LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 12, 2024) — Following the conclusion of the first Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC) of the year, Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) issued the following statement:
“There’s a reason CREC is the first step in the annual budget process. Last year, we saw historic revenues, and we followed suit with a historic, transformative and transparent state budget. For the first time in 40 years, Democrats had the opportunity to fix long-standing problems and drive investments in overlooked issues that make a real difference in the lives of Michiganders. We ensured those dollars extended to every corner, community and constituency in the state—especially those that have been underrepresented for too long. Today’s revenue estimates were not unexpected, and in some areas, the numbers are stronger than previously forecasted. As Senate Appropriations Chair, it is my charge, my challenge and my opportunity to take the revenue estimates determined today and turn them into a balanced state budget that continues to deliver for every Michigander.
“But while state revenues may fluctuate, our values and priorities will remain constant. We can and will be judicious and ambitious. Our Democratic majorities will continue to budget with integrity, transparency, and equity, and continue to invest in what the people of Michigan — from kids to families to seniors — need and expect from their leaders. Today is the official start of the budget process, and I am looking forward to getting to work on our next state budget in the weeks and months ahead.”
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