LANSING, Mich. (June 29, 2023) — Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Labor and Economic Development (LEO)/Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), issued the following statement on the Michigan Legislature’s passage of the 2024 budget:

“Yesterday, the first state budget crafted by Democratic leadership in 40 years passed the Michigan Legislature with bipartisan support. Historic leadership creates historic change, and I am immensely proud of the equitable approach our caucus took to investing in communities across Michigan that, under prior leadership, were previously left out of the state budget process, leading to longterm disinvestment. We are reinvesting in the communities and Michigan residents that have never received support at this level and who need it most. 

As the advocate in Lansing for my community of Senate District 6, I could not be more excited by the level of much needed investment our district will be receiving through this budget, including: 

  • $4.5 million for the Livonia Senior Center; 
  • $1 million for Northwest Detroit’s Orchard Village affordable housing; 
  • $500,000 for Farmington CARES; 
  • $2 million for Chaldean affordable housing; 
  • $500,000 for SER Metro; 
  • $2 million for the Redford Wellness Center; 
  • $1 million for the North Rosedale Community House; 
  • $1 million for a Grandmont Rosedale development, including senior housing; 
  • $3 million to build Farmington Hills’ Emergency Operations Center; 
  • $240,000 to green space and flood response development in Grandmont-Rosedale; 
  • $750,000 for Redford Township park improvements; 
  • $1 million for Farmington’s historic Warner Mansion; 
  • $750,000 to replace Farmington’s fire truck; 
  • $2.5 million for the Holocaust Center; 
  • In addition to statewide investments for education, roads, clean water and energy, environmental protections, public safety, and more. 

As Chair of the LEO/MEDC Appropriations Subcommittee, I am especially proud of the wide ranging and historic investments we were able to make for Michigan in the LEO budget. From workforce and talent development, expanding Michigan Reconnect, and transformational infrastructure to public safety grants, immigrant supports, and investments in art, culture, and recreation, the budget reflects the level of investment in our communities that our residents deserve from their state government.

This incredible budget could not have been passed without the dedication of many. I would like to thank the House LEO/MEDC Chairman, Representative Will Snyder, and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for their partnership throughout the budget process, as well as Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Sarah Anthony and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for their leadership and for entrusting me in my position as chair. 

With LEO being a point of pride, the entire budget is a testament to what diverse, equitable, lasting, and impactful investment looks like in the state of Michigan. It was an honor to be part of the process of investing where communities need it most. 

There is no greater honor than serving my district and the people of Michigan in the Legislature, especially at this historic moment for our state. I am looking forward to the continued work my colleagues and I will do in our Majority for the People.”

 

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