The budget signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday expands a range of programs that could boost pay and lower costs for residents across the state.
The budget funds state government for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.
Whitmer called the budget the "Make It In Michigan" budget and said it will ease the financial burden on Michigan households during a bill signing ceremony Monday. "This budget will lower costs and will deliver on the issues that make a real difference in people's lives and help everyone and anyone make it here in Michigan," she said.
Here's a look at some of the programs that could save Michiganders money.
The budget includes $140 million to fund a $0.85 per hour wage increase for direct care workers and non-clinical nursing facility staff in Michigan. Whitmer's initially proposed a higher wage increase, but lawmakers landed on a lower pay raise during budget negotiations.
Direct care workers include nurses, nursing assistances and respiratory therapists. Non-clinical staff eligible for the wage increase include housekeepers, dining room assistants and others.
Younger Michigan residents will be eligible to take advantage of a tuition-free pathway to higher education under the new budget. The budget includes $70 million to temporarily lower the eligibility age for Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21. Michigan Reconnect provides free in-district tuition at a...
Images of the Whitegate fuel protests earlier this month were altered to make it appear gardaí were violent towards protesters. The AI-doctored images were shared widely online, including by inter...