#factsmatter, The Citizens Research Council Of Michigan Podcast

Guy Gordon and Bob Schneider, Citizens Research Council’s senior research associate for state affairs, look at what is in the final state budget, signed into law this week by Governor Whitmer, from both the 30,000 foot level and the nitty gritty level, digging into some of the elements that didn’t receive much attention. Calling it the Michigan ‘Potholes and Pot’ budget, Guy and Bob discuss how the budget finally tries to start addressing how Michigan funds roads by removing the confusing sales tax on gasoline, so those dollars now go directly where they belong: fixing roads. But that change also cuts off money that used to flow to schools and local governments. Backfilling the School Aid Fund Schools were mostly held harmless, but because some of their funding was shifted to universities, K–12 districts end up about $400 million short. No Backfill for Cities, Villages and Townships Local governments weren’t so lucky — they’re losing around $93 million, which could mean tighter budgets for public safety