Chair Cavanagh prioritizes key investments in workforce development, small business support, housing access, and public safety
LANSING, Mich. (May 1, 2025) — Today, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), chaired by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), successfully passed their initial budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget proposes critical investments to support Michigan’s workforce, small businesses, housing needs, public safety, and overall economic prosperity.
“People are struggling with the lack of support from the federal government right now. As Chair of the Subcommittee for LEO/MEDC and the youngest woman ever to be elected to the Senate, we proposed a budget that will be a lifeline to Michiganders,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “In a time of such economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for our residents to know that their state government is still working for them and to know that Michigan is a state you can be proud to call home. This budget proposal shows that Michigan Senate Democrats are sticking to their word and helping our communities when they need it most. I look forward to continuing negotiations and getting this budget across the finish line to deliver the lifelines our communities, workers, and small business owners need to continue to make Michigan a great state to live, work, and play.”
The proposed LEO/MEDC budget reaffirms Sen. Cavanagh’s dedication to creating economic opportunity in every Michigan community. The subcommittee recommends significant investments for:
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Workforce development to support everyone from our graduating seniors to our veterans. The budget proposes funding for initiatives like Women in the Workplace, Michigan Future Force, and Veteran Wraparound Services;
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Small businesses supports, ensuring our entrepreneurs are empowered with the tools they need to thrive. This includes funding for support hubs that provide resources to small businesses and a Capital Access Program, which helps lenders provide capital loans to underserved communities;
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Tackling the ongoing emergency housing crisis and shortage of affordable housing through an Emergency Housing Fund, local land banks, eviction diversion program funding, weatherization, down payment assistance, and more; and
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Ensuring our local police and firefighters are equipped with the resources needed to keep our communities safe, including important facility and equipment upgrades.
Now, the full Senate Appropriations Committee, Michigan Legislature, and governor’s office will work together to negotiate and finalize the 2026 budget.
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