© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

COVID, Economic Recovery Focus Of Whitmer Budget

Phillip Hofmeister
/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her $67.1 billion proposed budget Thursday and began the job of selling her plan to the Legislature’s Republican leaders.

The relationship between the Democratic governor and GOP leaders has hovered between frosty and hostile, with fights over the state’s COVID-19 response often at the center.

The governor said settling disagreements on return-to-school plans, helping businesses, and vaccine distribution is critical as the response moves from crisis management to recovery.

“In the face of historic, colliding crises, we must do more and we must be better,” she said during a Zoom call with reporters. “This budget is a step in the right direction.”

The governor’s plan relies heavily on one-time funds that won’t be available if programs are to be continued in future years. For example, that includes a program to help low-income families with the costs of child care or tuition to help COVID-19 frontline workers upgrade their skills.

The new budget year begins October 1st. But Whitmer said it’s crucial for the Legislature to move before then to allocate federal COVID response funds that are already earmarked for Michigan.

Republicans have withheld banket approval for that spending in an effort to get Whitmer to bargain. The governor said that’s counterproductive.

“We’ve got to get our kids back in school,” the governor said. “We’ve got to make sure that when they get back in school, they’re safe, and their teachers and the support staff are, as well. We’ve got to help small businesses that are struggling. One of the most important things we’ve got to do is build out our vaccine response and our COVID testing.”

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!