LANSING, Mich. — 10 PM UPDATE:
The Michigan House has passed the Republican-backed "Value for MI dollars" budget package totaling $78.5 billion, which includes funding for schools, higher education, roads, and public safety.
- The budget includes $3.1 billion for roads and funding for the public safety trust fund.
- Democrats criticize nearly $5 billion in cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services.
- The Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate must agree on a final budget by October 1.
The spending package requires state workers to return to in-person work while prioritizing certain sectors.
WATCH: Michigan House passes Republican budget with major health department cuts
"Not only are we cutting the waste, fraud and abuse but we've investing where it matters most to Michigan families: education, public safety, our infrastructure, fixing our roads," Republican Chairwoman Ann Bollin said.
I found that the budget includes $3.1 billion for roads and additional money for the public safety trust fund.
However, Democratic State Representative Julie Brixie expressed concerns about significant cuts in the proposal.
"I think the big takeaway from this budget is that the republicans cut away really important things. They made huge cuts to the department of health and human services budget," Brixie said.
My review of the budget revealed nearly $5 billion less funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, $600 million less in special project funding, and $66 million less allocated to the state police.
"And now we see how bad the budget is and we can begin working together to try and come up with a budget that is really going to work for all Michiganders," Brixie said.
The GOP-led House and Democratic-led Senate must reach an agreement on a unified budget by October 1, which marks the start of the fiscal year.
"We're ready to get the deal done and I have no doubt that we will deliver for the people of Michigan by September 30th," Bollin said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
The Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Republican budget bill.
It passed 59-45.
The spending package Republicans are calling the Value for MI dollars budget is $78.5 billion. That's $5 billion less than what the governor proposed and $6 billion less than the Senate's proposal.
Funding for roads and public safety is included, and it also requires state employees to return to the office.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
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