LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder to proposed a state spending plan that would save money to prepare for looming budget pressures and include modest funding increases for education and public safety.
The Republican unveiled his $56 billion budget proposal to lawmakers Wednesday that includes modest funding increases for education and a scaled-backed call for a statewide infrastructure fund.
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At a time GOP legislators want an income tax cut, he will instead call for setting aside $260 million in Michigan's savings account to grow it to $1 billion.
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State budget director Al Pscholka told The Associated Press Tuesday it's "good conservative budgeting" to save "one-time" tax revenues and pay down debt.
Snyder also could again ask for increased spending on water and other infrastructure across Michigan in the wake of Flint's water crisis. A similar proposal was largely abandoned in last year's budget negotiations.
The budget presented Wednesday to lawmakers would increase K-12 funding by between $50 and $100 per pupil, with districts getting another $50 for each high school student. It'd be a new way of funding schools.
The plan also would allocate nearly $50 million more toward Flint's water crisis, bringing the total state commitment to $300 million.
Snyder says the plan is fiscally responsible and would provide for key investments in education and other critical programs.
He's asking for $20 million for a "down payment" on future infrastructure needs. He sought much more last year, but the request was largely abandoned in budget negotiations.
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