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State representative says budget talks are ahead of schedule; flags RxKids and local grants
Summary
State Rep. Joy Andrews told the Benton Harbor Commission that both legislative chambers have passed budget proposals and negotiations are beginning; she said her office is tracking funding for school meals, the expansion of the RxKids program to Benton Harbor, and several grant reinstatements affecting local projects.
State Rep. Joy Andrews (38th District) updated the Benton Harbor Commission on the state budget process and on grant matters affecting the city.
Andrews said both the Michigan House and Senate have passed competing budget proposals and that negotiations among the House, Senate and the governor are beginning. "That is good because it's about 4 months earlier than the budget proposals came out last year," she said, adding there is "quiet optimism" that the budget will be completed by the deadline this year.
She said her office is tracking funding for the state's universal school meals program and for the local expansion of the RxKids prescription assistance program. "We're keeping an eye on the funding for that program as well. So it's already having a great impact here," Andrews said of RxKids in Benton Harbor.
On other grant matters, Andrews said several grants that had been threatened by clawback were restored and that her office continues to track an apprenticeship grant tied to Lake Michigan College. She also described recent local town halls on immigration and data centers, noting strong local turnout and engagement.
Andrews closed by encouraging continued local engagement with her office and said her staff will keep monitoring funding and legislative negotiations.
