A RENDERING OF the future Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti Center in Marquette Township. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — The 2025 Michigan state budget was signed in Detroit last week, with several million dollars being set aside for Upper Peninsula projects.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the state’s $82.5 billion fiscal year budget after the legislature finalized it just days before the Aug. 1 deadline.

“We want to make sure that every Michigander, no matter where you live, is safe as you go to work, drop your kids off at school, run errands. This budget gets it done,” Whitmer said.

Whitmer also said that one of the budget’s main goals is protecting Michigan residents.

Two million dollars will support flood and weather disaster recovery in the central U.P. Programs like the Public Safety Trust Fund, with an allocation of $75 million, will provide cities, villages and townships with resources for police services and community violence intervention efforts to tackle the root causes of gun violence.

The budget also includes an additional $75 million in revenue sharing to local governments across the state, as well as several items that will specifically benefit U.P. communities including:

— $1.6 million for the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

— $1.2 million to Aspirus Ironwood hospital to assist with OB-GYN services.

— $2 million to Munising Memorial Hospital for numerous updates.

— $1 million for debt assistance for the Marquette Regional History Center.

— $1 million for Dickinson County Road 573.

— $1 million in debt relief for Pine Mountain Ski Jump at Veterans Park in Iron Mountain.

— $800,000 for continuation of the state’s “cold case” investigation and training program at Northern Michigan University.

–$500,000 for the Gladstone Senior Center.

— $400,000 for track replacement at the Stephenson Sports Complex.

— $2 million for flood and weather disaster recovery in the central U.P.

— $1 million for U.P. water infrastructure projects.

— $1 million to aid in the research and development of a mass timber market in Michigan.

— $250,000 to assist families grieving after a death by suicide.

Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, supported the passing of the budget, saying in a statement: “I’m proud to support a state budget that prioritizes the needs of northern Michigan communities. We secured funding to support the unique needs of our region, ranging from housing and veterans’ services to robust rural economic development. This is a smart, responsible budget that puts dollars back into the central U.P.”

Sen. Ed McBroom R-Waucedah Township, said while programs like these are worthy, the state should focus more on expanding existing programs.

“It’s oftentimes very difficult to sustain them long term, especially in an economic downturn and when the state does have to draw those lines, then people get very upset,” McBroom said.

A major component of the 2025 budget focuses on increasing housing affordability and availability in the state.

Another $100 million will help construct more affordable housing, like repurposing abandoned places into homes or commercial spaces. Whitmer said Michigan State Housing Development Authority is building 10,000 units this year, making it the largest investment in Michigan history.

“Everyone needs a safe, affordable place to call home,” Whitmer said. “But we’re facing a housing crisis in this country driven by lack of supply. The Michigan response to the shortage is simple: ‘Build baby, build.'”

Voting on the spending plans in the bills fell almost along party lines, with McBroom being the only Republican to cross the aisle to vote in favor of one of the two budget bills.

“This budget is the culmination of months of work and negotiations. While I remain disappointed by the majority’s prioritizing of programs, the budget process was open to numerous efforts I made for the U.P. and to bring more transparency, reduction of debt and increased accountability to state bureaucracy,” McBroom said. “Additionally, the critical funding for the delivery of babies in the western U.P. after the loss of (the) Ontonagon hospital and the improvements to Munising’s hospital are incredibly important for the U.P. people and economy.”

Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext.542. Her email is vfee@miningjournal.net