LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 9, 2022) — Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) has issued the following statement regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommendation presented today, which includes record investments in education and infrastructure, as well as providing salary increases for health care workers:
“I am pleased to hear Gov. Whitmer’s plans to continue to invest historic amounts of funding in our school districts, which will not only help support students’ success, but also ensure that our schools are being led by the best educators possible. This $18.4 billion investment in education will provide quality special education programs, aid economically disadvantaged students, and give districts the ability to provide more services. The additional investments proposed to recruit and retain teachers will help ensure that our schools remain fully staffed with highly qualified, professional educators.
“I was also glad to hear that there will be continued funding for infrastructure projects that not only help to repair our roads and bridges, but which also create tens of thousands of well-paying jobs for Michiganders. These projects to build much-needed infrastructure, such as generators for highway pump stations, will ensure we have safe roads to drive on while helping us get prepared for the severe weather caused by a rapidly changing climate.
“Lastly, I commend Gov. Whitmer for also addressing the tireless efforts of our health care workers. It is only right that we increase the wages of direct-care workers and nursing staff since they have sacrificed so much for us these past few years. Their dedication deserves recognition and I support the budget recommendations that have been proposed for those who work in this industry.”
Key highlights of the governor’s budget recommendations on education, infrastructure, and health care include:
- $18.4 billion investment in education, fully funding Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP).
- $1.6 billion to recruit and retain top educators for our schools.
- $6.3 billion into fixing our state and local roads, bridges, airports, transit, and rail programs.
- $66 million for generators for pump stations to help prevent flooding.
- $34 million in high-water infrastructure grants to local units of government for high water level and climate resiliency planning and infrastructure needs.
- $135 million to increase wages for our direct-care workers.
- $60 million to increase the wages of non-direct care worker nursing staff.
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