Ann Arbor Times

State Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell) has voted in support of a House budget plan that aims to reduce government spending while maintaining funding for essential services and infrastructure.

The House-approved omnibus budget is set at $56.6 billion, covering most state departments except education. Earlier, the House passed a $21.9 billion School Aid Fund budget, which allocates record levels of funding to Michigan classrooms. The combined total for the full House budget proposal is $78.5 billion, representing a 3.7% reduction compared to the previous year’s expenditures.

“This budget shows that we can be good stewards of taxpayer dollars without compromising on the services families count on,” said Woolford. “We’ve made smart decisions to rein in wasteful spending, by cutting $5 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse, while investing in what matters most — education, public safety, and roads.”

The House’s overall budget is 6% less than the governor’s proposed plan and 7.2% lower than the Senate’s version, reflecting an emphasis on fiscal restraint among House Republicans.

“Government should serve the people, not burden them,” said Woolford. “We cut the waste, protected what matters, and pushed back against reckless spending. This is a budget that respects taxpayers, strengthens our communities, and keeps Michigan on the right track.”