State Senator Kim LaSata says the new Michigan budget approved by lawmakers this week “addresses the realities facing Michigan families and communities.” The budget was approved early Friday. LaSata tells WSJM News it increases funding for education and includes more funding for a variety of public safety programs.
“Whether it’s providing funding for the sheriff’s second road patrol, or safety grants for schools to protect the students and the faculty,” LaSata said.
Sturgis Hospital, which has faced closure in recent weeks as a redesignation has been in the works, received funding to continue operations. LaSata says the hospital could get a federal designation as a rural emergency hospital come January, but was faced with closing sooner.
“In the interim, the Sturgis hospital needed to stay open, and they are currently having difficulty doing that financially. They needed some support.”
The budget gave the hospital that support. LaSata notes the nearest hospital is across the state line. The spending plan also includes $2.3 billion to help fix local roads and bridges and $110 million for the Going Pro and Michigan Reconnect programs to help train and retain workers.
