Government Spending In 2021: Money For Everything

The Michigan state budget has seen an unprecedented infusion of federal dollars since the start of the pandemic. This means that legislators have faced few of the usual difficult decisions required when debt-funded federal government largesse is not pouring into the state treasury.

Two beneficiaries in the same county illustrate the current just-say-yes environment. The state budget passed in September authorizes $6.5 million for the Greater Midland Community Center for maintenance work on its 65-year-old building.

The budget also authorized $5 million for the Midland Center of the Arts to repair damage from flooding caused by the 2020 Sanford Dam failure, as well as upgrades to the building, according to the Midland Daily News. Midland is also seeking funding from the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Rep. Annette Glenn, a Republican from Midland, made the following statement regarding the money allocated to her district’s arts and community centers: “We face unique challenges and will receive unique support. The Community Center and the Center for the Arts both make Midland a better place to live, work and raise a family. These grants will help both operate at full strength.”