State Rep. David Martin yesterday supported a $75.8 billion budget designed to ease financial strain on Michigan families in stark contrast to the Governor’s roughly $88 billion plan. The House budget holds the line on taxes, cuts wasteful spending, and uses the savings to prioritize critical investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, and healthcare for those in need.

The budget approved by the House cuts $106 million from the overall state budget and reduces general fund spending by nearly $600 million. It also preserves the state’s rainy-day fund and declines to adopt proposed tax and fee increases.

“Michigan families expect their government to live within its means, just like they do,” Martin said. “We took a hard look at how taxpayer dollars are being spent and made adjustments based on real data. That’s how you build a budget that is both responsible and sustainable.”

A key focus of the proposal is strengthening transparency and accountability in the budgeting process. Rather than relying on automatic year-over-year increases, the plan ties funding levels to actual spending trends. A recent review found that nearly half of all budget line items were overfunded, totaling close to $2 billion, an issue the plan works to correct by ensuring taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently and responsibly.

Key highlights of the House budget include:

• Continuing to fix our roads: After securing more than $2 billion in ongoing road funding last year, the House budget adds another $100 million to keep improving roads and infrastructure that families and local businesses rely on every day.
• Protecting Medicaid for those who need it: The budget increases Medicaid funding by $1.2 billion to keep up with growing demand, while strengthening anti-fraud measures and promoting long-term sustainability of the program.
• Investing in local schools: The plan delivers a $250 per-student increase, bringing per-pupil funding to $10,300, while continuing support for school meals and school safety resources.
• Supporting safer, stronger communities: It includes an additional $10 million for public safety programs, increases revenue sharing for local governments by $65 million, and funds a new youth mental health treatment facility to better serve families.
• Expanding workforce opportunities: Increased support for the Going PRO Talent Fund will help small businesses and workers in our area gain the skills needed for good-paying jobs.
• Standing up for outdoor traditions: The plan does not raise hunting or fishing license fees, protecting access and affordability for Michigan’s hunters and anglers.
• Eliminating wasteful spending: Building on last year’s bipartisan effort that removed more than 2,000 vacant government positions, the House plan cuts an additional 3,300 “ghost” jobs, roles funded with taxpayer dollars but left unfilled. At the same time, it keeps a responsible staffing cushion so essential services, especially public safety, remain fully supported. The budget also invests $50 million to hire more investigators through the Department of Health and Human Services to crack down on fraud in programs like Medicaid and food assistance.
• Bringing accountability to state IT projects: The plan tackles runaway costs in state technology systems by creating stronger oversight and clearer accountability, so residents in our communities can trust that their tax dollars are being spent on systems that actually work.
• Strengthening Michigan’s financial future: A $300 million deposit into the state’s rainy-day fund ensures Michigan is better prepared for economic uncertainty, without turning to higher taxes on residents.
• Increasing transparency on energy costs: It requires clearer explanations from regulators when utility rates go up, helping families better understand and manage rising energy bills.

“This plan prioritizes the essentials, cuts waste, and prepares Michigan for the future,” Martin said. “It’s a responsible approach that respects taxpayers while delivering results for our communities.”