 2020 budget plan.
“The governor’s insistence on adopting a massive tax increase put us behind schedule a bit, but we were able to get this budget done on time,” said state Sen. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes.
Schools will see a record investment of $15.2 billion — an increase of nearly $400 million over last year and the largest investment in the state’s history. Schools also will see a per-pupil funding increase and increased funding for literacy programs, special education and school safety, while more resources will be put toward career technical education and skilled trades training.
Senate Bill 149 would invest $5.4 billion in transportation in FY 2020, an increase of more than $2 billion since FY 2010. Included in that funding is money to fully implement the 2015 plan, which also includes $400 million that will go directly to local roads and bridges.
“Since the beginning, my position has been that we need to continue moving forward and fund previous road funding proposals before we dive into something new,” Outman said. “We have seen the results of the 2015 plan across the state, and this budget adds money to fully implement that plan one year early, while also adding more money for locals to use for road repairs.”
Outman, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality, also applauded measures to ensure Michigan families have safe drinking water.
“The plan we approved today includes $120 million to monitor and analyze water quality across the state,” Outman said. “Michigan has been a national leader in PFAS testing and this funding will help those in the field work to keep our drinking water safe and free of contaminants.”
Other notable items in the plan approved Tuesday include funding to train new state police troopers and corrections officers, language requiring state departments to work together to ensure veterans receive their benefits, increased funding to local governments and support for Michigan farmers.
The legislation will now go before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for final consideration.
###