Michigan House Republicans Cut $645M from Community Projects

December 15, 2025

The Republican-controlled Michigan House Appropriations Committee blocked $645 million in previously approved state budget carryforward funds using an uncommon legal provision that requires no Senate or gubernatorial approval. This unprecedented action eliminated funding for over 160 community programs, including maternal health initiatives, school infrastructure improvements, cancer support services for children, food pantries, and affordable housing projects that were already in planning or implementation stages. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony condemned the move as deliberately cruel and a breach of bipartisan agreements, noting she had never witnessed such a large-scale funding reversal without transparency or collaboration.

Who is affected

Pregnant women and new mothers participating in the Rx Kids program in Flint, Clare County, Roscommon County, and the Eastern Upper Peninsula
Children with cancer receiving support services (wigs, comfort items)
Students and families in school districts with aging infrastructure
Low-income families relying on food pantries and affordable housing developments
WDET Detroit Public Radio
Nonprofits, zoos, winter sports facilities, and stadium projects across Michigan
Local officials, educators, and health providers who planned programming around the funds
Michigan households already struggling financially during the holiday season

What action is being taken

Sen. Sarah Anthony is working to hold House Republicans accountable and inform Michigan residents about the cuts
Communities across the state are reassessing their budgets heading into the new year
Project sponsors are attempting to determine next steps regarding scaling down, delaying, or closing programs

Why it matters

This action represents a significant departure from decades of routine budget practices in Michigan, undermining the stability and predictability that communities, nonprofits, and families depend on for long-term planning. The unilateral elimination of $645 million in bipartisan-approved funding affects critical services including maternal and child health programs in a state with well-documented racial disparities in health outcomes, school infrastructure repairs, cancer support for children, and food security initiatives. Beyond the immediate programmatic impact, the decision erodes public trust in government and the reliability of bipartisan budget agreements, adding state-level instability to existing federal budget uncertainty that Michigan residents have been navigating.

What's next

Some programs may attempt to reapply for future appropriations
Anthony has signaled plans to pursue legislative avenues for accountability
The Senate cannot reverse the committee's action under current statute

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle