Michigan Lawmakers Send Balanced Budget to Gov. Snyder

Just five months after being sworn in, the new Michigan Legislature today delivered a balanced state budget to Gov. Rick Snyder for his approval.

State Rep. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Township) voted in favor of the budget, which minimizes school funding reductions, encourages local governments and school districts to become more stable and gives municipalities, schools and universities plenty of time to balance their own budgets.

"I am proud to have been part of a budget discussion that was efficient, transparent and, most importantly, intellectually honest about the true nature of our budgetary situation," Ouimet said.  "These were difficult choices, but we knew the time had come to get state spending in line with our limited revenues and be clear about what Michigan taxpayers can and cannot afford."

House Bills 4325 and 4526, which encompass the state budget, were approved today by the House and are being sent to the governor for his consideration.  Highlights include:

• The K-12 budget reduction is reduced to less than $100 per pupil this year for schools that implement "best practices."  It represents a 1.4 percent decrease in funding.
• The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor receives the highest amount of public funding for all of Michigan's colleges and universities.
• A total of $256 million will be put into a rainy day fund to allow the state to plan for the years ahead.
• The budget moves Michigan closer to regaining AAA bond rating status, which allows the state to save millions of dollars on interest in borrowing costs. 

"This budget is about respecting Michigan taxpayers, not further delaying the inevitable by approving one-time fixes or budgeting gimmicks," Ouimet said.  "It's a structurally sound budget based on genuine financial principles.  We listened to the people of Michigan, provided ample time for debate on the House floor and approved a landmark budget that will improve our state."