Senator Roger Kahn reports that Lansing's annual budget process is well under way.  With the recent agreement between the Governor and Legislature on expected revenues, they are again on track to deliver the state budget months ahead of previous years.

Roger notes, "Our budget plan is responsible and fair and holds government accountable to Michigan taxpayers. It eliminates wasteful spending and cuts bureaucracy."  This proposed  budget protects and invests in vital state services such as public safety and education. The legislature has included a sizeable increase in the K-12 foundation allowance and funds to hire 180 new state troopers. They also tied some higher education funding to a cap on tuition increases.  Roger states that the plan features the same fiscal discipline built into last year's budget, a key factor that led to an upgrade in Michigan's bond rating outlook.

The House of Representatives has approved their own budget bills, and differences in the Senate and House versions will be ironed out in conference committees.