Grand Rapids Reporter

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) signed the fiscal year 2023 state budget July 20.

Whitmer signed the budget at the former home of the Detroit Tigers, The Corner Park, which is now operated by the Detroit PAL program, a partnership between communities and law enforcement on youth sports and enrichment, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

Part of the $76 billion budget will go toward school aid, investing in the state's economy and workforce to cultivate and retain talent, maintenance for infrastructure projects and a $180 million deposit to the Budget Stabilization Fund, the release stated.

“This historic, bipartisan budget pays down debt and makes key investments in talent for a brighter future in Michigan,” said Rick Baker, president, and CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “Record funding for the Going Pro Training Fund and Michigan Reconnect program will set our citizens and small businesses up for long-term success. The ongoing funding for Tri-Share, an innovative program to share the cost of childcare between employers, employees, and Michigan, make us a national leader in the work to expand access to childcare.”

Whitmer said she will continue working with the state legislature to make an impact on issues affecting Michigan families.

“Today, I am thrilled to sign my fourth balanced, bipartisan state budget that delivers on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families, was done on time, and does not raise taxes by a dime,” Whitmer said. “The budget will protect public health and public safety, expand mental health resources, grow Michigan’s economy and workforce, empower working families and communities, and pays down billions in debt.”

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, Jim Stamas (R-Midland), said he is happy that the taxpayer funds in the budget will provide communities with improved infrastructure.

“We have achieved a transformational state budget focused on long-term results and economic growth,” he said. “And it does it all while living within our means, setting aside resources to provide future tax relief to struggling Michigan families and saving for a rainy day.”