Detroit City Wire

Senator Joseph Bellino expressed opposition to the fiscal year 2026 budget plan passed by Senate Democrats, criticizing its focus on expanding government rather than supporting Michigan families and small businesses. Bellino, a Republican from Monroe, highlighted concerns over increased spending since Governor Whitmer took office.

"Our state budget has ballooned by more than 40% since Gov. Whitmer took office just six years ago — yet this reckless budget plan continues to increase spending," said Bellino. "I cannot support an unbalanced spending plan that fails to fix the roads, fails to provide relief to struggling families, fails to improve student academic performance and fails to live within our means — all while once again calling on Michigan taxpayers to pay more."

Bellino proposed several amendments during the budget debate aimed at improving the plan, but these were rejected by the Democratic majority. His suggested amendments included measures against local natural gas bans in Michigan, restrictions on taxpayer funds for assisting illegal immigrants, and initiatives for enhancing student reading success.

"My amendments would have stopped local natural gas bans from coming to Michigan, prevented taxpayer dollars from being used to assist illegal immigrants, and helped improve student reading success — where our students currently rank in the bottom 10 nationally," Bellino stated. "Homeowners, taxpayers, students and drivers deserve better."