LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In the early morning hours on Friday, Michigan lawmakers finalized the state’s $81 billion budget for the next fiscal year.

The budget includes $51.8 billion in general government spending. In addition, it includes $24.1 billion for education with lawmakers fulfilling a promise to increase per-pupil funding. It also adds a 24% wholesale tax on marijuana sales.

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“We brought members on both sides of the aisle together to provide tax breaks to seniors and working families, protect access to affordable health care, feed every child free meals at school, help our students succeed academically, and ensure Michiganders are safe in their communities,” Gov. Whitmer said.

Despite a self-imposed July 1 deadline coming and going without a budget deal reached, lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer still could not come to agreement before the Oct. 1 mandatory deadline which would have triggered a government shutdown. Instead, Gov. Whitmer granted a budget extension through Oct. 8.

Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan) said the bipartisan budget “implements President Trump’s plan to provide tax relief to working families and seniors by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income.”

In addition, Rep. Ann Bollin said this budget cuts waste and shrinks the size of state government. “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.” Rep. Bollin said taxpayers will no longer fund empty office buildings. “The budget ensures taxpayers no longer pay for leased office space that sits empty while state employees work from home.”

Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) touted safety for Michigan’s students. “After Democrats slashed critical school safety and mental health programs last year, House Republicans fought to ensure this funding was in the final budget.” She continued, “Through tough negotiations, these resources – totaling $321 million to support both public and private schools – are back in place to protect Michigan kids in the classroom.”