The $56.8 billion state budget for 2019 is now approved and signed by Governor Rick Snyder and will take effect October 1. The budget represents an overall .6 percent increase from the previous year.

While much is left to be considered and deliberated about potential work requirements for Medicaid - a federal judge recently threw out Kentucky's new work requirements for Medicaid coverage in a decision that could affect a similar program proposed in Michigan - the new budget has placed a heavy emphasis on child health and wellbeing through family support. With help from analysis provided the Michigan League for Public Policy, we’re looking at some of the biggest shifts in those two areas.

Health and Wellbeing

The “heat and eat” policy was continued, which allows the state to provide $1 in federal energy assistance funding to households receiving food assistance. Last year over half a million children in Michigan benefitted from this program.

The state has agreed to continue providing funding for Healthy Michigan, although ongoing talk of work requirements is a threat to this policy.

The governor removed funding for the 10 Cents a Meal pilot program. The Legislature increased funding for the program by $200,000 to a total of $575,000, allocating $125,000 each to the Northwest, West, East and Southeast Prosperity Regions, and $75,000 to the Southwest region.

Early On, an intervention program that identifies and serves infants and toddlers with developmental delays, will see $5 million in government support. It is the first state funding this program has ever received.

Childcare and Education

CMF advocated in support of a policy change that will take effect in December - In recognition of the fact that few child care providers bill families by the hour, the budget adds $15 million to establish biweekly payments to child care providers. Funding comes from the $65 million federal Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) for the entire state of Michigan.

Students received an increase in funding for school supplies, specifically clothing. The legislature approved a $969,000 increase in the Family Independence Program (FIP) school clothing allowance. Families who qualify can receive up to $156 per child at the beginning of the school year.

Base per pupil spending for Michigan’s students has increased for the next fiscal year by $120 from the previous year, with some districts receiving up to $240. As not all districts receive the same per pupil funding, the largest increases will go to districts currently receiving the lowest payments.

Although overall state funding for adult education has dropped from $80 million to $25 million over the past 17 years, the governor approved a $1 million increase for 2019. He also approved additional funding for career/technical education collaborations, which support the state’s talent and economic development work.Tthe new Marshall Plan for Talent will be funded at $100 million

Want more?

Visit the State’s official website on the 2019 budget.

View the MLPP Budget Analysis.