LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Joseph Bellino, R-Monroe, issued the following statement Thursday after the Michigan Senate approved a fiscal year 2027 budget plan along with a supplemental budget for the current fiscal year:

“This budget doubles down on the same reckless and failed policies that blew through a record $9 billion surplus on corporate handouts, political favors and big-government spending dreams.  What do we have to show for it? Falling student reading scores, families squeezed by rising costs and an unemployment rate stuck in the bottom 10 states nationally.

“Senate Democrats are so addicted to their big-government policies that this budget piles on more than $29 million in new taxes and fees and raids $350 million from the rainy day fund.

“It’s bad enough to balance this budget on the backs of hardworking families by asking them to pay more in taxes, but raiding the rainy day fund is particularly irresponsible.

“The rainy day fund exists for emergencies and economic downturns. It’s not a slush fund for politicians who can’t control their spending habits. You do not smash open the piggy bank every time you have another impulse to spend. You save it for when your family truly needs it.

“Michiganders deserve better than higher taxes, lower savings accounts and more excuses.”

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