As part of a budget agreement for the upcoming fiscal year, state Rep. Greg Alexander recently voted for a plan that spends responsibly, invests locally, and reins in government overreach.

“Not only does this plan invest in our students, workers, roads, public safety, and other priorities, it includes critical provisions that will ensure state government is accountable to the people,” Alexander said. “Unfortunately, state government and its departments have gotten out of control in recent years. That ultimately causes people to lose faith in our institutions. We fought for a plan that delivers a better, more efficient way forward.”

Alexander secured a $1 million investment for drinking water upgrades in the village of Carsonville within the agreement. The village currently relies on three municipal wells that have been identified with elevated levels of arsenic – exceeding federal standards for safe drinking water.

“This is critical funding for Carsonville,” Alexander said. “Instead of unsustainable programs and big government measures, this budget focuses on targeted investments in core areas like infrastructure and schools that will make our communities even better places to live, work and raise a family.”

Other highlights of the budget include:

Supporting students and schools – The budget increases per-pupil spending by $250 to $10,300 per student, ensures educators and students will meet new curriculum requirements that focus on the successful science of reading program to improve literacy rates, and continues investments in mental health and school safety funding. The plan includes $50 million in new funding for tutoring services to help kids who are struggling, and provides resources for teacher bonuses, dual enrollment, bus services, and more.

Protecting taxpayers – Alexander and House Republicans successfully pushed back on $800 million in proposed tax increases and attempts to raid the state’s rainy-day fund during the budget process. The agreement includes no new tax increases, no fee increases for hunting and fishing licenses, and comes in lower than the current year budget to return money to taxpayers. After eliminating thousands of “ghost” employee positions – ones that are budgeted through tax dollars but never filled – as part of the current year budget, the budget agreement for the upcoming fiscal year eliminates 250 more.

Energy cost transparency – Language in the budget requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to provide clear explanations to the Legislature when evaluating utility rate increases. The commission has approved $1 billion in rate hikes on utility customers since 2023. This new layer of oversight will help address rising energy costs for families. Alexander has prioritized lowering energy costs for people across the Thumb and giving communities input on energy decisions that impact them.

Holding state government accountable – The agreement reins in the state Attorney General to stop politicized lawsuits and removes IT project oversight from the Secretary of State after multiple projects saw delays and cost overruns. Language in the budget also fixes elements of the Rural Health Transformation application process to protect rural health care and get resources to where they are most needed.

The plan was sent to the governor for review following approval in both the House and Senate.