Spending bills totaling around 645-million-dollars are heading to the governor after passing the Michigan Legislature this week.
The bills close the books on the state’s last budget, help forgive outstanding debt for some school districts, and help the metro-Detroit City of Highland Park pay debt related to water service.
Critics of the budget bills accuse Democrats in legislative leadership of working alone and spending too much money.
Democratic Senator Sarah Anthony chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. She says lawmakers planned ahead when writing the state’s current budget.
“Despite putting so much money out, we also were pretty responsible as well in putting money to the side.”
Lawmakers will hear an official update on state funds in January.
