State representative says budget preserves Rx Kids program and brings sewer funding to Mount Clemens

State Representative Denise Mentzer updated the Mount Clemens City Commission on the newly enacted Michigan budget, saying the Rx Kids program remains funded and that some line items were rearranged during final negotiations.

Mentzer described a protracted budget process in which the House and Senate exchanged bills and the final package required extensive bargaining. She said the headline state budget figure often reported in shorthand does not reflect internal line-item moves and that the Rx Kids program “hasn’t gone away” and in some cases received increased funding. "It just went to a different line item in the budget," she said.

Mentzer told the commission she successfully obtained roughly $250,000 for Dutton Farms, a program serving disabled and autistic youth, and that she secured funding targeted to Mount Clemens infrastructure. "I'm gonna bring a $2,000,000 for sanitary sewer and stormwater separation," she said, adding that staff and the city manager will know timing and distribution details.

Commissioners thanked Mentzer for the advocacy and noted the practical importance of state partners for local projects. The commission did not take formal action on these items at the meeting; staff follow-up will be required to confirm grant or appropriation details, timing, and any conditions attached to the funds.

Next steps: city staff and the state representative’s office will coordinate to clarify precise award amounts, timing, and required municipal match or reporting, and commission members said they will provide additional local project specifics as needed.