Senate Democrats Pass People-Focused Budget to Uplift All Michiganders

Fiscal Year 2026 budget makes crucial investments to protect residents and expand opportunity across Michigan 

 

NOTE: A list of supportive stakeholder quotes is included at the end of this release. 

 

LANSING, Mich (May 14, 2025) — Today, Senate Democrats passed Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget — a responsible, forward-looking financial plan that reflects the values and priorities of people and communities across the state. Crafted through months of collaboration with constituents, community leaders, and key stakeholders, the budget centers on people-first investments to strengthen local communities, protect vital services and expand opportunity for every Michigander. 

 

“Our budget puts Michigan families first — plain and simple. It’s a reflection of what we’ve heard from residents across the state: they want good schools, safe communities, access to health care, and real opportunities to build a better life,” said. Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “From securing more resources in the classroom to upskilling workers and strengthening our local economies, this budget is about delivering results, not rhetoric. It’s bold, responsible, and focused on building a future where everyone has a fair shot.” 

 

The Senate budget includes: 

 

 

“I’m proud of our collaborative efforts to pass another intentional, fiscally responsible budget that continues investing in the priorities that matter most to Michiganders — from affordable housing, public schools, and child care to workforce development, public safety, and small business support,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “This budget is a testament to our values, demonstrating our commitment to equity, sustainability, economic growth, and prosperity for every Michigan community. Let’s get this across the finish line to show our residents that we’re in their corner, and we won’t stop fighting for their best interests.” 

 

The Senate budget also includes robust investments in Michigan’s students, increasing per-pupil funding to $10,008, providing more direct support to classrooms and helping school districts address local needs. Additionally, the budget commits $350 million toward improving student mental health and school safety, recognizing the growing importance of emotional and behavioral support in schools. The Senate budget also focuses on upgrading school infrastructure while maintaining universal access to free breakfast and lunch for all public school students. 

 

“Our schools, teachers, and students need our support now more than ever, but the only thing they’re getting from Republicans in office is chaos and uncertainty. While the Trump administration threatens to withhold critical federal funds and Speaker Hall threatens to not meet the July 1 deadline school administrators count on, Senate Democrats are stepping in to fill the gap and deliver a fully funded education budget on time,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton). “We won’t let our students struggle just to win a meaningless political fight, or so billionaires can get another tax break. That’s why the budget we’re putting forward prioritizes education and protects our kids’ future, delivering critical funding on time and without any doubt.” 

 

The Senate Democrats’ responsible fiscal plan reflects a clear return on investment for Michigan’s taxpayers. Focusing on programs and policies that deliver measurable outcomes, this Democratic budget builds on past progress while addressing the challenges families face today. 

 

The Senate budget now moves to the House for further consideration. 

 

### 

 

What Stakeholders Are Saying: 

 

“As President of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, I want to commend the Michigan Senate for their strong focus on public safety in the 2026 state budget. We understand how challenging it is to navigate the complexities of budget decisions, and we appreciate the efforts made to address the urgent needs facing fire services across Michigan — from our largest urban departments to the smallest rural stations. 

 

“By prioritizing investments in firefighter staffing, training, equipment, and mental health support, the Senate is helping to ensure that Michigan’s fire service professionals have the resources they need to protect our communities safely and effectively. This is not just an investment in fire departments—it’s an investment in every Michigan family, business, and neighborhood. 

 

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with legislators on both sides of the aisle to ensure these vital provisions are enacted and sustained for years to come.” 

 

-Matthew Sahr, President, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union 

“Funding for the Public Safety Academy program is essential for communities like ours who are struggling to find people interested in pursuing a career in public safety. By the state providing scholarships for the recruitment of local police officers to attend a basic training academy, we’re able to put more officers on the roads and ensure residents can feel safe in their homes, at work, and everywhere in between. Grosse Pointe Woods has already used the program to help train several officers and will continue to do so as long as the funding is available. Chiefs, Directors and Sheriff’s appreciate Michigan’s commitment to safety!” 

 

-John G. Kosanke, Director of Public Safety, Grosse Pointe Woods 

 

“The Senate has demonstrated that investing in Michigan’s future is priority Number 1! The increase in per-pupil funding, grants for pupil mental health and school safety, the 25% increase to at-risk funding and the additional funding directly for teacher salaries is what students, families, educators, students and the state need. We cannot pout and complain about test scores without putting dollars where they are needed the most–improving the amount and quality of services that our students so rightfully deserve. Michigan will be able to not only retain and recruit educators to the profession but also retain and recruit new Michiganders looking for homes in a state that is committed to its future, which is our students! Detroit Federation of Teachers and unions across the state of Michigan wholeheartedly support the school aid bill in its entirety as introduced by Sen. Camilleri!” 

 

–Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, President, Detroit Federation of Teachers 

 

“We deeply appreciate Sen. Shink and her Senate colleagues for their continued commitment to Michigan’s corrections officers. At a time when critical reforms have stalled in Lansing, the Senate has kept the spotlight on these issues and stood firm in the fight for safer prisons, fair staffing, and the dignity our officers deserve.”

 

-Ray Sholtz, Executive Director, Michigan Corrections Organization 

 

“This budget demonstrates a strong commitment to the health, well-being, and quality of life for all Michiganders. By prioritizing investments in Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation system, lawmakers are not only strengthening local park departments and enhancing state parks but are also increasing access to safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for every community. These investments will have a lasting impact—driving economic growth, protecting our natural resources, and creating more opportunities for Michiganders to connect with the outdoors.” 

 

-Nichole Fisher, Executive Director, mParks (Michigan Recreation and Park Association) 

 

“Whether it is creating habitat for deer and turkey, stocking fish, managing working timber lands, running a world-class state parks system, or recovering species like the Kirtland’s Warbler from demise, the DNR needs appropriate levels of funding to accomplish this mission for all the people of Michigan. The Senate budget and targeted increases in expenditures ensures the DNR has appropriate funding for their conservation mission. Hunting, trapping, and angling represent more than $11 billion dollars in economic impact to the state, and a robust properly funded DNR is vital to the identity of Michigan. The Senate budget funds vital conservation priorities, and represents a solid foundation for the future of the DNR.” 

 

-Amy Trotter, CEO, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)