[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2023\/01\/SenatorAnthonyEmailBanner.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator Anthony Email Banner” title_text=”SenatorAnthonyEmailBanner” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,<\/span><\/p>\n If you stay in touch with my team and me, you know I like to keep folks informed about what\u2019s going on in the budget process. As Appropriations Chair, I am the principal negotiator for the state Senate in our budget negotiations. And let me just say \u2014 this year has been anything but normal. Under Speaker Hall\u2019s leadership in the House, we have seen systematic chaos and dysfunction since the beginning, putting our state in a dangerous position.<\/span><\/p>\n Today I write to you with less than 20 days until September 30th, the end of the fiscal year and our official deadline to set the state\u2019s budget. Although the Senate passed our budget recommendations out of the chamber back in May, the House Republicans did not pass their budgets until August 26th, leaving us little time to negotiate. What\u2019s more, they have failed to come to the table in a serious way. When you look at the content of their budget bills, you will see dangerous cuts across the board to essential government services that Michiganders rely on each and every day \u2014 from Medicaid and health care services to essential student supports like free school meals, mental health support, career technical education, and so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n In this e-newsletter, I\u2019ll break down each section of the House Republicans\u2019 budget proposal and the danger it poses for Michigan.<\/span><\/p>\n If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what\u2019s happening in Lansing, or if you need assistance of any sort, please connect with my office. You can contact me by sending an email to\u00a0<\/span>SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov<\/a><\/u><\/span> or by calling (517) 373-6960.<\/span><\/p>\n In Service,<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/05\/Anthony_Sarah_Signature-300×74-1.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Anthony Sarah Signature” title_text=”Anthony_Sarah_Signature-300×74-1″ width=”32%” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Sarah\u00a0<\/span>Anthony [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/11\/EnewsHeaders_Recent-Highlights.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”If you’re in a rush… recent highlights” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_Recent Highlights” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/08\/Anthony-Budget-Banner-scaled.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Anthony-Budget-Banner” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n What\u2019s the Deal with the House Republican Budget Proposal? House Republicans, on the other hand, chose a reckless approach marked by delays, budgeting gimmicks, and political gamesmanship. They waited to pass their education budget until mere days before the statutory deadline \u2014 then introduced an 800-plus page omnibus budget a month before the new fiscal year, ramming it through their chamber just minutes later with zero public input.<\/span><\/p>\n Since the start of this legislative term, Speaker Hall has failed to step up and act as a serious partner. Instead of coming to the table to negotiate a budget in good faith, he and his Republican colleagues have chosen to manufacture a crisis in attempts to push through an extreme agenda, putting politics and petty vendettas over the people we\u2019re entrusted to serve.<\/span><\/p>\n Budgets are about values, and the values reflected in the House Republican proposal are dangerous and destructive. I will always fight for a fair compromise, but I will never sign off on a plan that does so at the expense of hardworking Michiganders.<\/span><\/p>\n Setting the Record Straight The truth is, House Republicans are making big claims about their budget, but many of those claims don\u2019t hold up. Here\u2019s what\u2019s really going on:<\/span><\/p>\n My Democratic colleagues and I are doing everything in our power to keep Michigan open and avoid a government shutdown. Unfortunately, House Republicans have delayed the negotiation process and put forward a budget that undermines working families instead of supporting them. We\u2019ll continue fighting for a responsible, balanced budget that reflects the values of our state \u2014 not gimmicks and cuts that hurt the people we serve.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to hear more, I recently hosted a media roundtable to set the record straight on the House budget; you can read more about it\u00a0<\/span>here,<\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0or watch highlights from the conversation\u00a0<\/span>here.<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n How the House Republican Budget Proposal Would Impact Health Care in Michigan House Republicans Threaten Cuts to Public and Community Safety House Republicans are Setting Michigan Communities Up for Failure One of the most important areas is revenue sharing \u2014 the way your state tax dollars are reinvested back into your local community. These funds help pay for essential services that make everyday life possible, such as schools, police, and fire departments. The Senate\u2019s budget ensures every community gets the support it needs, not just a select few. That means stronger neighborhoods, safer streets, and better opportunities for families across the state.<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve made real progress in making sure taxpayer dollars go where they belong: back to you, your family, and your community. Take a look at the graphics below to see a side-by-side comparison of what the House cuts versus Senate investments would mean for just a few of our local communities<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/09\/SD_21_Neg.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”SD_21_Neg” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n House Republicans are Hurting Our Students and Their Futures Because the House failed to pass a budget proposal before the July 1 statutory deadline, schools across Michigan have been forced to begin the new school year without knowing how much funding they\u2019ll have for the year. This leaves students, parents, and teachers in limbo \u2014 facing the possibility of program cuts and immense uncertainty hanging over classrooms. Instead of giving schools stability and predictability, the House\u2019s inaction has created unnecessary stress at a time when our focus should be on helping kids learn and thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n House Republicans Endanger Michigan’s Great Lakes, Waterways, and Natural Resources The House, on the other hand, has proposed slashing $200 million \u2014 almost 20% \u2014 of the Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy\u2019s budget. Their plan eliminates millions from water quality programs, weakens Michigan\u2019s PFAS standards, and even cuts funding from the Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division. These reckless choices mean fewer protections, fewer staff to monitor pollution, and greater risk to public health.