Senator helps secure tornado relief funding, significant investments for Kalamazoo area higher education, and more

 

LANSING, Mich. (June 27, 2024) — Today, the Michigan Legislature passed the budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2025, which is set to begin on October 1, 2024. The proposal will now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for approval.

The overall budget prioritizes continued investments in education, infrastructure, protecting water and natural resources, public safety, fiscal responsibility, investments in local communities and much more.

Highlights of priorities Sen. McCann worked to secure for the 19th Senate District are:
  • Tornado Relief:
    • $3 million for tornado relief designated for Kalamazoo County
    • $10 million replenishment of the Disaster Emergency Contingency Fund (DECF)
  • City of Portage: $5 million for a mixed income housing development
  • Ecumenical Senior Center: $1 million towards new facilities
  • El Concilio/Hispanic American Council: $750,000 towards new facilities
  • Western Michigan University:
    • $750,000 Project Clean MI grant match
    • $200,000 for the Cold Case Program
  • Kalamazoo Valley Community College: $350,000 to enhance broadband/internet capacity on campus
  • City of Kalamazoo: $70,000 for campus safety equipment
  • Kalamazoo County: Funding for expansion of the “Rx Kids” program to the community in support of new families
“As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges, I was proud to advocate for continued investments in my district,” Sen. McCann said. “Securing funding to provide relief to the communities impacted by the May tornado was a top priority of mine. I am also pleased to help achieve new investments in higher education, affordable housing, community centers, public safety and support for new families.”
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