LANSING, Mich (June 6, 2025) — As part of broader efforts to address the impact of recent federal actions on Michigan workers, families, and communities, Senate Democrats have utilized the state budget as another tool to stand up for Michiganders across the state. From investments for farmers and small businesses facing the threat of tariffs to support for veterans affected by mass layoffs to the federal workforce, Senate Democrats’ passed 2026 budget proposal — passed in May — seeks to mitigate as much harm to Michiganders as possible from the Trump administration’s reckless decisions.
“The role of government is simple: to protect its people and create real opportunities for everyone — not just billionaires and corporate CEOs,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “One of the most powerful tools we have to fulfill that mission is the state budget. What we choose to fund reflects what — and who — we value. That’s why, when I see Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington pushing tax hikes on working families, slashing Medicaid, and dismantling the safety nets millions rely on, it’s painfully clear who they’re fighting for — and who they’re willing to leave behind. In contrast, our budget puts Michiganders first. We invest in our communities, protect the vulnerable, and fight every day to build a future where opportunity isn’t reserved for the wealthy few, but shared by all.”
In response to the blanket tariffs haphazardly implemented by the Trump administration, the budget for the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) includes support for businesses impacted by these new increased costs; worker trainings and retooling initiatives in industries most impacted by tariffs; and research on how these new costs and federal cuts will affect the state’s economy. The LEO budget also seeks to strengthen services for veterans and other workers abruptly laid off by the “Dept. of Government Efficiency.” and offer support to legal residents affected by recent immigration attacks, status changes and rights violations by the federal government.
“As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), I’ve made intentional efforts to ensure the hardworking people, nonprofits, and small businesses who call our state home have the support they need to navigate these unprecedented times,” said Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.). “From temporary direct assistance to veterans who have lost their jobs due to sweeping federal layoffs to funding that helps prepare our state for the impact of tariffs, federal program cuts, and a possible recession, our hope is that Michiganders know that we have their backs, and we won’t stop fighting to protect them from the dangerous chaos coming out of Washington.”
Other ways the Senate Democrats’ state budget plan supports programs and people across Michigan is by dedicating resources to:
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Support Michigan’s electronic library system, which faces threats under Trump’s Executive Order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services;
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Help Michigan’s small farmers navigate the challenges posed by federal funding cuts and tariffs that affect agricultural exports and supplies;
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Monitor the impact of federal tariffs on our local agricultural industry;
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Offset the increased costs from tariffs on construction materials for essential water infrastructure projects;
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Bolster food insecurity efforts while Congress works to cut SNAP benefits for millions of people;
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Assist Michiganders with refinancing their student loans amidst federal efforts to overhaul student loan forgiveness options;
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Protect the rights of all Michiganders by safeguarding due process and the right to citizenship for individuals born or naturalized in the U.S.;
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Strengthen local AmeriCorps programming following the federal government slashing $15 million in grant funds for state programs; and
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Further support veterans laid off by the federal government in their efforts to return to the workforce.