On Thursday, April 30, the Michigan Senate approved a fiscal year 2027 budget plan along with a supplemental budget for the current fiscal year. The passed budget only reflects the priorities of Senate Democrats, as it is the first phase in the budget negotiation process. From here, both the Senate and House will meet to review each other’s budgets and continue negotiations before voting on a final budget.

I have concerns with the budget the Senate passed, which is why I could not support it at this time and voted no on Senate Bill 878. Our state’s budget needs to focus on the real-life challenges many families and small businesses are currently facing.

We should be pinpointing and funding resources that have been proven to deliver meaningful relief, improve essential services and set our kids up for success — yet this budget instead pulls from our state’s savings and increases spending to levels that are not sustainable.

The supplemental, SB 877, withdraws $350 million from the state budget stabilization fund, also known as the rainy day fund. We should not be asking hardworking families to shoulder that burden and pay more because legislators don’t want to reel in their spending. The budget stabilization fund is designed to be used during periods of extreme economic trouble, not when Senate Democrats want to increase government spending well beyond our means.

This is a first step, and I look forward to working to enact a responsible spending plan that invests in our shared priorities and makes a positive impact on the lives of Michigan families.

Last week, I voted in support of a Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) bill to invest $45 million in public land acquisitions and recreational development projects across Michigan.

For 50 years, the Natural Resources Trust Fund has invested in forward-thinking projects that help protect our shared natural resources and enhance quality of life for all Michigan residents at no cost to taxpayers. These restricted funds help enhance our outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities by improving local parks and trails and enabling people of all ages and of all abilities to enjoy the great outdoors in our beautiful state.

Senate Bill 829 would authorize the NRTF to release $45 million in restricted funds to support 60 development projects and 15 land acquisitions across the state, including the following six projects in Benzie and Muskegon counties:

The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Since its inception in 1976, the fund has granted over $1.4 billion to support local and state recreational projects in all 83 counties.

April brought unprecedented rainfall and severe storms to communities across Michigan. Rapid snowmelt combined with steady rain led to flooding, damaged roads and failing dams.

As some waters recede and cleanup continues, please follow guidance from state and local officials and keep these tips in mind:

The Michigan State Police MIREADY program offers resources and educational materials to help residents prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters.