Tri-City Sun

State Rep. Brian BeGole of Antrim Township has supported a House budget plan that totals $78.5 billion, aiming to address Michigan residents' key concerns without increasing taxes or adding new fees. The proposed budget includes investments in road repairs, tax cuts for working families, the creation of a Public Safety Trust Fund, and record funding levels for students.

BeGole highlighted concerns over state spending, stating, "People throughout our state have been clear: the spending they are seeing in state government is unsustainable," and pointed out that government expenditures have risen by more than 40 percent since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer assumed office. He added, "Fraud, waste and abuse has run rampant in Lansing for years and has been ignored. It just gets rubber-stamped year after year. We have cut it within this budget plan and used tax dollars for priorities a majority of people in our state have like roads, schools and public safety. This is an effective and responsible spending plan for our state."

Key elements of the budget proposal include cutting 4,300 unfilled government positions—referred to as “phantom” jobs—which will redirect $560 million toward infrastructure and education needs. Additionally, the plan removes $1.27 billion in recurring political allocations deemed unnecessary and addresses high error rates in SNAP food stamp benefit administration that have resulted in substantial financial mismanagement.

The proposal sets aside $3.4 billion in ongoing funds dedicated to local road improvements without raising taxes—a move expected to enable communities to tackle needed repairs such as potholes and repaving projects used daily by workers and families. According to Michigan’s Department of Transportation, this investment could create over 20,000 new jobs across the state.

A new Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund with $115 million is also included to assist communities in combating violent crime, upgrading equipment and vehicles for law enforcement agencies, and retaining officers.

The House budget aligns with federal efforts to provide tax relief by eliminating state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income.

Earlier this year, the House approved a K-12 education budget allocating $21.9 billion—more than what was proposed by either the Senate or governor—and raising per-pupil funding from $9,608 to $12,000. The measure allows school districts greater flexibility on how funds are spent to address their specific needs.

The House-approved budget will now be reviewed by the Senate.