Detroit City Wire

Senator Joseph Bellino voted against Michigan's fiscal year 2026 budget plan, citing concerns over increased taxes on businesses and significant reductions in funding for local governments. Bellino, a Republican from Monroe, expressed his position following the vote on Friday.

"I support increasing funding to fix our local roads and improve our schools so our children can succeed — but I cannot support a budget that makes devastating cuts to local governments and includes $960 million in increased taxes," said Bellino. "I voted against taking away tax relief that small businesses were going to get in Michigan as a result of President Trump’s tax reforms, and I voted no on a new 24% tax on marijuana that will lead to job losses across our state — especially in border communities. I also voted against cutting funding from our locals, which will jeopardize local services and public safety.

“While I strongly supported many of the priorities in this budget, I believe Michigan families and job providers deserve better.”

The proposed legislation includes House Bill 4706, which funds all non-education segments of state government, and Senate Bill 166, providing funding for K-12 schools, public universities, and community colleges in Michigan.