LANSING – State Representative Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) today applauded Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm's budget for the fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1. Granholm's budget was presented to a joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees today.
"The Governor has presented us with a bold plan that will diversify our economy and rebuild our state," said Bauer, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Her proposal invests in the vital resources that keep our communities strong, such as education, health care and police and fire services, without including any new taxes or fees. This is the kind of budget we need as our state positions itself as a leader in the 21st century economy."
To create jobs, the Governor's proposal includes more than $1.5 billion in capital outlay projects over two years, which will create nearly 25,000 jobs while upgrading state facilities. The Governor's budget also invests significantly in worker training programs, including $40 million to expand No Worker Left Behind, which provides up to two years of free training to help displaced workers prepare for high-demand careers, and provides tax incentives through the Michigan Job Creation Tax Credit, which encourages businesses for the fastest-growing industries to create and grow jobs in Michigan.
The Governor's budget also provides vital funding for education and health care. The budget provides for a 3 percent increase for community colleges and education, and proposes a per-pupil increase for K-12 students. The budget also recommends $8.5 billion for Medicaid's medical services and long-term care programs, providing health care to nearly 1.6 million residents, including 900,000 children. This is a 4.3 percent increase over last year.
The governor also has proposed a 4 increase in statutory revenue sharing to local governments, which will help them provide vital services such as police and fire protection.
"We are on the brink of a new beginning for Michigan," Bauer said. "I look forward to working on this budget in a timely and bipartisan manner. By working together, we will make Michigan a great place to live, work and raise a family."