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>The Senate also recognizes the need to protect Michigan\u2019s outdoor heritage. Through updates to hunting, fishing, and boating fees, we can stabilize conservation funding at a time when inflation and declining participation threaten future parks, habitats, and fisheries. By contrast, House Republicans\u2019 budget would put Michigan\u2019s wildlife, public lands, and outdoor traditions in jeopardy.<\/span><\/p>\n What Happens Now? You can hear more of my thoughts on the House Republicans\u2019 budget proposal\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a><\/u><\/span>, and learn more about the differences between the two proposals\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a><\/u><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/anthony\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/11\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Helpful news and resources” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_News & Resources” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n State Employees \u2014 Thank You! I know many of you are feeling uncertainty \u2014 and frustration \u2014 over the stalled budget negotiations and the\u00a0<\/span>attacks from House Republicans<\/a><\/u><\/span>. I share your concerns, and Senate Democrats are working around the clock to deliver a state budget that supports you and the vital work you do for Michigan families.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/b>State Senator
<\/span>District 21<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/b><\/span>From the start, my Senate Democrat colleagues and I have stuck to the\u00a0<\/span>traditional state budget schedule:<\/a><\/u><\/span> meeting with stakeholders to identify their needs, crafting a comprehensive proposal, passing it through the chamber in May, and coming to the table ready to negotiate a fair and timely compromise ahead of the July 1 deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>The House Republicans\u2019 proposal is a far cry from a fiscally responsible budget. Instead of investing in education, public safety, and economic development, their proposal mirrors the same extremist playbook the Trump administration is running in Washington: slash, burn, and blame in an irresponsible attempt to appear as if they\u2019re weeding out \u201cfraud, waste, and abuse\u201d in state government.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>The House Republicans\u2019 budget proposes drastic cuts to vital health and human services Michiganders depend on, including $5 billion from Medicaid, as well as cuts to maternal health, family food assistance programs, supportive housing, water affordability, mental health services, support for people experiencing homelessness, and so much more. These cuts threaten the health and well-being of over 3 million Michiganders.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>While my Democratic colleagues in the Senate and I have crafted a fiscally responsible budget that delivers crucial funding for fire, EMS, and other critical support systems, House Republicans have proposed a plan that would defund police and weaken public safety. Their budget includes a $128 million cut to the Michigan State Police \u2014 eliminating 400 staff positions and slashing training programs, community safety initiatives, and the resources troopers need to keep our communities safe. By contrast, the Senate-passed budget invests in people and communities by creating the Community Aid for Responders and Emergency Services (CARES) fund and dedicating over $100 million for flexible public safety needs. Our Senate proposal also included $25 million in dedicated funding for community violence intervention programs, because we show up for our young people every step of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>The differences between the House and Senate budget proposals couldn\u2019t be clearer. While the House makes harmful cuts to services families rely on, the Senate budget makes big, targeted investments to strengthen communities across Michigan.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>We have a responsibility to make sure every child in Michigan has access to a quality education, and that means giving schools the resources they need to help students succeed. Just this week I had the opportunity to meet directly with local superintendents and school leaders from Ingham ISD, Eaton RESA, Holt Public Schools, Waverly Community Schools, and Mason Public Schools. We\u2019re fighting to protect funding for at-risk students, school meals, and educator supports, because these are the foundations that help kids learn and thrive. The truth is, schools can\u2019t afford to miss their state payments, and we can\u2019t afford to shortchange our students\u2019 future.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>Every Michigander deserves clean, affordable water and strong protections for our Great Lakes. The Senate budget invests in water infrastructure, helping communities replace aging pipes and improve drinking water and stormwater management systems. Over the years, we\u2019ve supported countless local projects with this funding, including key investments I secured to help cover the costs of much-needed infrastructure improvements in Grand Ledge, Dimondale, Potterville, and Vermontville. We\u2019re continuing to push for additional state dollars to address water affordability \u2014 an issue impacting families across Michigan, from big cities and suburban towns to our rural communities.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/i><\/b><\/span>No more games. No more stalling. And no more pretending these cuts are actually helping anyone. The House Republican budget puts Michigan families directly in harm\u2019s way. I won\u2019t stand idly by and let that happen. I\u2019ll keep fighting each day until a responsible, balanced budget deal is made.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b><\/span>Thank you to our state employees who work tirelessly every day to keep Michigan running and ensure our residents have the tools, resources, and support they need.<\/span><\/p>\n