(The Center Square) – Two weeks after Michigan’s Senate passed a proposed budget, House Speaker Matt Hall continues to wait, drawing criticism from chamber Democrats.
The Republican from Richland Township wants to wait until new numbers come in before beginning work on a spending plan, leaving a little more than a month to hold hearings and reach a compromise before the statutory July 1 deadline.
The delay, according to House Democrats, shows Hall isn’t interested in working together.
“Matt Hall’s remarks made crystal clear what he has been saying since the start of his tenure as speaker: he does not care what happens to everyday Michiganders,” said House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton. “By declaring more than a month before the July 1 deadline that he refuses to come to the negotiating table and pass a final budget, Hall is demonstrating how out of touch he and the House Republicans are with the needs and concerns of the people in this state.”
The Michigan Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference took place earlier this month and produced a report that predicted long-term growth of between 2.9%-3.3%.
Following January’s conference meeting, the state treasurer’s office projected state revenue growth in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
However, the state has projected President Donald Trump’s tariffs will cost the state nearly $1 billion in revenue over the next two years and create economic uncertainty in the state.
Hall promised a budget smaller than Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s the last two years and wants to cut the state’s COVID-19 task force and the office of Global Michigan, which he says is “a slush fund for illegal alien activities.”
On its website, Global Michigan says it works with government and private non-profits to help integrate newcomers to the state.
“We’re going to focus on the things that matter to Michigan, fixing roads, local roads, creating a public safety trust fund, and then we’re going to fund education,” Hall said.
The Senate’s nearly $90 billion two-year budget, passed earlier this month, includes targeted money for local infrastructure, health and public safety, teachers, veterans, and senior citizens.
“Our budget puts Michigan families first – plain and simple,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing. “It’s a reflection of what we’ve heard from residents across the state: they want good schools, safe communities, access to health care, and real opportunities to build a better life. From securing more resources in the classroom to upskilling workers and strengthening our local economies, this budget is about delivering results, not rhetoric. It’s bold, responsible, and focused on building a future where everyone has a fair shot.”
