LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga this week opposed a Senate budget plan for fiscal year 2026 that focuses too much on growing government and not enough on solving the problems facing Michigan families and communities.
“The hardworking people of West Michigan need and deserve a state budget plan that uses their tax dollars in a responsible and sustainable way to meet their needs and improve their lives — not one that increases their taxes and spends more of their money,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “Only 25% of Michigan’s fourth graders and fewer than a quarter of our eighth grade students are able to read at grade level. I am a strong supporter of our schools, but this plan does nothing to provide solutions to improve student performance.
“This plan also fails to provide any tax relief to Michigan residents or fix our roads. We need a road funding plan that doesn’t increase taxes or burdens on families.”
During the budget debate, Huizenga offered nearly half a dozen amendments to improve the budget plan — but none of them were adopted.
Among Huizenga’s budget amendments were proposals to:
- Fund a free pilot program to test and monitor PFAS levels in the blood of children in impacted communities — including Kent and Ottawa counties.
- Widen M-11 in Walker to address increased traffic.
- Invest $1 billion in fixing local roads and bridges.
“A lack of information about PFAS and individual testing has created further fear for parents. My amendment would have helped our state better understand the extent of the PFAS problem facing our communities and better provide vital information and resources to affected families,” Huizenga said.
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