LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 8, 2025) — Last Friday, Michigan Senate Democrats passed a bipartisan state budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year that secures historic investments to lower everyday costs, protect access to health care, fund our public schools, increase outdoor recreation, and expand opportunity for Michigan families in Senate District 14 and beyond. In response, Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) has released the following statement:
“After months of intense advocacy and negotiations, I’m grateful that my colleagues and I have successfully delivered another historic, bipartisan budget that invests in the health, economic security, and overall prosperity of families in every corner of our state. From mitigating the impact of dangerous federal cuts, investing in our local and state parks and trails, and expanding the evidence-based Rx Kids program to improve maternal and infant health, this transformative budget ensures that each of our local communities has the resources they need to thrive during this time of economic instability.”
Sen. Shink worked around the clock to deliver major budget investments that benefit not only her constituents, but residents and communities across the state. Key highlights include:
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Record funding to expand the successful Rx Kids program, providing direct cash assistance to new moms and babies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes;
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Increased per-pupil funding of our schools along with funding to provide mental health and safety, funding for at-risk students and students with disabilities;
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Continuation of the widely popular universal school breakfast and lunch program that has kept millions of kids fed and saved families hundreds of dollars in grocery costs every year;
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$1.5 million for improvements to the Cascades in Jackson County Parks;
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Over $1 million for the Chelsea Main Street Park Project Acquisition to expand recreation opportunities;
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$1 million to create and support non-motorized pathways in Ann Arbor for the Treeline Conservancy;
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$1 million to add 160 acres to the Waterloo Recreation Area, conserving natural resources and expanding access to outdoor recreation;
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$1 million to Jackson Interfaith Shelter, improving access to shelter and essential resources for people experiencing homelessness or poverty;
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$950,000 to support community reentry for unhoused or justice-involved people through the Goodwill Flip the Script program;
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$750,000 for improvements to the Ella Sharp Park Trail in Jackson;
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$400,000 for enhancements to Mill Creek Park in Dexter, improving safety measures, expanding accessibility, and replacing playground equipment;
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$300,000 for a gap connection at Dixboro Road Pathway, establishing a trail to connect Ann Arbor Township to the city of Ann Arbor, the Iron Belle Trail, and the Border-to-Border Trail; and
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$200,000 for the Minard Mills Park renovation in Jackson County, improving park accessibility and infrastructure.
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