LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants state lawmakers to prioritize increased funding to education in this year’s state budget. Whitmer’s budget proposal unveiled Wednesday followed a State of the State address last month when she announced initiatives to provide free community college for all high school students and free preschool for 4-year-olds. State Budget Director Jen Flood said the $80.7 billion budget was a return to normal after COVID-era funds provided a large surplus the past few years. Republicans in both the House and Senate criticized Whitmer’s budget as lacking substance and not providing real value for taxpayers.
