Battle Creek Times

State Rep. Sarah Lightner has announced that the recently approved bipartisan Michigan state budget will address several priorities for residents, including increased funding for education, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and tax relief.

Lightner, who serves as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, said the new budget demonstrates fiscal responsibility and focuses on essential services. “We forced Lansing to live within its means and focus on what really matters,” Lightner said. “This budget delivers record resources for students, backs the blue, fixes our roads without raising taxes, and protects families’ hard-earned income from Lansing’s reach. That’s the right way to budget.”

A key feature of the agreement is what officials describe as the largest investment in Michigan’s education system to date. Every student will receive a $10,050 foundation allowance—an increase of $442 per pupil compared to previous years. The plan also restores funding for school safety and mental health programs.

The budget includes new resources aimed at supporting law enforcement and emergency responders through the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund. “Communities cannot thrive without safe streets,” Lightner said. “We are giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on crime and keep families safe.”

Nearly $2 billion will be allocated to local road and bridge projects in an effort to improve infrastructure across Michigan.

Tax reforms are also part of this year’s agreement. The state income tax on tips earned by service industry workers will be eliminated, increasing take-home pay for employees such as servers and bartenders. Additionally, the phase-out of state taxes on Social Security income will continue, providing further financial relief for seniors.

“Families expect us to get the basics right — schools, roads, safety, and protecting their paychecks,” Lightner said. “This budget proves we can deliver on those promises by cutting the waste Lansing has been addicted to for too long.”