Michigan legislature passes $53B budget; Whitmer to sign soon

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(The Center Square) – Michigan policymakers came to a bipartisan agreement early Friday morning, successfully passing an omnibus $53 billion budget.

It is now headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for signature, though she has already announced her support.

“We brought members on both sides of the aisle together to provide tax breaks to seniors and working families, protect access to affordable health care, feed every child free meals at school, help our students succeed academically, and ensure Michiganders are safe in their communities,” Whitmer said.

The passage of the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget came just days after Whitmer signed a continuation budget that ensured the state government remained open past the Oct. 1 deadline, all while negotiations continued. That $1.56 billion budget kept the Michigan budget funded until Oct. 8.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are hailing the budget as a win.

“I’m proud to support a budget that allows our middle-class workers to keep more of their hard-earned income, ensuring those dollars go towards the things that matter and aren’t blown on wasteful government projects,” said House Speaker Pro Tem Rachelle Smit, R-Allegan. “Our plan also slashes other problematic government spending, leading [to] the first reduction in overall spending in a very long time.”

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said quickly passing the budget was a priority for Senate Democrats.

“Senate Democrats worked across the aisle to get the job done and deliver another responsible budget that boosts public education, invests in our aging roads, and protects access to health care, all while mitigating the worst effects of the devastating federal cuts,” Brinks said.

With the state Senate and governorship held by Democrats, and the state House held by Republicans, the budget required lengthy negotiations.

Not everyone was happy with how it turned out though.

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, said he is disappointed in the final budget. He was one of five Senate Republicans who voted against it.

“I commend House Republicans for their efforts on this budget, especially given that they were forced to negotiate with an absent governor and a Senate Democrat majority unable to demonstrate an ounce of leadership,” Nesbitt said. “However, at the end of the day, this budget doesn’t do enough to help ease the burdens on families, farmers, small businesses and our kids so they can make it in Michigan.”

Republicans are applauding the budget for “responsible spending,” calling it historic. This budget will lower state spending by $1.1 billion. It also:

• Eliminates state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income

• Cuts 2,000 “ghost” government employee positions

• A new $115 million Public Safety Trust Fund

Democrats highlight increased per-pupil spending in the School Aid budget, among other priorities like:

• Continued taxpayer-funded universal school lunches

• A 24% wholesale tax on marijuana

• Nearly $2 billion for repairing Michigan’s local roads and bridges

Whitmer said she expects to sign the budget Monday.