By Tim Skubick and David Komer online producer
LANSING, Mich. (FOX 2) - After a rough beginning, the GOP legislature and the Democratic governor have agreed to a $70 billion new state budget for funding increases for a host of services.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer offered her budget when part of the economy was closed due to COVID-19 and Republicans were livid and in no mood to negotiate. It was ugly.
The governor's budget guy Dave Masseron had hoped the angry GOP would back off.
And finally, that optimism paid off. The Michigan Senate unanimously passed the budget Tuesday and the House did it today.
Crunching the numbers:
There's $7.7 million for more state troopers.
$7.3 million for more prison guards.
$40 million for the popular Pure Michigan tourism ads.
$10 million to replace lead pipes in Benton Harbor.
$1.5 billion for child care.
The House Republicans also inserted language restricting the ability of the state and local governments to impose mask mandates on K-12, college students and others.The governor's office is researching the issue. Whitmer does not favor that and she could veto those restrictions.
"Enabling nearly 100,000 more kids to enroll in child care and development programs and it will lower the cost for so many families," said Rep. Kelly Breen (D).
For nursing home, mental health and other direct care workers there's a $2.35 hourly pay boost.