Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates Signing of Equitable, Transformative State Budget 

LANSING, Mich. (July 24, 2024) — The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) applauds the signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 Michigan budget that holds equity as a high priority and strategically advances Black communities and people across the state.

This budget has signaled that the historic budget from Fiscal Year 2024 was only the beginning for reversing the effects of legislation and appropriations in previous years that — writ large — stifled growth by denying communities of color economic resources to enact significant improvements. MLBC played a significant role in ensuring this budget uplifts the priorities of our state’s Black community.

“As the state’s first Black female Assistant President Pro Tempore of the Michigan Senate, I am so proud to have supported the passage of another budget that prioritizes the voices and lived experiences of Black Michiganders and our communities,” said MLBC Chairperson Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). “Centered in equity and social justice, our historic budget secures targeted funding that helps ensure every Black Michigan resident has the opportunity and resources to thrive.”

Michigan’s Black community is supported in the state budget, allocating transformational funding to projects and programs that promote prosperity in education, health care, housing, economic development, recreation, and much more.

“We’ve transformed once-in-a-generation investments into our sustained commitment to shared priorities, creating a moral document and values statement that provides much-needed ongoing support for the people of Michigan,” said Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “While Michiganders of color were ignored in the state budget process for decades, as the first Black woman Senate Appropriations Chair, I have ensured that we are finally getting a voice in the process. Building on last year’s historic budget, we’re putting a focus on distributing resources equitably and investing funds directly into Black communities, Black-owned businesses, and opportunities for advancement. I am excited to see the positive and tangible impacts this budget will have on our communities.”

“The state’s 2025 budget represents a significant step forward in our continued fight to address the needs and aspirations of Black Michiganders,” said Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “By investing in education, affordable housing, healthcare, and economic development, we are ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive regardless of color or creed. This budget reflects our commitment to equity, justice, and the long-term prosperity of all our residents.”

“Last year’s FY 2024 budget was a great example of what can be accomplished when we have representation and decision making at the table during the budget process. While last year’s budget is known as the ‘blackest budget in Michigan’s history,’ FY 2025 budget builds on that foundation that was laid a year ago,” said Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit). “Long-term positive impact for our communities is directly correlated to our ability to sustain the outcomes of initiatives that we’ve begun. From gun violence prevention/community violence intervention to home affordability, the MLBC members were able to identify and prioritize the budget items that mean most to our constituents across Michigan.”

Together, the MLBC was instrumental in weaving the wants and needs of Black Michiganders throughout the state budget, delivering on key priorities, including:

MLBC remains dedicated to advancing the priorities of Black Michiganders and their loved ones to promote a happier, healthier, safer Michigan for all as our state will continue to evolve as a leader in measurable diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice.