Five Things You Need to Know About Michigan’s Budget Standoff
Michigan lawmakers have just two weeks left to pass a new state budget before the October 1 deadline – or risk a government shutdown. Time is running out to reach consensus on our values and priorities as a state for the coming fiscal year.
Unfortunately, the budget passed by Michigan House Republicans in late August contains deep cuts to environmental protections, public health, and even funding for our elections. Here are five things you need to know about what’s at stake:
1. EGLE faces $200 million in cuts
The House-approved budget slashes the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) by nearly $200 million and eliminates 200 state positions. EGLE Director Phil Roos has warned these cuts would severely weaken Michigan’s ability to tackle the toxic PFAS crisis, protect drinking water, and hold polluters accountable.
“If enacted, this budget would severely undermine EGLE’s ability to protect our state from pollution and make our communities more vulnerable to environmental emergencies and long-term health threats,” said Roos in a press statement.
2. Parks and Recreation jobs on the chopping block
The GOP proposal nearly halves Michigan’s general fund support for the Department of Natural Resources and eliminates 114 Parks and Recreation Division positions. That means fewer resources to maintain state parks, trails, and campgrounds – hurting Michigan families, outdoor recreation, and the small businesses that rely on Michigan’s environmental tourism economy.
3. Clean-up of contaminated sites could stall
The plan also reduces cleanup funding for the 24,000-plus toxic and contaminated sites across Michigan. Without adequate resources, more Michigan families will continue to live next to contaminated facilities, drink contaminated water, farm and play in contaminated soil, and breathe contaminated air. Any redevelopment or remediation in the communities that need it most will be delayed.
4. Election funding at risk
The budget cuts $69.3 million from the Secretary of State’s budget, including $10 million meant to support early voting and absentee ballot services. Just think about how long the line will be to take your license photo now!
Local governments would be forced to cover the gap, which could mean layoffs for election staff, fewer Secretary of State branch offices, and reduced voter access. Undermining elections undermines democracy – and Michigan’s ability to protect our environment depends on a strong democracy.
5. A dangerous limit on Michigan’s legal power
Hidden in the 800-page bill is a provision that would require the attorney general to seek legislative approval before suing the federal government. This would tie Michigan’s hands in fighting federal actions that run counter to Michigan’s interests – like Trump’s fake “energy emergency” – that could drive up costs for families and threaten environmental protections.
The bottom line
The current budget proposal reflects short-sighted cuts that threaten our health, environment, and democracy. With the October 1 deadline fast approaching, lawmakers must come together to pass a responsible budget that protects Michigan’s water, communities, and democracy.