Sturgis-Coldwater News

A plan signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that closes a $2.2 billion gap in the fiscal year 2020 budget has the support of state Rep. Eric Leutheuser (R-Hillsdale).

“While the Legislature is suing the governor for overreach, we also have a constitutional duty to pass balanced budgets that are signed by the executive. That was accomplished this week,” Leutheuser said in an August 1 Facebook post.

COVID-19 and the economy’s shutdown caused the fiscal year 2020 shortfall, Leutheuser said on the Michigan House Republicans website. Resolving the $2.2 billion combined General Fund and School Aid Fund shortfall maintained support for top priorities, including education and law enforcement.

“This agreement will help our students, families and job providers as they continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Leutheuser said on the Michigan House Republicans website.

The fiscal year 2020 budget agreement solving the $2.2 billion shortfall calls for use of $350 million from the state's rainy day fund, according to the FY2020 Budget Agreement.

State aid reductions to schools amounted to $256 million, even though Coronavirus Relief Fund Allocations of $530 million went to schools, according to the FY2020 Budget Agreement.

“Increased federal support also largely replaces corresponding state revenue reductions to the Michigan State Police, so the agency can continue its vital role protecting and serving residents,” Leutheuser said on the Michigan House Republicans website. 

The FY2020 Budget Agreement said that $3 billion of Coronavirus Relief Fund Allocations support workers, residents and businesses in Michigan with the costs incurred from facing COVID-19. But there is a remaining need.

“We are committed to working together to address the remaining shortfalls in next year’s budget, and we are looking to our partners in Congress for support to help maintain the essential services relied upon by our families and small businesses," Leutheuser told Michigan House Republicans.