The Michigan Legislature has approved a nearly $70 billion budget for the next fiscal year. State Representative Pauline Wendzel tells WSJM News it’s the largest state budget ever in Michigan, and it targets many long term needs. She says it also uses billions in federal COVID dollars to help the state recover from the pandemic.
“The UIA, we have $115 million going back into the UIA for fraudulent claims that happened over COVID, we’ve got $100 million for workforce development, and a lot of money going into child care,” Wendzel said.
Wendzel says the spending plan includes money for several local needs.
“County fairs, which were obviously hit pretty hard last year, so we’ve got some money going to that, some going to a safety tower, and also a big topic and very important is money going to replace lead pipes, specifically in Benton Harbor.”
The budget includes $10 million for Benton Harbor to replace old lead water lines, $5 million for an 800 MHz communications tower for Berrien County first responders, $600,000 for a permanent police and fire station at the Berrien County Youth Fair site, and $850,000 for the Briggs Dam and walkway project in Paw Paw. It also funds the Pure Michigan tourism ad campaign and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates.
