State Rep. David Martin and the Michigan Legislature secured a new state budget agreement last week that will soon be signed by the governor.

Martin, R-Davison, said the bipartisan budget that reins in state government while investing more in roads, schools, and critical services people rely on every day.

“This budget is a win for taxpayers,” Martin said. “It cuts waste, controls spending, and focuses on the things that matter most: safer communities, better roads, and relief for hardworking people who are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.”

The budget includes the following major reforms and investments:

• Delivering tax relief: The budget eliminates state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income, helping more than 500,000 Michiganders stretch their paychecks further.
• Fixing the roads: Nearly $2 billion in new ongoing funding will be invested into local roads and bridges, ensuring money collected at the pump actually goes toward road improvements.
• Supporting public safety: For the first time, $95 million from the new Public Safety Trust Fund will go directly to local law enforcement agencies to put more police on the street and keep neighborhoods safe.
• Eliminating ghost government employees: The budget cuts 2,000 unfunded phantom positions that state departments have used to pad their slush funds, saving hundreds of millions of dollars that were redirected to real statewide priorities.
• Shrinking state government: After years of runaway spending under Gov. Whitmer — with state spending up 43% and some departments doubling in size — this budget reduces the state’s general fund by $800 million, restoring balance and delivering better value for taxpayers.
• No DNR fee hikes: The budget blocks proposed increases to hunting, fishing, and boating license fees. House Republicans stood up for Michigan sportsmen and stopped the DNR’s plan, calling on the department to rebuild trust and use its existing resources more efficiently instead of asking outdoorsmen to pay more.

The budget also includes record-high school funding, including a per-pupil foundation allowance increase that was denied to schools last year. It invests $442 more per student, bringing the total foundation allowance to $10,050. Martin noted that schools will continue receiving dedicated funding for the universal school lunch program.

Additionally, Martin fought to restore $321 million for school safety and mental health services after the Democrat trifecta cut the programs last year, ensuring every student has a safe environment to learn.

“Schools are finally getting the funding increase they were denied last year, and we made sure safety and mental health programs were fully restored,” Martin said. “Students learn best when they feel safe, and this budget helps provide that security in every school.”