Gov. Whitmer signs $81 billion budget for 2026 fiscal year

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed the state’s $81 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Lawmakers approved the long-delayed plan last week after passing a temporary budget to avoid a shutdown. Highlights include: Schools: Per-pupil funding rises by $442 to $10,050. Public safety: $95 million from the new Public Safety Trust Fund will support local police. Infrastructure: $2 billion is set aside for road and bridge repairs-$1 billion more than last year-partly funded by a 24% marijuana-tax hike. Gas tax: The 6% sales tax on gas will be replaced with a 20-cent increase to the 31-cent gas tax, shifting some revenue away from schools. Higher education: $1.3 billion from the School Aid Fund will now support community colleges and universities, up 41%. Tax relief: Taxe