Great Lakes Wire

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced a budget for 2023 that greatly invests in students and classroom learning. 

Whitmer on Feb. 9 released her fourth executive budget recommendation, once again making strong investments in education and putting Michiganders first by putting money back in their pockets and delivering on the issues that matter most to Michigan families. State Budget Director Christopher Harkins outlined the recommendations this morning to a joint session of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, according to a press release from the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

"Just two weeks ago, I delivered my State of the State address, where I outlined the bipartisan accomplishments of the past three years and shared my vision for the future," Whitmer said, according to the release. "I laid out plans to cut taxes for seniors and working families by rolling back Michigan's retirement tax, giving more than 500,000 households an average of $1,000 a year, and raising Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, putting an average combined refund of $3,000 back in the pockets of 730,000 working families. The budget I put forward today delivers on those tax cuts and makes strong investments in the kitchen-table issues that make a real difference in people's lives." 

The budget recommendation invests in the success of students and teachers, accelerated Michigan's economic momentum and supports Michigan’s workforce, rebuilds the state's roads, bridges and pipes, improves the health of residents and bolsters public safety, according to the release.

The budget recommendation totals $74.1 billion. It includes a general fund total of $14.3 billion and a school aid budget totaling $18.4 billion. It provides a significant amount of one-time funding while maintaining balance in future years and does not utilize one-time funds for ongoing purposes, according to the release.

"This is a fiscally responsible budget that provides the type of investments that will move Michigan forward, with very strong support for our schools and for our economy," State Budget Director Christopher Harkins said, according to the release. "With the added revenues available to us and the strong support we have received from the federal government, this is a unique opportunity to transform our state for years to come. I look forward to working with the legislature over the next few months to ensure we get a budget into place by the June 30 deadline that makes the most out of this opportunity."