Michigan Lawmakers Approve $859M in Supplemental Budget Bills, Including Debt Relief for Urban Schools and R&D Tax Credits

Michigan lawmakers have approved a $615 million spending bill that includes paying off $114 million in old debts for urban school districts. The bill directs the Michigan Treasury Department to pay off debts owed by Ypsilanti Community Schools, Muskegon Heights School District, Pontiac City School District, Benton Harbor Area Schools, and the former Inkster School District. The bill also appropriates $30 million to settle Highland Park's unpaid water debt and includes various earmarks for community development, museums, symphony orchestras, and parks.