Great Lakes Wire

State leaders, spearheaded by bipartisan efforts, have introduced the fiscal year 2023 budget that features several initiatives to help working class families.

The budget will shore up necessities for veteran housing, city worker’s pensions, infrastructure, help municipalities hire first responders and much more, according to a July 8 press release.

“The building on Fisher Street has been a home to Upper Peninsula veterans for 41 years, with the staff and volunteers making it a true home,” said Brad Slagle, Board of Directors, Michigan Veterans Homes. “Now that tradition can be continued in a new building with a modern design that provides five-star care and with the same loving care.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said state leaders were focused on alleviating “kitchen-table issues” for working families and communities without raising taxes. 

“Since day one, I have been focused on delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families,” Whitmer said. “The budget makes critical investments in working families and communities to help them thrive. It will deliver more funds to local communities, helping them invest in police officers and firefighters, speeds up replacement of lead service lines, and reduces congestion at local rail crossings. The budget also delivers on critical community projects, funding the construction of a new veteran’s home in Marquette, modernizing Michigan’s armories, and upgrading Selfridge Air Force Base in Macomb County. Finally, the budget keeps promises made to hardworking municipal employees, shoring up their pensions."

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said the state’s ability to earmark $750 million for municipal pensions would help keep employee morale high.

“These dollars will guarantee the availability of funds to pay retirees who have readily served our communities with pride and dignity,” Neeley said. “In Flint and Genesee County, these funds will help to strengthen our region and empower communities across the great state of Michigan, and it is all due to our fearless leader—Governor Gretchen Whitmer."