Senator Joseph Bellino criticized the Michigan Senate’s recently approved fiscal year 2027 budget plan and a supplemental budget for the current fiscal year, according to an April 30 statement.
The issue is significant because it involves the allocation of state funds, taxation, and the financial security of Michigan residents. The senator raised concerns about increased taxes and reduced savings for families in the state.
Bellino said, “This budget doubles down on the same reckless and failed policies that blew through a record $9 billion surplus on corporate handouts, political favors and big-government spending dreams. What do we have to show for it? Falling student reading scores, families squeezed by rising costs and an unemployment rate stuck in the bottom 10 states nationally.”
He also addressed tax increases and use of reserve funds: “Senate Democrats are so addicted to their big-government policies that this budget piles on more than $29 million in new taxes and fees and raids $350 million from the rainy day fund.” Bellino added that using these reserves was irresponsible: “It’s bad enough to balance this budget on the backs of hardworking families by asking them to pay more in taxes, but raiding the rainy day fund is particularly irresponsible.”
Explaining his position further, Bellino said, “The rainy day fund exists for emergencies and economic downturns. It’s not a slush fund for politicians who can’t control their spending habits. You do not smash open the piggy bank every time you have another impulse to spend. You save it for when your family truly needs it.”
He concluded his remarks with a call for better governance: “Michiganders deserve better than higher taxes, lower savings accounts and more excuses.”
