Governor Gretchen Whitmer presented her budget proposal today to state lawmakers, setting the stage for a new round of bargaining with Republicans on spending plans.
Whitmer’s plan calls for paid parental leave for state workers, and more money for schools, including grants to help teachers with out-of-pocket expenses. She wants to find a way to fund the Pure Michigan program, after vetoing that money last year.
And she says the state should step up with money for infrastructure projects…
“…So local communities can combat issues caused by climate change like high water levels, which we are going to be talking a lot about this year.”
Her plan does not include a new road funding proposal beyond selling bonds for the most-urgent repairs. Legislative Republicans said “no” last year to her plan to raise the fuel tax. The governor says it’s now up to Republicans to offer an alternative.