September 22, 2021
Dear Friend,
This week, my colleagues and I in the Michigan Senate came together in bipartisan fashion to pass bills enacting a state budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 — set to begin on Oct. 1.
Totaling just under $70 billion — $26.8 billion in state funds coupled with federal funding — our budget agreement provides exciting possibilities to renew and rebuild Michigan in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Putting Michigan citizens first, it fully funds numerous initiatives to help workers get the skills they need to earn well-paying jobs, increases the number of families eligible for quality and affordable childcare, will fix roads, bridges and dams across Michigan, and much more.
I’m also proud to highlight some Kalamazoo County-specific priorities I was able to help secure funding for in this budget, including:
- $3 million toward construction of a U.S. 131 interchange expansion on the north side of Kalamazoo County, which would allow critical two-way transportation routes for local businesses and relieve wear and tear on nearby local roads.
- $1.5 million to support the City of Portage in construction of the new Portage Senior Center, which will serve seniors throughout Kalamazoo County.
- $1 million to support expansion of additional treatment capacity for children with autism who engage in behaviors so disruptive and dangerous that they require alternative housing.
With significant federal COVID relief money still unspent even after the passage of this annual budget, I will continue to advocate to my colleagues in the legislature to put those funds to use on the many great needs still facing the state and our community.
I am thankful to have heard important input from many of you throughout this year’s budget process, please continue to stay in touch with me with your priorities for the great state of Michigan going forward.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
20th District