Sen. Brinks Secures Kent County Funds in Budget

LANSING, Mich. (July 1, 2022) — Today, Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) voted to support a $76.7 billion state budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2023 which includes funding for job training, teacher recruitment and retention, health care, local recreation, and more.

“This budget is an example of what happens when we work together for the best interests of our state and our communities. For more than two decades, we have been fighting to bring more money to our schools, provide accessible and affordable childcare, protect public health, and support working families and communities. I’m proud that our hard work has delivered these historic investments to West Michigan.

“These appropriations reflect our priorities, including valuing our teachers, and making some of Grand Rapids greatest attractions more accessible to all our residents. We are building better foundations from which West Michigan families can thrive. I couldn’t be prouder to have played a part in getting these initiatives across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing residents enjoy these benefits for years to come.”

Among the initiatives Sen. Brinks fought to have included are:

• $11 million for the Grand Rapids Public Museum to redevelop the river’s edge, improve river and museum access, and expand park space.
• $10 million for the Mary Free Bed Children’s Rehabilitation Center.
• $2.5 million for Tri-Share, a program where the cost of childcare is shared equally by an eligible employee, their employer, and the State of Michigan.
• $1.4 million for the United Methodist Community House.
• $300,000 for The SOURCE, a not-for-profit employee support organization that helps employees keep their jobs, receive training for employment, and move them into better positions within or across companies.
• $30 million for the Grand Rapids outdoor amphitheater.

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