State Rep. Sarah Lightner, R-Springport, today said the Michigan House’s Value for MI Dollars Budget delivers real results for local families by cutting waste and investing more into law enforcement, road repairs, and education.

“This budget is about getting the basics right,” Lightner said. “We’re putting real dollars into law enforcement to stop violent crime, repairing local roads without raising taxes, and delivering tax relief for working families. Those are the priorities of people in our community, so that’s where biggest investments should be.” 

House Republicans went line by line through the state budget and cut out more than $5 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse, including 4,300 phantom employee positions that never existed. Those savings were redirected to priorities like classrooms, public safety, and infrastructure.

“Every year the state spends more money, but families still ask the same questions: Why aren’t the roads fixed? Why aren’t our schools stronger? Why aren’t our neighborhoods safer?” Lightner said. “This budget finally puts those priorities first and makes sure people see real results for their tax dollars.”

The plan includes $115 million in ongoing funding for a new Public Safety Trust Fund, sending resources directly to communities to strengthen local law enforcement. 

“Our sheriffs, prosecutors, and police officers have been forced to do more with less while violent crime rises,” Lightner said. “This budget delivers the resources to hold criminals accountable and keep families safe. Public safety is non-negotiable.”

It also invests $3.4 billion to fix local roads and bridges without raising taxes.

“Families are tired of dodging potholes,” Lightner said. “We proved you can fix roads responsibly with existing resources. We’re protecting taxpayers and delivering the infrastructure Michigan needs.”

On top of these investments, the plan provides $150 million in tax cuts for working people by eliminating state taxes on tips, overtime pay, and retirement income. 

“Families are stretched thin,” Lightner said. “They deserve a break. With this budget, they finally get one.”

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