With rising costs and reckless federal actions continuing to fuel economic uncertainty for residents, Senate’s budget proposal aims to provide stability
LANSING, Mich. (April 29, 2026) — Today, Senate Democrats passed a significant portion of their 2027 state budget proposal, Senate Bill 878, aiming to lower costs, protect residents from harmful federal decisions, and grow an economy that benefits all Michiganders.
“In this time of heightened uncertainty and chaos, Michiganders in every corner of the state are calling for economic relief and stability — we hear you, we’re in your corner, and we’re heeding the call,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Senate Dems’ 2027 budget proposal makes good on our promise to lower costs, protect access to health care, bolster public education, and invest in Michigan’s people, places, and proven-effective programs. We’re ready to work across the aisle and across chambers to get a responsible, bipartisan budget done on time that delivers the relief our communities are depending on.”
With the costs of gas, groceries, utilities, and other essentials on the rise, Senate Democrats’ 2027 state budget proposal works to make life more affordable for Michigan residents by:
-
Continuing to invest in programs that work, including the widely popular free school meals program, tax credits for working families, and Rx Kids to support more moms and babies.
-
Ensuring transparency and fair pricing for Michigan consumers, taking steps to address the high costs of everyday essentials like car insurance, prescription medications, and the ever-increasing rate of utilities.
-
Investing in our workers and local economies by increasing wages for direct care workers, boosting benefits for corrections officers, establishing a new payment fund for child care providers, securing resources for small business development, and strengthening scholarships to help Michiganders get the education they need to land the career they want.
“I have long said that the state budget isn’t just a matter of money; it’s a statement of values,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Senate Dems’ 2027 budget plan tackles the pressing needs of Michigan’s students, families, and communities — especially those who are hurting the most. We are lowering costs, protecting care, and fighting back against harmful federal cuts. I look forward to working with our House colleagues to deliver a timely final budget that brings stability and peace of mind to Michiganders around the state.”
From protecting access to Medicaid and cutting red tape for farmers to equipping the Attorney General’s Office to ensure fair pricing for Michigan consumers, Senate Democrats are building on previous investments to continue shielding Michiganders from the short-sighted actions of the Trump administration.
###