Michigan House Passes $106M Budget Cuts After Marathon Session
Michigan House Republicans worked until nearly midnight to pass budget cuts totaling $106 million, rejecting Governor Whitmer’s proposed tax increases.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — Michigan House lawmakers worked until nearly midnight Wednesday to approve the state’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget packages, passing spending plans that reduce overall state expenditures by $106 million compared to the current year.
The Republican-controlled House passed House Bill 5619 and House Bill 5630 along party lines after an extended session that began Wednesday afternoon and concluded around 11:30 p.m. The votes followed the House Appropriations Committee’s morning session, where various subcommittee bills were consolidated into two comprehensive budget packages.
Budget Details and Vote Breakdown
State Rep. Ann Bollin of Brighton Township, chair of the House Appropriations Committee and sponsor of both bills, saw her general government spending measure (HB 5619) pass 56-51. The education funding bill (HB 5630) passed with a slightly wider margin of 56-49.
The proposed budget cuts general fund spending by nearly $600 million while maintaining coverage for state priorities, according to Republican leadership. Bollin stated that the reductions will help Michigan avoid using its rainy-day fund reserves.
Rejecting Tax Increases
The House budget proposal rejects Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s calls for tax and fee increases, positioning the Republican-led chamber against the Democratic governor’s revenue plans.
“Right now, families are stretching every dollar just to keep up,” Bollin said in a statement released after passage. “They expect their government to be just as careful with their money. This budget reflects that by focusing on what truly matters. We took a responsible approach that covers every priority while reining in state government to ensure that taxpayers aren’t asked to” contribute additional revenues.
Next Steps in Budget Process
The two budget bills now move to the Michigan Senate for consideration. The legislative budget process typically requires negotiations between both chambers and the governor’s office before final approval.
The budget covers state agency and department operations as well as statewide education funding for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026. With the House completing its work on the spending plans, attention turns to how the Senate will respond to the proposed cuts and whether compromise can be reached with Whitmer’s administration.
The late-night session reflects the complex nature of budget negotiations in the divided state government, where Republicans control the House while Democrats hold the governor’s office and other key positions.
