Michigan lawmakers pass $82.5B budget and move FOIA bills

State lawmakers approved an $82.5 billion state budget for the 2025 fiscal year during an overnight session this week, and moved forward on previously stalled legislation to subject officeholders to open records requests.

The big picture: The latest budget, which the governor is expected to sign, doesn't have federal COVID-19 relief funding, which significantly increased state revenues the past four years.

What they're saying: "This budget represents our core Democratic values — keeping residents safe, creating equitable housing and making life more affordable so families can flourish," House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) said in a statement.

What's inside: The budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 includes more than $23 billion for education. A number of one-time grants are headed to local organizations:

• $7 million for the Detroit Zoo
• $5 million for street maintenance and cleanup in Detroit
• $2 million for Hamtramck's Negro League Field
• $2 million for the Downtown Boxing Gym
• $300,000 to cover public Wi-Fi in Greektown
• $750,000 for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
• $1 million for SMART bus stops and shelters.

Friction point: Republicans have criticized a number of items in the budget, like $7.5 million for "aerial drone projects" and a $25 million program to build state-owned EV charging stations.

• GOP lawmakers also opposed $2.9 million for e-bike incentives that will offer low-income residents up to $1,250 for e-bikes costing up to $8,000, and a $500 e-bike credit for any resident.

Between the lines: Republicans argued the budget favored pet projects over essential services and pointed to concerns from education groups — typically Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's most loyal supporters — that the plan raids teachers' retirement accounts and reduces school safety funding.

What we're watching: The governor, lieutenant governor and Legislature could soon be subject to open records requests as a result of legislation passed by the Senate this week that had been stalled by that chamber for years.

• Senate Bills 669 and 670 are now up to the House to get FOIA reform to the governor's desk.
• House members are returning to their districts for summer break and will have the bills waiting for them when they return next month.