The Senate last week approved its recommended state budget for the coming fiscal year. I was happy to vote in support of this spending plan because it keeps with our commitment to further invest in key priorities, including our children’s education and the state’s infrastructure.

Importantly, this budget would ensure state government lives within its means for another year — balanced and with no new taxes.

The Senate-approved budget would invest a total of $15.2 billion in education, which would be an increase of nearly $400 million over the current year, and schools would see a boost of between $135 and $270 per pupil. The per-pupil increase would represent the largest in 18 years and would be $107 million more of a foundation allowance increase than the governor’s plan.

Our roads and bridges are, and should be, a concern for state leaders, and the Senate has again included more proposed spending for transportation needs — providing an additional $132 million for local road projects. With this budget we will have increased annual state spending on transportation by over $1.75 billion since fiscal year 2010. I look forward to exploring potential plans that provide for a long-term solution to our state’s ongoing infrastructure issues.

The Senate has also prioritized funding for other important areas, including to help law enforcement make our communities safer, to help workers develop new skills and find good jobs, to improve rural access to health care services, to help preserve and protect our natural resources, and more.

While this is only one step in an important series of steps to finalize the state budget for next year, the Senate has offered a fiscally responsible plan, and I will work to help ensure our state’s budget remains balanced, respects taxpayers and arrives on time.

 

Kim LaSata, R, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties. She can be reached at (517) 373-6960 or SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov