Budget for the People: Supplemental Budget Edition

Nov 10, 2023 | Email

Dear Neighbor,  

As we are nearing the end of the year, I hope you are taking much-needed quality time with loved ones and anticipating the upcoming holiday season. 

In previous newsletters, I have been sharing updates about the historic 2024 state budget, which passed on June 28 and took effect on October 1. Along with these transformational investments, there is newly passed budget supplemental legislation that will close out the books for Fiscal Year 2023. Read more details below.

As your Senate Appropriations Chair, I am proud to be a part of bringing forth such impactful budget-related legislation! I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to deliver on our legislative agenda and budget priorities. 

As always, if you, or someone you know, wants to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can email us at SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-6960. 

In Service,

Sarah Anthony
State Senator 
District 21 

 

 

Featured in this Newsletter: 

  • Budget Update 
  • Community Updates and Resources 

 

 

 

Budget Update  

Budget Supplemental Legislation

The supplemental budget bills, House Bill 4292 and Senate Bill 174, were passed just last week on November 2. This legislation significantly centers on the needs of our students, educators and schools. We are building on the momentum of the recently passed state budget to pay off school debt in several high-need districts across the state, ensure access to clean drinking water and fund critical projects at public universities and community colleges in our state.  

Due to prior policy decisions, our K-12 school districts and our higher learning institutions have suffered. These investments will drive change in a way that is progressive, fiscally responsible and equitable.  

This is what the supplemental budget legislation entails:  

  • Over $114 million to eliminate school debt across the state: 
    • Ypsilanti Community Schools will receive $42.2 million 
    • Muskegon Heights School District will receive $31.3 million  
    • Pontiac City School District will receive $18.3 million  
    • Inkster Schools will receive $12.1 million  
    • Benton Harbor Area Schools will receive $10.02 million  
    • Marshall-Albion Schools will receive $3 million  
  • Long overdue investments into Capital Outlay as well as state buildings for a new psychiatric hospital and health lab.  
  • $30 million to replace lead lines and water meters in Highland Park, delivering on the historic settlement ending the 10-year dispute between communities in the Great Lakes Water Authority service area.  

Earlier in January, we passed a budget supplemental Senate Bill 7 to better invest in job retention programs, housing, healthcare, water shutoff reduction and small business supports. The latest supplemental bill is a continuation of the foundational work our caucus has done throughout the year. 

 

Community Resources 

Veterans Day  

Observed annually on November 11, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The origin of Veterans Day began with Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, Armistice Day was rechristened as Veterans Day. Throughout history, veterans have made tremendous contributions to our country and state. 

Our Michigan Legislature worked to secure investments for the veteran community — including $1.2 million for suicide prevention programs to help military veterans and their families — in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Here are some resources that may be helpful to the veteran community:  

  • The WhyMI app is specially designed for veterans and service members transitioning out of the military to help plan the next phase of life – with updated job boards, healthcare benefit applications and access to educational opportunities. To download the WhyMI app, visit the App Store or Google Play. 
  • Find VA Michigan Vet Center, Outpatient Clinic and Medical Center locations here.   
  • For the 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line Confidential, dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255 or click here.  

For additional resources, click here. 

COVID-19 Testing Options: At-Home and In-Person 

As of September 25, 2023, all U.S. residents are able to go to COVIDTests.gov and sign up to receive up to four free at-home tests per household delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also continues to partner with libraries across the state to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests to Michiganders. Click here for a list of participating libraries. 

For Michiganders who are thinking about plans for in-person testing, Michigan.gov/COVIDTest remains in place to assist in locating a testing site. 

Resources for Michiganders Potentially Affected by the UAW Strike 

In light of recent events, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has offered their assistance to all affected state business owners and workers — including the following resources: 

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks. For additional assistance, workers can schedule appointments at Michigan.gov/UIA or call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017.