Tri-City Sun

State Representative Matthew Bierlein of Vassar announced that a new state budget has been signed, highlighting what he described as significant investments in local infrastructure, education, and rural health care. Bierlein emphasized that the budget addresses concerns from his constituents about government spending and prioritizes essential services.

“I have consistently heard from people I represent that taxpayer funds should focus on the basics, and that’s what this budget provides,” Bierlein said. “State government spending has increased by over 40 percent since the governor took office. In that time, we’ve seen corporations get hundreds of millions of tax dollars and underdeliver on projects, various pet projects that serve Lansing insiders instead of constituents, and a nonstop push to grow government with full-time positions that often are budgeted with tax dollars but never get filled.

“Enough was enough. This budget focuses on delivering better local roads for people who are driving their kids to school or going to work. It gives our students the resources they need to thrive in the classroom and ensures our most vulnerable get care they need. Responsible budgeting helped deliver this final product, and we will continue fighting in the House to ensure tax dollars are respected, not abused.”

The approved plan allocates nearly $2 billion in ongoing funding for local road repairs and improvements. According to Bierlein, this will allow communities to address long-standing issues such as potholes and deteriorating road surfaces.

The budget also supports federal efforts aimed at reducing taxes for Michigan families and seniors by eliminating state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income.

In education funding, the School Aid Fund will provide $321 million specifically for school safety and mental health initiatives—a significant increase from last year’s allocation. The per-pupil funding amount has also risen by $442 from last year to reach $10,050.

For rural health care providers, $250 million in grants have been set aside to support hospitals serving underserved areas across Michigan.

Transparency measures have been added for all special projects funded through earmarks in the state budget. These include requirements for open processes involving public hearings and a ban on awarding special project funds to for-profit companies. The agreement establishes these transparency rules as permanent law for future budgets.

Bierlein also secured $2 million for Vassar’s new public safety building intended to improve emergency response capabilities and support police and fire departments’ operational needs.