LANSING, Mich. — Early in the morning Friday, a few hours past the June 30 deadline, state legislators came to an agreement on the budget for Michigan's Fiscal year 2022-23. The biggest spending and focus was on education, with an increase of $2.6 billion towards k-12 school funding. That increase means $450 more per student at every publicly funded school in the state, bringing the total per pupal to $9,150.
Other increases in infrastructure, law enforcement and debt reduction spending were highlights statewide, but local spending will have a big impact on West Michigan, especially in Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore.
"Some of these dollars are one time dollars," Said State Senator Mark Huizenga (R-Walker)."to spend them one time on projects that will be around for our grandkids to create a new and better and enhanced environment it really transforms Grand Rapids."
Huizenga mentioned specifically a $30 million allocation for the development of a New Amphitheater in downtown grand rapids, as well as $10 million going to Mary Free Bed, which will be used to build what Huizenga is calling a 'new hospital concept'.
Mary Free Bed could not confirm any details on the new project but a representative told 13 ON YOUR SIDE "We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from state senators, representatives and the governor during this budget cycle. We’ll have an exciting announcement on Tuesday, July 12.”
That amphitheater is proposed to hold 12,000 people, and won't be the only riverfront attraction to benefit from the budget. $11 million is going to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to 'redevelop the river's edge, improve river and museum access, and expand park space according to a release from Senator Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids).
"We’ve got some really good things that are great things to take home to Grand Rapids and West Michigan," Brinks said. "We’ll be able to transform how the public can interact with the river and enjoy the museum."
Further Northwest, Muskegon is also seeing investment. The budget allocated $600,000 for watershed education, administration and conservation, which will benefit the Muskegon River Watershed. State Senator Jon Bumsted (R-Muskegon) says the investment into the Lakeshore is crucial, especially as Muskegon Family Care is receiving $3.4 million for healthcare in the area.
"It's so important to have that bedrock in that neighborhood to have a place where people feel safe to get their healthcare need." Bumstead said. "To me it’s the start of the revitalization of that neighborhood."
The budget includes hundreds of items, and you can find a full recap document at the bottom of this article. Based on releases from the three state senators we spoke with today, here are some other highlights in West Michigan:
- $2 million for the United Methodist Community House to expand affordable housing and open up child care options.
- $6.5 million to help cover transition costs for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans moving into a new facility.
- $38 million for a new mental health pediatric facility in Cutlerville. Huizenga told us this facility will be run by Pine Rest.
- $2.5 million for the Graduation Alliance to help high school dropouts earn their diploma.
- $201,100 for building security cost increases at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
- $525,000 for Kids’ Food Basket to address a waitlist of children who need sack suppers.
- $5 million for Network180 to serve individuals and families in Kent County seeking help for mental illness, substance use, or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- $2.5 million for Tri-Share, a program where the cost of childcare is shared equally by an eligible employee, their employer, and the State of Michigan.
- $300,000 for The SOURCE, a not-for-profit employee support organization that helps employees keep their jobs, receive training for employment, and move them into better positions within or across companies.
- Shelby, located in Oceana County, will receive $650,000 for local road projects.