Toward the beginning of every year the legislature and governor begin working to create a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Senate Republicans have outlined a set of budget priorities to provide meaningful inflation relief, invest in education, improve infrastructure, fund public safety, and pay down debt. Now is not the time to grow government in irresponsible and unsustainable ways, but to ensure we are prioritizing a balanced budget that grows our economy and makes Michigan an even greater place to live, work, and retire.
Our state is currently faced with a $9 billion surplus in the budget while families and individuals struggle due to inflation. With this surplus we have an opportunity to provide immediate, meaningful relief to all Michiganders in the form of lower taxes as part of a balanced budget plan. Likewise, this surplus funding should not be spent to expand the size and scope of government, but should be responsibly invested in roads, bridges, water, and broadband infrastructure improvements that will benefit many generations to come. We also have an excellent opportunity to pay down long-term debt instead of leaving a burden for our children and grandchildren to deal with.
Further priorities include increased funding for law-enforcement and public safety. We must stand with the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities and should provide funding to recruit and retain more officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. Additionally, we will continue advocating to give students and teachers the resources they need to improve educational outcomes in our state, especially after students were forced to remain out of the classroom during the pandemic.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the legislature or state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by going to www.SenatorAricNesbitt.com. You may also reach out toll-free by calling (855) 347-8020. My staff would be happy to assist with issues you may be having with state government agencies, and I look forward to listening and learning about your priorities and concerns for our state.