Great Lakes Wire

Aric Nesbitt, a senator from Michigan, said that Republicans advanced a bipartisan budget aimed at reducing government waste and protecting family finances despite Democratic opposition. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Did someone forget to tell them it passed with Democrat support," said Aric Young Nesbitt, State Senator for Michigan. "House Republicans passed a bipartisan budget that cuts waste, fraud, and abuse from state government while keeping more money in the pockets of Michigan families. Cut the theatrics."

In August 2025, Michigan's budget debate intensified as House Republicans proposed a $78.5 billion plan that included cuts to nearly every department while reallocating $3.4 billion for road funding. According to Our Midland News, Democrats in the Senate supported a separate $84.6 billion budget, cautioning that GOP cuts could negatively impact health care, public safety, and environmental programs. Republicans defended their proposal as eliminating "waste, fraud, and abuse," with both parties preparing for a potential government shutdown if no agreement is reached by October 1.

According to Michigan Advance, the House GOP's fiscal year (FY) 2025–26 plan includes $54.6 billion in departmental spending and $12.1 billion from the General Fund, totaling $78.5 billion when K-12 and higher education are included. In contrast, the Senate Democrats' earlier proposal allocated $60.3 billion for departments and $13 billion from the General Fund, highlighting a $6–7 billion difference between the chambers' priorities.

Over the past five years, Michigan's spending has steadily increased: the FY 2024–25 budget amounted to $81.2 billion, including $14.9 billion from the General Fund and $18.6 billion in the School Aid Fund. For FY 2026, the governor proposed an $83.5 billion budget with $15.3 billion from the General Fund, continuing gradual increases despite political gridlock over allocations, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy.

Aric Nesbitt is the Republican Senate Minority Leader in Michigan and has represented the 20th District since 2019. He previously served as President pro Tempore and Lottery Commissioner and earlier as a state representative. His policy agenda emphasizes conservative fiscal management, regulatory reform, and education finance.