Michigan

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Michigan?

In 2009, Michigan faces a $672 million budget gap representing 2.9% of the general fund. In 2010, Michigan is looking at an even greater $1.6 billion shortfall, 6.9% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Michigan

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $2,270,000,000 in relief for Michigan’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $1,302,400,000 in relief to the state of Michigan to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $496,700,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $404,800,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $89,300,000 for other education programs in Michigan’s schools.
• $800,000,000 in food stamps for 1,315,000 Michigan men, women, and children.
• $53,800,000 in emergency shelter grants for 12,000 households.
• 451,000 Michigan children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $58,681,180 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 12,860 Michigan children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 1,039,762 Michigan families.
• $59,000,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $74,700,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Michigan’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Carl Levin (D)

Deborah Stabenow (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information