Overall budget is smaller than last year and includes no tax hikes

State Rep. Frisbie has secured several major budget wins that deliver real reforms to state government’s out-of-control spending. The budget proposal for next year, approved by lawmakers today, is notably smaller than last year, marking another year of successful, targeted cuts to waste and abuse within state government.

“The people I represent cannot afford to pay more in taxes as they battle inflation,” Frisbie said. “I promised to protect them from tax hikes and wasteful government spending and that’s exactly what we’ve done today.”

The state budget proposal for next year is about $75 billion, much smaller than the budget agreement from last year, and still delivers historic investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure. Frisbie also blocked Lansing politicians’ attempt to hike taxes and raid Michigan’s rainy-day fund, simultaneously protecting Michiganders’ pocketbooks and the state’s long-term financial stability.

Frisbie also delivered other key conservative wins, getting Lansing politicians to sign on to major reductions in state government. The budget agreement includes cutting 250 more ghost employees – state positions that departments receive funding for but never fill. These dollars often get funneled to other department priorities that officials wanted to keep hidden from the public. Cutting ghost employees ensures that departments must be transparent about how they spend their resources.

Frisbie also advocated for substantial investments of state tax dollars back into Calhoun County communities, including funding for:

• $750,000 for Housing rehabilitation and revitalization in Washington Heights
• $300,00 for Haven of Rest Recovery staff and training
• $56,000 for the City of Albion to acquire CPR/AED devices, as well as new firetruck tires
• $85,000 for the Michigan Sheriff’s Victims Services training
• $950,000 for the Charter Township of Bedford’s Fire Station 1

The new state budget received final Legislative approval early this morning and will soon be presented to the governor for her expected signature.