Democratic lawmakers are steering money to school districts in their districts for special projects that few knew about until hours before the vote.
Michigan's spending
Posted inTalent & Education
School officials ‘appalled’ by Michigan budget cut to mental health, safety
Michigan’s new education budget includes $25 million in dedicated funding for student mental health and school safety — but that’s $301.5 million less than last year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers add $411M in pet projects to state budget
From zoos to sports parks, see what special projects Michigan lawmakers funded with earmarks in the state budget.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s $83B budget deal boosts housing, scraps Whitmer’s trash fee hike
Michigan lawmakers unveiled the $82.5 billion spending plan after midnight and gave final approval around 4:45 a.m.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s $23B education deal: Free community college for all, pre-K for many
Michigan Democrats cap a 19-hour marathon session with approval of an education budget they say will put money back into classrooms. Some school groups opposed the plan, along with all Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan budget deal in limbo as schools blast plan, warn of layoffs
Will Michigan leaders pass an education budget deal Wednesday? School groups say a budget deal will harm schools and lead to layoffs.
Posted inMichigan Government
At odds over education, Michigan lawmakers near deal on $80B budget
Michigan lawmakers are preparing for a lengthy session Wednesday and aim to finalize the state budget in addition to other policy priorities. There’s still a lot to work though.
Posted inMichigan Government
The $670 million question blocking a Michigan budget deal
Should $670 million in retiree health care savings go directly to schools, teachers or the state? A disagreement among Democrats has slowed a Michigan budget deal as lawmakers prepare for summer recess.
Posted inMichigan Government
Dana Nessel calls for pork politics reforms amid Clare grant probe
The attorney general office calls for changes to a process that has awarded $2 billion in pet projects in recent years. Some are under investigation, including a $25 million grant for a health campus in Clare that was championed by a former House speaker and went to a former aide.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan developer gave $450K to lawmakers after $5M housing grant
A Macomb County developer who secured a $5 million budget earmark quickly became one of the state’s top political donors. It’s the latest incident to prompt questions about Michigan’s appropriations process.