Budget proposal increases investments in schools and public safety

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today voted to approve the bipartisan budget proposal for next year. The plan continues universal breakfast and lunch programs in schools, fully funds Medicaid for people who need it, and locks in even more critical investments in priorities like roads, public safety and education.

Schmaltz also secured more than $3.8 million for local projects in the House budget. Those include:

• $210,000 for the purchase of a van to serve as a mobile mental health unit for the Jackson-Hillsdale Community Mental Health program.
• $300,000 to help establish a new aircraft maintenance technician training school at Jackson County Airport – Reynolds Field.
• $615,600 to help fund a significant expansion at the Michigan Military Heritage Museum in Jackson.
• $2 million to help renovate the memory care wing at the St. Louis Center in Chelsea.
• $750,000 to help Jackson College expand its Jet’s Village Tiny Homes community, providing stable housing for more students as they pursue education and workforce development opportunities.

“It’s been my privilege to work alongside so many local leaders to secure these important investments for our communities,” Schmaltz said. “From workforce development training to investments in mental health services and the Michigan Military Heritage Museum, these projects will make a real difference across Jackson County and beyond.”

Additionally, the budget includes $22.5 million for infrastructure improvements at Jackson College and $12.2 million for infrastructure improvements at Washtenaw Community College.

Other highlights of the House budget include:

• Protecting and strengthening Medicaid: The bipartisan budget increases Medicaid funding by more than $1 billion to meet growing caseloads, while investing in anti-fraud efforts and implementing work requirements to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Record school funding: The plan provides a $250 per-pupil increase, bringing the foundation allowance to $10,300, while continuing universal school meals and school resource officers. It also invests in new literacy resources.
• Supporting public safety and communities: The plan includes an additional $10 million for the Public Safety Trust Fund, a $65 million increase in revenue sharing for local governments, and funding for an additional youth mental health treatment facility.

The new state budget received final Legislative approval this morning and will soon be presented to the governor for her expected signature.